I became acutely aware of the value of pets while at work one beautiful summer day. I was enjoying lunch on the clinic patio when I noticed a teen patient of mine walking toward me. Shaking my extended hand she began, “I want you to meet someone.” She gestured to the dog on the end of a short leash. “His name is Ollie,” she continued as she sat down under the market umbrella and lifted the rather large dog to her lap. He licked her on the lips. “I suppose you think that’s unsanitary,” she said without embarrassment. Then added, “It’s better than kissing a dumb boy!” Her mood shifted abruptly and tears welled up in her eyes. “Sounds like you broke up with your boyfriend,” I suggested. “He broke up with me!” Tears began flowing. Ollie gazed at her as she talked, then began licking away her tears. When …