We not only love our cats and Sam dearly, we plan part of our lesiure time to be spent with them - not because we have to, but because they are more entertaining than TV, movies or dinner out!
Plus they TRUST us so much to care for them and about them that we feel good that we created that kind of bond with them.
We hang out with people who treat their animals the same way and yes, I admit it. I judge character based on how someone treats their pets or animals in general. It tells me a whole lot about them.