Two years ago, I rescued a kitten that was days away from being euthanized at a local pound, and right now as I write this, he is headbutting me so that I’ll scratch his favorite spot behind his ears, not saying a thing... but still letting me know he's by my side and he loves me.

It’s no secret that pets and animals of all kinds can be therapeutic for people. Studies have shown that when animals are introduced to nursing homes and hospitals, the patients report feeling happier and more fulfilled. It’s our pets' silent reassurance and unconditional love that is a constant reminder that there is good in the world. Your pets do not care if you don’t look your best or if you don’t feel well. They will cuddle with you and love you regardless. We always talk about rescuing them, but have we ever thought about the fact that they might have just rescued us back?

Here are ten thank yous for my rescue pets and all of your rescue pets as well. They deserve a little recognition, don't you think?

1. Thank you for being my constant companion.

How does that song go? "You've got a friiieeennnd in me. You've got a friend in me!"

2. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

You love me when I'm sad and crying, (hell, you may even lick my tears away). You love me when I haven't showered in a few days and my hair looks like a bird's nest. You love me when I don't do well on a test or forget to do a project. You love me on my good days and my bad days, and that means more to me than you know.

3. Thank you for always being excited to see me when I come home...

and how even when it's only been a little while, you act as if it's been years.

4. Thank you for being a living, breathing alarm clock...

even on a Saturday morning.

5. Thank you for always treating me like I'm your favorite.

I may or may not feel secretly smug when you stick by my side even when I have people over.

6. Thank you for always giving me a reason to smile, no matter how long the day has been.

I mean how can you not feel better when your pet gives you kisses, (no matter how slobbery they might be)?

7. Thank you for always trying to protect me...

whether that be protecting me from a burglar, a fallen book, or just testing to make sure gravity is still intact.

8. Thank you for being a constant distraction from the chaos of life...

and for also reminding me that although things are difficult sometimes, there are some things, like you, that are just purely good.

9. Thank you for being the best kind of therapy there is.

Because sometimes, your quiet and comforting presence is more reassuring than anything or anyone else could be. You provide me with the company without the pressure to talk or explain what I'm feeling, (and if I do want to talk, I know you're all ears).

10. Thank you for rescuing me.

I may have rescued you first, but you rescued me right back. Thank you for being the best four-legged furry friend I could ever ask for.

And remember, adopt don't shop!