Nothing compares to the unconditional love that comes with owning a pet.

National Love Your Pet Day is celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Pet owners are encourages to put time aside and give extra attention to their pets on this holiday.

Senior Ashley Harroun said her animals make her days better and give her a reason to smile.

“I love that I could be having the worst day of my life but come home to my babies jumping and wagging their tails, excited to see me,” Harround said. “I love that they give me a reason to be happy.”

According to National Today, the top reasons that people are grateful for their pets are because they provide unconditional love, comfort, and support. In addition, the animals give their owners something to look forward to, they help them to become a more loving person, and they teach them to be more patient.

National Love Your Pet Day gives people a reason to shower their animals in love and show great appreciation for pets of all kind.

Senior Ethan Thayer loves seeing his dogs every chance he gets.

“I love them because whenever I get to see them, they always run up to me all excited and happy to see me because I don’t get to see them very often,” Thayer said.

Pets of any kind provide wonderful companionship and can actually help decrease people’s stress and blood pressure, according to Animal Smart.

Senior Makayla Shattuck agrees that her pets help reduce stress.

“They always make you feel better and comfort you when you need it the most, especially when you’re stressed,” Shattuck said.

Shattuck also loves how unique her pets are, especially her dog Lilly.

“All my animals are goofy in their own way,” Shattuck said. “Also that they think they are people sometimes.”