Daily Herald opinion: Therapy dogs can offer companionship, love and support in an era of loneliness

This editorial is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Jumping. Wagging. Licking. Repeat.

Dog owners know the drill along with the rush of oxytocin that immediately follows.

After a stressful day, coming home to the jumping, wagging and licking is a greeting like no other. You feel loved, missed and appreciated, and your mood is instantly lifted.

Maybe you've seen dogs offering the same affection and appreciation visiting patients at some local hospitals where they've been a staple for years, spreading happiness and love in a stressful environment.

Beyond hospitals, many suburban police departments have therapy dogs on staff, too - Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and most recently adorable puppy Millie in Mundelein, just to name a few.

These loving dogs offer comfort to crime victims and help officers decompress after a tough day. Police departments also call on the dogs to provide positive community outreach.

Officers have worked side-by-side with dogs for a long time. In traditional crime-fighting roles, canines have helped to catch criminals and solve missing person cases.

But now police departments are recognizing that these furry staff members can also provide emotional support to residents and officers, a positive in any community.

It seems that companionship is needed now more than ever, and any dog owner will tell you their pup is the perfect pal.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and on May 3, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared the United States is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

Can dogs help remedy loneliness? We hope they can fill a void at home and provide a connection for so many people feeling isolated.

Suburban school districts are certainly hopeful as well. They've employed therapy dogs to connect with students and provide support in what can be a stressful environment.

Corey the Corsair walks the halls of Carmel Catholic High School, offering students a kind and reassuring presence. He greets kids as they arrive on campus in the morning and pops into classrooms throughout the day.

Can you imagine feeling nervous before a big exam, but that stress melts away as soon as Corey trots in to say hi? Or having a tough day with friends until Corey stops by with a tail wag to remind you that you're loved?

Lake Villa Elementary District 41 students have been lucky to have their beloved therapy dog, Jeep, walking the halls for seven years. They'll say goodbye to him as he retires soon.

Dogs offer so much to us. They lead the blind. They rescue people from burning buildings. And they even detect some cancers. They also offer us endless compassion, patience and friendship.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we thank all the suburban entities who recognize the importance of therapy dogs, and we hope more follow suit.

And, of course, we thank all these sweet dogs for their unconditional love, melting away our loneliness and stress.