What do pets mean to you?

I think pets are definitely family, or at least they should be. I hate it when people get animals and treat them like novelty toys. It breaks my heart. Unfortunately I'm pretty much the only person (besides my boyfriend) that I know that thinks like that. A friend of mine recently told me about some people she knew that suddenly moved away and the landlord of their old house finally (after several months) got around to going in the house to clean things up and found a bunch of dead cats they had left behind. My friend acted like it was not that big a deal. I was shocked. I never had much respect for those people anyway (based on what I know about them) but if I ever had an ounce of respect for them it's gone now.

The way I see it is that pets don't ask to be your pet...or anyone's pet. If you decide to get one you have the responsibility of giving it the best life possible. I'll even admit I probably don't do as much as I should for my dog but I certainly try. She is happy, healthy and loved and she knows it. And she is my best friend because I honestly believe that no one will ever love you as much as a dog will.