by guest blogger Leah Zerbe, online editor for Rodale.com The start of 2013 hit my family with an emotional sledgehammer. Instead of teasing each ot...

Pet therapy isn't just for nursing homes and hospitals -- students at the University of Arizona law school are also receiving visits from furry visito...

Pets provide a touch, a look or just a calming presence that is nonjudgmental, elemental and all about connection. These powers are often amplified at the bedside of a patient in his or her final days.

If you've heard of Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer -- let's face it, who hasn't -- you'll know that a dog needs a job in life, if he or she is not to become neurotic and anxious.

"What a beautiful girl you are. You're in heavy purr tonight, aren't you sweetheart?" my husband Marc croons. He's not talking to me. He's talking...

Off and on over the past eleven years, I've accompanied our English Labrador Cobber on visits to the sick and the handicapped. HuffPost readers, our commitment to you is to return to service.

We need to do more to find these kids companions that can make a difference in their lives. I'm sure each of us can help make miracles happen by using our relationships and networking.