If any of you read my post about rescuing Sammy cat, (under the cat rescue forum), that the woman who surrendered him to me had a similiar attitude. Many cat "owners" only have a pet cat because of something other than unconditional love that a pet offers. I remember her stating that "he keeps running in front of me". I said, that "when they do that it is usually because they want something" ( usually some attenition, at least, this is what I was thinking but didn't say anything.) I also told her that I was here to see some seal-point Siamese cats. That is when she offered Sammy cat to me.

After joining this group almost 2 years ago, I have come to appreciate my pets more and more. It is a matter of education vs practicality in cat ownership. Those who only value a pet cat because of utilitarian purposes, are most likely to view their pet as a thing added to their ownership among other goods. Yet, those of us who value our pets because they are living beings, and offer unconditional friendship, are those who consider them as part of our family. There is a vast difference. I am grateful to those of you who have taught through example, how to really value my furkids.

.........wayne