Do pets actually help emotionally?

Some people say that there's no way a pet of any kind can help you emotionally feel better, and that Emotional Support Dogs aren't actual service dogs. But, in my opinion they help the most. I've been really depressed for over a year now and yesterday I adopted a new puppy and I haven't felt better and as happy as I do now in a long time. I play with her and when I start  crying and breaking down she starts to lick my tears and cuddle with me, and honestly she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. So in my opinion they help.