If you have pets at home, you know how great it is to have them sit next to you when you’re feeling lonely or sad. Animals just seem to know how you’re feeling. They’ll also listen to you-and you can trust they won’t tell anyone else what you’ve said!

Did you know that people study how animals help people? These people have found that animals helped people feel calmer when they were worried about something they were about to do. For people who had to stay in the hospital for several days at a time, animals helped them feel happier and not as lonely. Your own pets can do the very same thing for you!

If you have trouble moving your arms up and down, either because you don’t feel strong enough or it’s hard to stretch that far, bathing or brushing your dog can help you. Walking your dog or playing games with your pets can give you some exercise, too.

So whether you like to take your dog for a walk or tell your secrets to your cat, keep it up. You’re helping yourself!