Having a pet may be doing you more good than you think!!
The reasons given for having a pet are varied: some have older children and feel they can now manage a furry dependant; others think it will make the family happier (they've read that pets are good for mental health); and many have rosy childhood memories of throwing sticks for Fido in the park. Psychologists who have an interest in how humans interact with pets tend to have animals of their own. Elie Godsi, a Midland-based clinical psychologist, has had pets all his life.. "Having a pet is a great way to fill that void of emptiness we can all have." He says.
Even so, you can't help but notice that owners often humanise their furry friends. "I don't see a problem with that," Godsi says, "although I don't like dogs in sunglasses or coats. There's a hardline scientific idea that cats and dogs don't feel emotion, but anyone who has had a pet will tell you they are sentient beings."
When a pet dies, it can be devastating "It's a bereavement, make no mistake," Godsi says, "and it's a good way to help children make sense of death."
K. Doorbar, a psychologist, believes that pets can give people something to live for: "It's important to have something living in your home. You need someone to comfort you, sit with you and listen for you."
Therefore a pet only benefit, you must have a pet!!

Summary of "animal magic" Dr luisa Dillner
Link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/26/relationship-pets