Eli Lilly and Co. today is touting its sponsorship of Support Partners: Canine Companions. The program is designed to help people incorporate dogs into people’s recovery from depression. Actress Linda Dano, who won a Daytime Emmy in 1993 for her role as Felicia on Another World, leads the program. Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant Lilly is a co-sponsor with Psychiatric Service Dog Society. The nonprofit works with mental-health consumers who wish to train their dogs to assist with the management of depression.

“Taking your dog for a walk can help you get some exercise,” said society president Joan Esnayra in a statement issued today. “Teaching your dog a new trick can give you a sense of accomplishment. Even petting your dog can help with your recovery by relieving stress and anxiety.”