For many elderly and frail individuals, animals provide almost their only contact with the outside world. The unconditional love and acceptance an animal provides helps to dispel the loneliness and isolation the elderly feel and it keeps them active and involved with others outside their own lives. The animals provide a healthy focus for the seniors and help them cope with illness, pain and other age-related problems.  The visiting pets are especially important to people who may have had animals in the past but are now incapable of caring for and keeping them on their own.  For many of these individuals, the contact with people and their pets is a very important part of their life and their very survival. The visits from people and their animals provide a ray of hope and happiness to those who might not otherwise experience these emotions and the anticipation of another visit will keep people going when they are feeling hopeless or alone.