the often underestimated significance of a pet in the life of a human has been brought forward in a growing body of research that suggests that a household animal can provide a range of relational benefits dr froma walsh poured the research in two articles entitled humananimal bonds i focused on the benefits of companion animals and humananimal bonds ii focused on their role in couple and family dynamics and family therapy the expert sought to determine the value of the humananimal bond in child development elderly care mental illness physical impairment dementia abuse and trauma recovery and the rehabilitation of incarcerated youth and adults she further looked at how the relationship can strengthen human resilience through times of crisis persistent adversity and disruptive transitions such as relocation divorce widowhood and adoption the expert found that a pet maybe seen as part of the healing team and even as a cotherapist in ensuring the wellbeing by providing a range of benefits ranging from stress reduction and playfulness to loyal companionship affection comfort security and unconditional love dr walsh said the powerful meaning and significance of companion animals is underestimated