I've had some awesome pets.They can give you a lot of love.I think a cat purring on my lap is one of life's best stress reducers.

Okay, I guess I should say too that Dogs aren’t people, I’m glad we can put that to rest.

“maudlin anthropomorphizing” lol. Git, you used that so people like me would have to go look it up.

I wasn’t going to chime in on your post because you kept it personal, that is until the last part, which you are simply wrong on this time.

I’m sorry, but your Grandma isn’t important to me, nor does she make me happy. Nor will she guide me across a busy intersection because I’m blind. Nor will she scare away an intruder who breaks in my house, possibly saving my life. In that sense, she is obviously less important to me.

We’re not talking about life or death-choosing Dog or Human. Even if we were, there are many humans out there that would get the “thumbs down” in favor of my loving furry family members.

First of all, pets aren't "people" and I reject the maudlin anthropomorphizing of them.

Secondly, I have no pets at the moment, but I have had several dogs over the course of my life.  I liked them, I enjoyed their company, and I was sad when they died.

But relative to anything else on this list except grandparents (who I never really knew) grandchildren (which I don't have) and siblings (none of those either) they aren't very important to me.

And I would submit that if you rank them above any other item on this list, you need to reassess yourself as a human being.  Even if you despise some of the people on this list, that doesn't diminish their importance.

This might be a little cold, but I have to laugh at anybody whose most important person was a pet.

I consider my pets important to my life. they bring a calmness to me. They are parts of our family. the great thing about dogs is they ask for so little and give so much. they do not have conditions like humans do. they do not bad mouth you, or say hurtful things like humans can. they do not give a hoot about how you look or how much you make.that is why I will always have dogs or sometimes cats in my life.

We have pets.  I've had pets. . .but they're not people.  Love sunrises, smiling babies, and great sexual encounters- but I just don't invest too much emotion in pets.  The best thing about dogs is you can get one that looks awfully similar to replace the ex. . .(can't do that with old girlfriends. . .)

There are people in the world who actually go through the painful process of losing every loved person in their lives, especially relatives. Nothing can take the place of a loved one, but a pet can steal a smile and generate long gone emotions and feelings of love and companionship. Pets can indeed become the most important "person" in the lives of some people hardly hit by misfortune.

Better a person for a pet than a poet...

If you are keeping a person as a pet, then I think you would be well advised to keep quiet about it.