This is an interesting thread! My husband always says that he likes animals better than people. I do remember that at one very bad time in his life, when he was having thoughts about sui, he said what kept him alive was our dog. In a way, I thought to myself, "Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?" But I knew he loved me a lot, and understood.

A relationship with a pet is different from a relationship with a person. It's simpler, no big expectations, no grudges, no mind games or competition or any of the other crap that tends to enter into human relationships. It's very basic and very straightforward. Also, once a relationship is established with a pet, you don't need to worry that, down the road, that pet will stop loving you or go find someone else they think would be a better pet owner. Their excitement at being with you remains.

I remember my toy poodle, Peaches, would sit on the arm of the love seat when I was due home from work. The minute I walked through the door, she'd bark and wiggle and be beside herself with excitement to see me. Sometimes, she'd be wiggling so much, I was afraid she would fall off of the arm of the loveseat onto the floor. Oh, how I miss my precious baby! She has been gone now for more than 10 years, and I still have dreams about her from time to time. I have definitely not forgotten about her. No wonder Peaches is my chosen name here on PC.