By Laurie Lyon

In autumn 2024, Gita’s 84-year-old owner fell in his yard, injuring himself. Unable to move, the man eventually asked the 13-year-old, mixed-breed dog to go for help. Springing into action, Gita ran to the nearby road, waited, barked when a deputy sheriff came by, and eventually led the officer to her injured owner, saving his life.

And in 2021, a black cat named Piran was credited with saving an 83-year-old woman who had fallen 70 feet into a ravine. Meowing until it attracted the attention of searchers, the faithful feline led rescuers straight to his owner.

We’ve all heard stories of exceptional pets like these and admired their heroic actions. But even if our own pets haven’t made the headlines or been featured in a viral video, maybe, just maybe, they’re our heroes in other ways.

Most of us have experienced, at one time or another, being greeted with unconditional love from a dog or cat. It’s often uncanny the way they seem to sense our moods and try to connect with us and lift our spirits. That can sometimes be a turning point that brightens a challenging day. Indeed, simply interacting with a dog or cat can boost the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, leaving us happier and more relaxed. 

But animals can do more than just elevate our mood. Here are additional ways they can boost our health:

1. Pets can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and blood lipids.
2. By caring for our furry friends, we get more exercise.
3. Animal antics bring more healthy laughter into our lives.
4. Interacting with a pet can lower the stress hormone cortisol.
5. Those with pets tend to cope better with pain. 
6. Owning a pet can improve cognitive function and mental health.
7. Pets can help dispel loneliness in two ways—through their own affectionate interactions with us and by helping us connect with other people.

If you don’t already have a furry sidekick and are inspired to try pet ownership, there are a few things to consider when choosing—for instance, your age and agility, allergies, the size of your home and yard, your work schedule, and how often you travel. Are you physically able to walk a dog, or do you have a fenced-in yard—or might an indoor cat better suit your lifestyle and abilities? Do you have friends or family willing to care for your pet when you’re away?

Mammals were made on the sixth day of Creation, the same day as humans (Genesis 1:24–28). God has blessed us with a vast assortment of incredible, beautifully designed creatures that share our planet. Many are highly intelligent, emotionally complex life forms that make fantastic companions. Allowing a pet to share your life, accepting and returning their affection, can improve your health in countless ways and enrich both their existence and yours. And that’s something to be grateful for!