We all believe that if we do one of these, we'll feel better. However, there has been no scientific proof that this really happens ... until now.

MSU researchers from a variety of disciplines have organized the Human Animal Bond Initiative. Its mission: to better understand interactions between humans and animals and to better assess how animals enrich our lives.

"There's a lot of anecdotal evidence out there, but very little scientific data that says, 'This is good,"' says Lana Kaiser; professor in the MSU College of Nursing, who is heading up the project.

That's changing fast. At an MSU conference earlier this year, evidence was presented indicating that "cuddling a critter" does more than just provide a short-term cure for the blues. One study showed that hypertension sufferers had significantly lower blood pressure readings after they adopted a dog; another showed that people who teach the emotionally impaired have better success with students when they bring along a companion animal.

Children have an unnerving ability to show their parents the difference between their words and their deeds.

Other studies are in the works, including a look at blood pressure and heart rates of people when they are around pets compared to when away from them.

The initiative brings together faculty, from the colleges of Nursing, Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Social Science, and Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as nurses, veterinarians, physical therapists and cultural anthropologists from the private sector.