From wagging tails to healthy tales: How pets improve mind and body

Kang Sung-il, a pet funeral manager, and his wife Ham Jin-Seon play with their dog at his home in South Korea.[Reuters]

In many Kenyan homes, animals have long served practical roles. Cats keep rodents away, dogs alert families to danger, while birds and rabbits are often kept quietly in backyards.

Increasingly, however, have become companions, confidants and, in subtle ways, healers. The human–animal bond is evolving, with growing evidence showing that living with animals can support both mental and physical health.