"Recent studies show that those of us who own a pet are usually healthier and happier in our lives than those who don't - and dog owners are particularly privileged.

Regular dog-walking improves fitness levels.
Why owning a dog is good for you
Regular dog-walking improves fitness levels.
Dog-walking increases social interaction - many people become friends with the fellow dog owners they regularly meet.
Walks help to forget the stresses and strains of everyday life, providing an opportunity to can get away from it all and spend some time with a faithful companion.
Dogs provide us with a sense of emotional wellbeing thanks to the unconditional love they give us.
Dog owners generally have a more robust immune system, helping them stave off illnesses.
Dog ownership helps people to recover from personal trauma, such as bereavement.
Dog owners generally have reduced blood pressure compared with non-dog owners.
Patting a dog lowers your blood pressure, therefore lowering your chances of cardiovascular disease.
Dog owners often recover faster from illnesses and have a higher survival rate after a heart attack.
Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own pets often have better self esteem.

Above all, dogs are great fun. They can make you laugh, even if you've had a terrible day, and they're always there for a reassuring hug when you need it. A dog's primary wish in life is to make you, its owner, happy. How noble - and cool - is that?"

What would you add to the above from your own experience?

Mine make be laught all the time
They took a mad turn last night racing up and down the stairs.
Smudge stayed well out the way !
Lady watched the tv took great interest in the pandas.