Dear Annie: For most of my life, I've struggled with feeling isolated. As someone on the autism spectrum, I've often found social situations confusing or overwhelming. I longed for connection but wasn't always sure how to reach for it. Then something unexpected gave me not only companionship but also a sense of purpose: my dog.

She's not just a pet. She's a trained service animal who goes everywhere with me. She helps me navigate the world in ways I didn't think were possible. When I take her into stores, on walks or even to the coffee shop, people stop to smile, ask questions and sometimes share their own stories about dogs they've loved. She has opened doors to conversations and friendships I never would have had on my own.

And it's not only service dogs that can change a life. Emotional support animals bring daily comfort and stability to those who need them. Therapy dogs can be taken to nursing homes, hospitals or schools, where they brighten the lives of people who might not see much joy in their days. I've seen firsthand how one wagging tail and a few minutes of gentle presence can soften the hardest expressions and bring light to the loneliest corners.

When we step outside of ourselves and look for ways to share that light -- whether through a beloved pet, a service animal or volunteering alongside a therapy dog -- we don't just help others. We find our own lives brighter, too. The loneliness lessens, and in its place comes purpose, routine and a daily reminder of connection.

Sometimes the simplest answer to human loneliness is found in the company of a warm, loyal, four-legged friend. -- Saved By My Service Dog

Dear Saved: Thank you for your heartfelt note. You're absolutely right; animals can be powerful companions. Whether as service animals, emotional support pets or therapy dogs, they offer companionship, comfort and even new pathways to connect with others. Your story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best medicine for loneliness has four paws and a wagging tail.

Dear Annie: I've always been the one in my family who organizes the holidays, remembers birthdays and keeps everyone connected. Lately, though, I feel taken for granted. My siblings rarely help, and when I try to step back, I'm made to feel guilty for "not caring." I love my family, but I'm exhausted from carrying the load. How do I set boundaries without seeming cold or uncaring? -- Worn Out Peacemaker

Dear Worn Out Peacemaker: You're not cold; you're human. Families often lean on the person who makes things happen, until that person is running on empty. Boundaries don't mean you care less; they mean you're protecting your well-being. Start small: Say, "I can host, but I'll need everyone to bring a dish," or, "This year I'm stepping back from planning." The people who value you will step up. And those who don't? Let their disappointment be theirs to manage, not yours.

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