I was at our community hospital waiting in the Tim Horton's lineup. Across from me, seated on a large raised chair, was a large, beautiful dog. As visitors and patients stopped to pet the dog and talk with the owner, you could literally see how their faces lit up with smiles and and their bodies relaxed.  

We have a little Yorkie – who is quite loud – but she too, makes us smile and holding or petting her brings comfort.

Cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters  - what stories do you have of pets who have comforted you?