How to Understand Pet Owners

Do you consider yourself an animal lover? Do you own a cat or dog? A bird, maybe?

Some people take their love for animals to new heights, throwing them birthday parties and dressing them in the purr-fect outfits. (I couldn't resist using an animal pun.)

I myself have been a cat lover my entire life, owning several of varying genders, sizes, and personalities. At present, I have a sassy Calico named Callie who seems intent on finding (and claiming) the most unexpected nooks and crannies in my apartment for lounging.

Cats have a special affinity with writers like myself. Their quiet, often lazy disposition makes them ideal companions, especially when we're typing away at the keyboard.

I respect dog lovers -- and they're abundant -- who want nothing to do with cats. Frankly, I like dogs, but there's no arguing the fact that they're much higher maintenance than their feline counterparts. A day doesn't go by where a dog in my complex passes up the opportunity to engage in a bark-a-palooza upon so much as hearing me walk by.

No matter the animal of your choice, pets remind us that a simple life can be satisfying. Best of all, they give us unconditional love. They don't judge.

Human beings get so hung up with material possessions that we lose sight of the things that really matter.

We forget that something as simple as chatting over coffee with a friend or taking your four-legged furball for a walk can be a delightful (and cheap) way to pass the time.

Cats and dogs don't have nearly as much at their disposal in the way of entertainment as we do. (Netflix, anyone?) Still, they manage to make do with treats, squeaky toys, laser pointers, balls of yarn, and plain old affection from their owners.

When a pet dies, it can be like losing a close friend, a family member. That's why we should make the most of the time we have them. And even if we opt to get a new cat or dog after they've passed, there will always be a special place in our hearts reserved solely for them.

Pets, moreover, teach us a host of valuable lessons, among them the simple fact that we can find happiness in the simplest things. If they can do it, so can we.

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