Find Out What You Need to Get to Know Your Neighbors

It can be tough to get to know your neighbors these days and striking up a conversation with strangers is difficult. But there is something that makes it a little bit easier.

Pets!

According to a recent study, having a pet makes you far more likely to get to know your neighbors-- and especially so if you have a dog that you take for walks regularly. Whether you're someone who feeds off interaction or an introvert, some degree of being social helps decrease a risk factor for mental illness.

Check in with the Cocheco Valley Humane Society or your local shelter-- you'll make an animal happier and now you've got additional science backing that it is good for your health as well!

If you're a petless shut in, you likely have time to peruse the results of the study at PLOS ONE.