(COLORADO SPRINGS) — You've probably heard of emotional support dogs, or maybe even emotional support cats. However, one local veteran has proven that emotional support can come in all different types of shapes and sizes. Terry Housman retired from the Navy in 1984 after serving for four years. "The people I worked with, were the best. We all worked together in a unit," said Housman, "I had to retire early because of issues with my body, getting injured." As he lives alone and still struggles with his service-related injuries, Housman battles with depression. He says without his emotional support ferrets, Louis and Clark, he wouldn't be on this planet right now. "They keep me going. They're my lifesaver, that's for sure," said Housman, "It's like any pet you have, you treat them right with dignity and respect, you get the same thing back. Lots of love and attention." Believe it or not, pretty much any pet can be classified as an emotional support animal with the right certification. According to U.S. Service Animals, anyone with a diagnosed mental or emotional disorder will likely qualify. Housman takes Louis and Clark to all kinds of places like Home Depot, Lowe's, and all the Arcs in the Springs. "(The ferrets are) not good enough for Walmart, you know, because of the food. That's the main issue," said Housman, "and they draw a very large crowd. I experienced that one day... there was like 15 people around my cart. That's when I was asked to leave." Not only did the ferrets brighten his day, but Louis and Clark put smiles on people's faces all across town. "If it makes their day, it makes my day better," he said He recommends a pocket-sized companion for anyone who feels like they might need one. "They comfort me, I get kisses from them every day," said Housman, "It helps with PTSD, depression." Housman says when he gets up at night, they get up with him, checking in on him and following him around. "They're my life, they're my family, my kids. Just like human kids, they have their personalities," said Housman, "If I talk to him (Clark) sternly, he'll squint his eyes at me like, 'What do you want dad?'"