The aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks served as an important reminder of how humans need connections with other people and animals to heal, and Petplan's Natasha Ashton says animal owners can make a big difference to people in their own lives with small gestures. She provides suggestions in this article such as encouraging troubled children to share their feelings with a pet or bringing an animal to visit a lonely neighbor. "As our thoughts stay with those affected by the bombings in Boston, responding to hate with love may be the best way to pay tribute to them -- and our best bet for a better future," Ashton writes.