5.    Researchers have noted a possible correlation between pet ownership and lower cholesterol and triglycerides, though it may also be a function of the pet owner’s lifestyle.

6.    For those of you suspicious of cats for whatever reason, this is a big-time reason to lose your fear of felines. A 20-year study of cat owners revealed that those who never owned a cat had a 40 percent higher chance of having a fatal heart event over someone who has a cat. Further, a study involving dogs showed a better one-year survival rate for owners than non-owners. So basically, what the two studies demonstrate is that pet owners are more likely to survive a serious heart event, including heart failure.

7.    You know how pets tend to love you unconditionally? They will likely let you pet them until they are partially bald, and listen to how your day went for hours, though they make take a nap in the middle of it. This unconditional love is just what depressed people need to experience, along with a sense of purpose. Walking a dog is even better because it helps get the depressed person outside into the sunlight and engaged in the outside world.

"A powerful neurochemical, oxytocin, is released when we look at our companion animal, which brings feelings of joy," says Johnson. "It's also accompanied by a decrease in cortisol."

8.    Another benefit just for cat owners: you have fewer strokes than those who don’t own cats. Researchers have no idea why -- it is what it is. Another one to mull over.

9.    Pet owners are less isolated, and less lonely than their non-pet owning counterparts. This could be because people love talking about their dog, cat, ferret, or turtle. And social interaction is a natural brain stimulator.

10.    Horses have been used in stroke rehabilitation programs. By riding a horse, the stroke patient works on strengthening their core and body balance.