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National Pet Week (May) — is a time to recognize those nonhuman friends who add a special dimension to our lives. Pets help people in many ways. While most are a source of companionship, many dogs provide protection, and act as eyes for the blind as well as helping other disabled owners. Cats, of course, are legendary for being in charge of the house, rather than their so-called "owners." In turn, we sometimes take better care of our pets than we do of ourselves. This means taking our beloved dogs, cats, birds and horses to the vet. In the U.S., there are some 50-thousand veterinarians on hand to help us keep our pets in good health.

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