These Heart-Warming Stories Will Make You Hug Your Dog Extra-Tight Tonight

"Delia's my ride-or-die."

"Otto has allowed me to see what the future could hold."

No, these women aren't talking about their partners, children, or human BFFs. They're talking about (wo)man's best friend a.k.a their fur babies—their dogs.

The mental health benefits of having a pet by your side have never been so apparent as during the past year. More than 90 percent of pet owners said their animals helped them cope emotionally with COVID-19 lockdowns, and 96 percent credited their furry friends with keeping them active during the isolation, according to a new study from PLOS One.

These eight women can attest to the positive benefits a pup can have on your mental health—during both tough times and everyday life.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and in partnership with @TheDogist, they're sharing the stories of how their dogs have improved their emotional states in ways both big and small.