I think people are getting defensive and reading too much into things. No one said someone who left their dogs for vacation didn't love them as much. I suffer from anxiety problems, and it flares so badly when I leave them that I just avoid it. I wish conversations in which people differed in feelings a bit didn't turn into people feeling defensive about their stance. I read over the responses again and no where did I see anyone suggesting that people who left their pets must love them less.