Interacting with animals can significantly lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and decrease blood pressure. Just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can trigger the release of “happy hormones” like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation and happiness.
Pets, in other words, can be natural stress relievers that improve both mental and physical health.
I randomly asked eight respondents the same two questions:
(1) Tell me something about your pet or pets.
(2) In what way has your pet or have your pets helped you?
Their answers:
Sweden-born Andrew Stewart, a risk manager at Shell UK, has a pet named Max: (1) “My pet is very sweet, playful and loyal. He always makes me smile with his funny habits and loving personality. He is an important part of my life and feels like family to me.” (2) “My pet helps me feel less stressed and happier every day. Spending time with him gives me comfort, especially after a long day, and he always brightens up my mood.”
Dr. Matt Macalaguing, director of the University of Makati’s Center for Technology Incubation and Enterprise Development: (1) “He came when the Vatican released the white smoke and shouted habemus papam in 2013. I named him Francis. Pope Francis died in April 2025; my Francis ran free in April 2026. He had been my joy, the Yakult-drinker pooch and Fido. His eyes spoke volumes of emotions every time we played.” (2) “Francis is my prayer companion. He never missed a hug when I left for work and arrived home. He came at just the right time when I wanted and was ready to take care of another canine, two years after my first dog, Heaven, died. Francis is still my phone photo wallpaper.”
Film/TV/theater actor Jim Pebanco: (1) “I have five dogs, namely Patsy, the matriarch Mitchy, the daughter Datchy, the granddaughter Bentot, the only thorn among the roses, and Ibyang, the ‘Speedy Gonzales’ of the pack. And I have a cat named Missy. Pets are fun to be with.” (2) “They are stress relievers and real friends.”
Guia Cruz Buenaventura, host of Media House Express’ “Coffee, Tea on MHE”: (1) “Oreo, my loving shih tzu furbaby, is more than just a pet — he is a pillar of strength for our whole family when my husband passed away in March 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic.” (2) “Oreo’s presence brought comfort and solace to me, my son and my daughter, helping us navigate through the darkest days of grief. I love my Oreo dearly and am so glad he always greets me with his wagging tail and follows me wherever I go, as if scolding me not to be out for a long period of time because he misses me.”
PhilStagers actor Fidel Redado still mourns the recent loss of his beloved pet: (1) “He is Pol, a Russian Blue cat. He looks like Tom in the ‘Tom and Jerry’ animated cartoon. He’s the sweetest soul I’ve ever known. And he is different from any other kind, for he is like a human — he embraces, he comforts and he stays. Every life is indeed a blessing. Well, he is quite the biggest blessing I have ever cherished. His memories will stay in my heart.”
(2) “Pol is different. He has offered his life to me. I know it when he chose to save me countless times from drowning in my own emotions. He is like a walking bright light, a charming face with a wet nose. Whenever he appears, he never fails to share his very warm presence. He cuddled as if I was his only life. He has the patience of a friend whenever I am far. He has the discipline of a family whenever we eat. He is one of the best miracles that happened to me.”
Paranormal expert, nurse and actress Maia Alcazar owns three dogs: (1) “Macadamia and Aldie are a combination of shih tzu and Pomeranian. Their mom, Reese, is a Pomeranian. Between the two siblings, Aldie is sweet, while Macadamia is very playful and will always try to get ahead of anyone whenever he sees food being available. Meanwhile, mommy Reese seems nonchalant but will be very reactive whenever there is a sudden sound heard in the surroundings.” (2) “I find my pets as a form of relief from everyday stress and hurdles in life by means of spending time and playing with them.”
Desiree Tibay Dungo, a housewife, has a pet named Bruno: (1) “Bruno is 6 years old, and he is amiable, loyal and caring. We treat him as a member of the family. He has been part and parcel of our lives.” (2) “Bruno absolutely helps reduce our stress in our day-to-day existence. He is a real friend.”
Bee Vitug of the Philippine Development Foundation, or PhilDev: (1) “Currently, our family owns two dogs: Aries, a rescue dog that we adopted years ago, he is an aspin, and Stevey, a corgi gifted to us by a family relative.” (2) “I regard them both as my emotional support when things get heavy at work — beyond, of course, being our typical companions for security at home. Going out for a walk with our dogs really helps in clearing my headspace.”
Johnrey Rivas in Wish 107.5
Emerging artist Johnrey Rivas, a pet lover, recently showcased his original songs, “Sabi Mo Sa Akin” and “Umalis Ka Na Sa Puso’t Isip Ko,” aboard the Wish Bus.
Yeng Constantino in Canada
The Home Free Global Crusade came to Calgary, Canada, last May 31, 2026, at the WinSport Event Centre.
It was nice to experience a night of praise and worship led by my cousin Yeng Constantino. And most importantly, the Word of God, preached by Global Evangelist Jonathan S. Ferriol.