Having a dog is great. Like really, really great.
They're always happy to see you and make you laugh a million times a day, as well as being loyal and loving to a fault.
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As for cats - they're great too. Cute, cuddly, lazy, prepared to be waited on hand and foot (or paw): they've got it made and they know it. An example to be followed, for sure.
What I'm trying to say here is that pets are brilliant and if you don't agree with me, well, you're wrong and I can't do anything for you.
It turns out that science agrees with me as well - especially for older people. Sure, I'm in my late 20s, but I do enjoy cups of tea, wearing slippers and test cricket, so I feel like this demographic agrees with me more than it should.
Experts spoke to 1,000 pet owners of retirement age and 1,000 petless pensioners and found that, on average, those with furry friends were far happier.
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They rated themselves as twice as happy and nine out of ten said that their pet was good for their heath and general wellbeing: moreover, pet owners do double the exercise and earn more than £4,000 a year more than those without.
"The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals," said Corinne Sweet, a psychologist and author.
"Having a close bond with a domestic animal can boost 'feel good' biochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin; which can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home.
"The act of stroking a pet can lower high blood-pressure, and being greeted or comforted by a pet can increase general emotional wellbeing.
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"Owners may also talk to their furry friends and gain a friendly, comforting ear and warm welcome when they are feeling unwell, sad or lonely.
"The many benefits of pet ownership also include the cardio-vascular exercise of dog-walking, and even the light housework associated with feeding and clearing up after our beloved animals."
The study was commission by McCarthy & Stone, the UK's leading housebuilder for retired people. They found that 45 percent of pet owners used their animal for exercise - dog-walking, for example - while another 31 percent said that their pet gave them purpose in life.
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"These findings back up our view that pet ownership can have many positive benefits for the over 55s," said a spokesperson.
"At McCarthy & Stone, we understand the importance of this relationship all too well.
"Questions about our pet-friendly policy are always top of the list for pet owners who are considering downsizing.
"And it is our pleasure to explain that well-behaved pets are welcome in all of our developments, so homeowners can enjoy all of these advantages during their retirement years."
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