Quote Originally Posted by Karen View Post
It's funny, I realized after I posted it that I sometimes think "I bet X was raised without pets" or "I am glad that person doesn't have a dog ..." or "X needs a hamster" ...

Even though I know people who are completely different toward animals than they are people! So I know, when I think about it, that just because someone acts callous and mean toward people, that doesn't mean they act that way toward animals ... but my first impulse doesn't take that into account!
I appreciate your perspective Karen. My father, bless him, was very austere when it came to raising children (wonder why ) however, he had the softest heart for anything in a fur coat and 4 legs I was never allowed to do many of the things Dad let my pets get away with An example? Feeding my dog secret goodies under the table when I was trying to train her not to beg And taking her for car rides anytime she asked And as for our cat .... well Sam had a very privileged life my Dad coddled and spoiled him rotten

That isn't to say my Dad was unkind to people (or children for that matter) he just preferred the company of his furry friends He was a good influence on me in that way because I learned to love and respect animals at an early age.