There is no doubt in my mind that our pets help us through times of stress. When my father died a sudden death, I immediately held my dog and cried so hard. He was there licking my face, trying to get a smile from me. We received the phone call at 1:00 in the morning. He had spent the last year as a truck driver. He was at work. The next day, I went to be with my horses. I just leaned against Yankee. He just stood there, never moved until I did. I gathered so much strength from him that day. He knew I needed it and he didn't move until I was strong enough to let go. And people wonder why I love animals so much. We get so much from them.