Welcome, Nordic. There is a growing body of research attesting to the benefit of having a pet as a companion. Perhaps, your doctor was alluding to an animal companion?

After reading your post, I also did a quick search for articles on the effect of isolation on emotional health. justfloating and Briester have already talked about some of the information I found. While not directly on point with your query or your present circumstances, you may find something of interest in these articles:

http://www.medicinenet.com/emotional...ss/article.htm

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1898

Good luck.