April 11 is National Pet Day, although for pet owners, every day is a celebration of their animal companions! Take a moment to embrace your hedgehog, connect with your bunny, and treat your kitty to some catnip. These furry friends bring joy into your life, and that's not all. Over the past decade, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has collaborated in research to uncover the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It appears that pets not only steal our hearts but also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by reducing cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.