Whether it’s a wet lick on the face or a gentle brush to the leg, our pets are unabashedly open in displaying their love and affection for human owners. They could care less about our physical appearance or success in life. They are the ultimate love agents of nature — always loyal, compassionate and unconditional in their attachment.

Babies born into a household with pets may have a decreased risk of suffering from allergies down the road, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study evaluated the pet population in the suburban Detroit homes of 474 infants. Six to seven years later, the same children were tested for common allergens such as dust mites, dog, cat, ragweed and blue grass.

We all have natural energetic healing abilities. My earliest recollection of this came from my mother Margaret. Whenever my brother or I had a “booboo,” she would rub it with her hands, and if it was really serious, kiss it. Somehow it always made us feel better. Of course neither she nor I understood about energetic techniques, but I learned from these experiences that touch could make people feel better.