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Want to make fewer trips to the doctor? Get a pet. Want your infant to grow up with fewer allergies and a lower risk of asthma? Get a pet. Want to ease stress? You guessed it.

There is a wealth of research showing how our furry friends are good medicine. It is no mystery to pet lovers.

"They know you're having a bad day and just sit next to you and it really just creates a calmness," said Nancy Eickoff, owner of an 11-year-old cat named Nala.

While pets can bring a healthier state of mind, science has proven they contribute to a healthier body, as well.

"It's the human-animal bond," said Veterinarian R.K. Anderson, who helped to found CENSHARE at the University of Minnesota more than 30 years ago.

CENSHARE (Center to Study Human Animal Relationships and Environments) is a center dedicated to supporting and collecting research on the many positive effects pets have on people.

Anderson believes "It's [how animals are] non-judgmental and always being there for you."

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© (File) American Kennel ClubAmong researchers' findings: Gazing at a collection of birds or into a fish tank lowers blood pressure; children and adults respond better to virtually all forms of physical and behavioral therapy with dogs
Anderson is also a founding member of the Delta Society. That organization partners with volunteers to take therapy dogs into the community.

Among researchers' findings: Gazing at a collection of birds or into a fish tank lowers blood pressure; children and adults respond better to virtually all forms of physical and behavioral therapy with dogs present.

Researchers also found that people who own pets reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. One possible reason, according to fellow researcher and veterinarian Margaret Ducksberry, is a pet's ability to make us feel connected.

"Loneliness, by itself, would be a stress. Stress, we know, interferes with the immune system," said Ducksberry. "We know stress is a risk factor for cardiac disease."

Having scientific proof that having pets do make people healthier has lead to some changes in the law. One change has allowed pets to live at and to visit nursing homes and senior centers.

Research shows the presence of a dog also increases social interaction among two-legged creatures.

"I think they are very much a catalyst for human-human interactions," said Ducksberry.