After my hardest loss, people brought casseroles and kind words, and I appreciated every bit of it. But the one who actually got me through the evenings was a dog. He did not ask how I was doing. He just leaned against my legs at exactly the moment the silence got loud, walked me to the door when it was time to go outside, and acted like my getting up in the morning was the best news of the day. Researchers can explain the cortisol and the routine and the responsibility. I will just say this: a creature who needs you at your lowest gives you a reason that no pep talk can match. If you are grieving, lonely, or just worn down, consider that the best therapist in town might have four legs and a wagging tail. And when you are ready, there is a shelter dog or cat who needs exactly the love you have to give.
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