Tabatha GormleyLauren PalekEnglish 122:015April 16, 2014The meaning of animal companions has been explored for many years, but has it really been used? This research paper will explore this question by analyzing numerous studies conducted on the benefits and negative impacts that a companion animal can have on a human's life. The article initially opens with a first-hand account of how animals can positively influence someone's life, before briefly demonstrating that animals have been seen as companions throughout history. It will then examine how animals have evolved in human eyes to become more than just companions and all the many ways society uses these benefits. At the opposite end of this article I will also discuss the controversy surrounding the evidence to support the studies, as well as the negative impacts of a strong human-animal bond. The overall goal of this article is to demonstrate that animal companions benefit humans on various health, social, and psychological levels. Final Document For as long as I can remember, animals have been the greatest interest in my life. One of my earliest memories as a child is of my first dog, Magic. He was a black lab with just a white patch on his chest and a larger head (especially for a 4 year old). I remember coming home one day and Magic had somehow opened the screen door. Rushing towards me at full speed, the huge lab knocked me to the ground. Even though I was surprised and pain shot through my head, I couldn't stop laughing as Magic licked my face and moaned in excitement. I can't be certain that this first memory of unconditional love sparked my passion for animals, but I know that from that moment on, coming home to my pets was the absolute best part of my day. And guys, I've had pets: dogs, cats, Guineas... middle of the paper... animals can greatly improve their owner's health and can therefore help significantly reduce healthcare spending in our country.Woit, Anna. "The Pet Prescription. (Health Benefits of Owning Pets)." Prevention 2013: Academic OneFile. Network. March 3, 2014. This short article found in "Prevention" magazine focuses on the many healing powers your pet can give you, arguing that the bond you develop with a pet translates into health benefits while giving you a sense of purpose and belonging. The article demonstrates these benefits by explaining how pets reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones, while increasing feel-good hormones that establish love and comfort. They reference numerous studies including one at the State University of New York at Buffalo, the University of British Columbia and the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.