Pet owners know: let them be with us when we are sick

Pet owners who are faced with a debilitating disease many times receive a double whammy: the diagnosis itself, as well as doctors orders to stay away from their pets. The fear is pet-to-human disease transfer when the human is most vulnerable.

This story of Judith Brindley who tried battling cancer without her two greyhounds shows the amazing healing power pets provide. It's a riveting story that inspires as well as educates.

"There's no question that having (the dogs) with me these past few months made a huge difference in my recovery," says artist/art teacher Brindley, 65, now cheerfully settled back into her active, dog-rich Manhattan life and preparing to resume teaching next week. "They gave so much to my recovery. Their greeting me each day as though it was a special day … made me realize how lucky I am."