We all know what amazing and faithful friends our pets are. We love them because they're loyal or playful or cuddly or sing a beautiful song.

Dogs and cats are the obvious choice and the most popular pets. In addition to dogs and cats, many animals make excellent family pets. There are gerbils and hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds to name a few.

Our pets play a significant role in our families and our lives. They give us someone to care about and to care for. We play and exercise with our pets. Some of us even take our pets on vacation with us.

Numerous studies have proven the benefits of owning a pet. Our pets can decrease stress and the risk of heart attack. A pet's presence can be enough to stimulate the elderly, those with chronic illnesses or the physically and psychologically compromised.

Our pets provide us with the feeling of being needed and loved unconditionally. So the next time you're with your best friend, give him or her and extra cuddle or pat on the head.