Although my cat companions join me in city life, I also love dogs. I grew up on a large Angus cattle farm and Border Collies tended the herd. They were intelligent, loyal, playful and endlessly affectionate. I have had the privilege of knowing cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, mules, ducks, chickens, parakeets and rabbits. And so, to all creatures great and small, I say thank you for enriching my life. I'll see you again on the Rainbow Bridge.


The word pet comes from the Middle English word pety meaning small, trivial or insignificant. For centuries, pets were considered inferior to humans. For this reason, some animal rights activists suggest that we eliminate the word pet from our vocabulary and use the phrase companion animal instead. But pet can also mean cherished, beloved and favored. It is in this sense of love and respect that I use the word here.

Go to next page: The Fragile Circle of Life

My E-mail:

Christine@thegrievingheart.info