When I come home from a long day of blogging, my dear dog Bonnie [1] greets me at the door with blind adoration. All that love is such an ego boost. Pets [2] are good for more than your self-esteem. Besides being great buddies, according to WebMD [3] pets can also improve your health in these five ways:

1. Prevent allergies: Many new studies show that children who grow up in a household with furry animals or on a farm, have less risk for allergies [4], and asthma and a stronger immune system.
2. Friend magnets: Pets are natural conversation starters so your pet can help you meet people if you have social anxiety or chronic shyness.
3. Benefit the aged: For the elderly, caring for a pet can offer exercise and companionship. Studies have also shown that for Alzheimer's patients, those who have a pet have fewer anxious outbursts.
4. Good for the mind and soul: Those who have pets are less likely to suffer from depression, are better equipped to handle stressful situations, and they also have lower blood pressure [5].
5. Good for your heart: Pet owners who suffer from a heart attack will live longer than those who are petless. Studies have also shown that men who own pets have lower cholesterol [6].

Source [7]