Well, it's nearly a year now since my cat died and I'm still really feeling it.  It's amazing how close a bond you can have with an animal.   It makes me wonder how our pets view us.  Do they see us as providers and guardians?  Or do we have a more intimate status, a member of their pack, and if so are we the leader or just a lowly follower?

Pets value companionship very much, and are content just to be close to us, even if they aren't interacting.  A lap or foot is all that is needed to remind them that we are there.  To have someone who is happy just to be near you is a great gift indeed.

Cynics would say that to our pets we are simply a source of food, warmth and occasional entertainment.  Those of us who are pet owners know different.  Affection between people and animals relies in part on a sort of telepathy, which can be translated as  'I know I'm safe with you'.  It's probably the greatest compliment we can have from our pets.