Pets are playing a lifesaving role this year during the pandemic

Pets are saving many people from the devastating effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study from the University of South Australia. In the absence of human-to-human contact, animals have provided a constant, comforting presence in millions of households. Study lead author Dr. Janette Young explains that physical touch is a sense that has been taken for granted, and even overlooked, until the pandemic emerged. "In a year when human contact has been so limited and people have been deprived of touch, …