We all have best friends. Our family, school acquaintances, and even co-workers. Although all of these relationships leave us feeling satisfied, the majority of us keep searching for a deeper connection. Perhaps it’s because we feel like we can’t be our true selves when people are constantly judging us. As a result, we turn to animals as companions. Dogs, cats, even an array of fish – the connection we feel with these creatures is beyond words. After all, they will always be there for you when you need them – ready to listen and cuddle, without any interruptions. Who wouldn’t want such a bond?

For centuries humans and their pets have created relationships that last a lifetime. In 2005, statistics reported that millions of homeowners were spending billions of dollars on their favorite pets. With an abundance of toys, medical bills, and pet clothing, over $4 billion was spent in 2005 alone. Clearly the obsession with pets has become a worldwide phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.

We all have known someone who would rather help an injured puppy on the side of a road than a human. So why exactly are these feelings so strong? Animals represent everything we want in a friend. We crave loyalty, trustfulness, and a real sense of compassion. While pets cannot “talk,” they certainly do show emotions through their behavior, actions, and sounds. When these animals display such qualities, our basic human needs are fulfilled. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, wants to be appreciated and loved.  Additionally, it is almost like they are human, because they share the same emotions. Thus, we want to feel comforted when something tragic or upsetting happens. For instance, many people claim that if they are feeling depressed, their pets automatically know. Therefore, they are quick to pay close attention to their needs and always seem to understand where they are coming from.

An additional reason why pets represent family is because they are similar to children. When children are young, they often need supervision and an unvarying amount of love. Since they do not have voices, they need further attention. For instance, when they are sick, they need their parents to take them to the doctors and get them medicine. They even need help with their diapers and being fed. Pets are similar when it comes to the act of nurturing. They simply cannot fend for themselves when they are ill and need food, which makes them even more innocent and frail. Consequently, it forces us to feel good knowing that we can watch over something and nurture it.

No matter what happens to the world, pets will always be family. They represent a part of us that we rarely show to anyone. Regardless of boyfriend troubles, employment problems, or low points in life, pets will always be there waiting at the door. It is a comforting feeling to know that someone loves you, no matter what happens beyond your bedroom walls. For these reasons, owners feel lucky to have such close friends. Just because they aren’t human, doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings. As George Elliot once stated, “Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” With that said, the bond between an animal and his owner makes a lot more sense.

The author Pascal Erdmann is the owner of PetThoughts www.petthoughts.com a comprehensive pet online community.