We all have our different vices when it comes to comfort. Some turn to exercise, others to substances, some to their loved ones. Me? I go to one of two things that are guaranteed to make me smile: tiny humans (children, I mean), or animals. While I do not always have access to the goofy little kids that can brighten up my days, it is a guarantee that when I come home from a long day, Basil and Bella will be there to greet me. Bella, my roommate's 11-year-old Shihtzu, has lived with us for almost two years now, and has brought more joy on a daily basis than I could begin to explain. And Basil, my sweet kitten, fell into my lap about four months ago right when I needed her most.

Most of us grow up with pets at some point or another in our lives, and if we don’t, it is a sure bet that at least one of our school friends, neighbors, or family members has a beloved animal we could take comfort in. For me, this was my best friend’s two golden retrievers. All throughout our childhood, she had at least two dogs in her house at any given time, and it is here that my love for animals began. And it was not until I moved away to college that I realized the impact that pets can have on both our physical and mental health.

In my sophomore year of college, I had the opportunity to volunteer for an organization in Bellingham, Washington, called Animals as Natural Therapy. They have a range of animals: dogs, rabbits, chickens, horses, and so on, and they explained to me the importance of animals and how healing any type of animal can be to humans. Horses, for example, are highly intuitive animals that have been known to help children with Autism in many ways, teaching them patience, kindness and love through the simple art of riding. Along a similar vein, it has been proven than a cat’s purr can help to heal broken bones; the deep vibrations they emit are more than just a sign of their own personal comfort. This same organization loads up a few of these animals a couple times a month and takes them across the county, from schools to care facilities for the elderly, always with positive feedback.

This past spring, I lost a dear friend to suicide. It was in the wake of this nonsensical, tragic event that I realized the power of animals in regards to mental health. Of course, I knew that my own pets could make me happy on a bad day, but I was unaware, up until now, of how truly powerful our little furry friends are. With a small lick to the face, a slight wag of the tail, or even just a nuzzle, I saw the people around me smile for the first time in almost 48 hours. No, these dogs didn’t take the pain away, but they made it more manageable. Annie, Maddy and Layla were a small source of light in a dark, dark time.

As I mentioned earlier, all humans have their vices. Some are better than others, and some more harmful than helpful. It is up to each individual to figure out what brings them the most comfort in their time of need, but I can tell you one thing: animals are the best form of natural therapy that I have ever found. They listen without judgement and love with no bounds. With humans and emotions comes complexity, and sometimes all we need is simple, unconditional love.