Originally posted by jenluckenbach
I am attempting to picture this event inside my head, and I must honestly say that I might not. (I am REALLY afraid of pain). But then again, the REAL situation might feel differently at the time.

My pets are very important to me. I think of their well-being by constant vet care, the right foods, and enough comforts for them to be happy. I love them unconditionally (even when they are bad) and I can't ever picture myself voluntarily ever giving one of them up. I spend countless dollars on them even before I buy the new winter coat that I desperately need, but would I go into serious debt for them? ......probably not.

Does this make me a pet owner instead of a pet parent? I don't know. All I know is that sometimes you need to be realistic and not optimistic.

But slick, you are NOT wrong! And I admire people who value their animals 100% over themselves. Maybe I am just not that good of a person.

I agree with this. I do love my pets very much, and have made many, many sacrifices for their well-being. But would I die for them? No, I would not. I would not leave my child an orphan and my family distraught to save the life of one of my pets.