It's not that I'm aspiring to be a crazy old woman with a hundred pets, but there's something to be said about coming hoem to have your toes and nose licked. I learned that when I'm at crisis at work, to stretch out in my chair and purr and twitch my tail until I feel better and all is good once more in the world.

It's virtually impossible for me to remain angry or sad around an animal; probably why I wish to make a career of working with animals all of the time.

Talking to a dog about my problems works for some reason...

UPDATE: Gotta be a big dog. Toy dogs don't have the same effect for me...

One thing a person knows for sure: an animal will never betray your trust.  They're great listeners.

Ever see a dog that couldn't walk?  Or on chemotherapy?  I see dogs in excruciating pain, and yet they'll lift their heads up and wag their tails just to see you.  Despite the pain they're in, they'll still give it their best shot just to make you happy.  Most of them won't even cry, if only to see their family members smile back at them.  If that doesn't inspire you to be a better person, I can't imagine much else would.

I haven't had a dog for about 2 years, but I used to take long walks with my last one, let him swim in a stream, explore the bush, chase squirrels.

Watching him always seemed to make me a little happier.

I'll embarass myself  and break the ice on this one. I think that most people have, at one time or another, "turned to" a pet for comfort. They aren't the best conversationalists, granted; but this is the only place you really get unconditional love.