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Umm...I have had real depression. Having a dog helped me. Not because they cheer you up, so much. If anything there have been times where having a dog added to the sense that i was in some way hiding my self even from myself, most of the time. What it did, though, was put an alternative focus into my room. Not getting out of bed for 3 days wasn't an option: the dog had to be fed and walked, even if I didn't have it in me to interact with him. Anxiety at night was often alleviated somewhat by his presence in the house.
And during more stable times, he's one of the things that has helped me stave off times of depression, at least for a while longer. A pet who relies on me, is immediate and there. In my constant flight from the feeling of utter futility, his needs keep me grounded. But unlike a child, he can be more or less ignored, apart from walk and food, for a day or so without it causing massive psychological damage.
So, actually, I would advise a pet as something that might help someone living with depression.
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