Animals have the ability to bring out the tenderness in people, they are non threatening, self sacrificing and love unconditionally.

But what to do when we have to. Our neighbors dogs recently got out and destroyed their garage, all their camping gear, car, rafts, Christmas decorations, it was a sad day. While he can't express love or tenderness to people, he routinely tells his dog that he loves him as he tucks him bed at night. But for the most part they bring joy. They do have hard time producing grandchildren though. We all understand the value of having pets.

For this reason pet ownership is on the raise, people are realizing more and more the value of pets. They are companions and friends when the rest of the world seems against you. I have an autistic brother in law who has trouble relating with the two legged kind of animals he lives with, namely all humans.

Animals are great for teaching children responsibility, unselfishness and love. He has a little dog that he loves. As people have less children their has been in increase in pet ownership also, in many cases taking the place of children.

Animals bring pleasure and pain, we have all had experiences where the family pet cost more in damages than they warrant.