It's time for every 10 News Kid Takeover.

Yay!

Valentine's Day is coming up, which is a day all about love.

And do you know what we love?

Animals!

Aww!

I'm Marley.

It's Thursday, February 10, and this is the 10 News.

10. 9. 8, 7, 6. 5, 4, 3, 2.1.

Animals are the best. They make our lives better in so many ways. But did you know that they can make us feel better?

Lane Farber from the Nature Nurse podcast is here to tell us all about assistance animals.

Have you ever cuddled up to a big fluffy dog and felt all your troubles melt away?

Or given chin-screeches to a kitty cat whose purring heals your woes.

Of course you have. Scientific studies prove that spending time with our favorite furry pals

elevates our mood. In other words, puppy cuddles make you happy. Yes! But did you know that these

brain-boosting interactions don't just

stop at fuzzy friends? That's right. More unusual critters such as pigs, birds, and even

snakes are starting to make waves in the assistance animal scene. What? But before we get the scoop

on these more bizarre beasties, let's review some brain basics.

The brain is a complex organ that does so many incredible things, like breathing, talking,

walking, and feeling emotions.

The brain relies on special hormones called neurotransmitters to function properly.

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