As veterinarians we realize that the world of pet "owners" is divided into two simple categories. Those who believe that their pets are an integral part of their families, and those who believe that their pets are "possessions".

Not every relationship in a family is equal. The rapport between a husband and wife is so different than that between a sister and brother, or between a step father and step-child, or a half-brother and half-sister. But all these relationships are built on a foundation of love and trust, compassion and caring... and that's no different than the relationship we have with our pets.

In fact, anyone who has owned a dog, knows that the only unconditional love we will ever know, probably will come from our dogs, who ask so little in return. And cats, although they may not show it in such opaque terms as a dog might, give us a love that is deep and rewarding.

This page is dedicated to those of us who already believe that our pets deserve to live as parts of our family, entitled to the love and devotion from us that they so readily give TO us. They deserve to live happy, healthy, pain-free lives, and are entitled to quality veterinary care, great boarding facilities when they can't go on vacation with rest of the family, and above all, love and tenderness and empathy.

This page is also meant to help change the attitudes of those unfortunate millions who still might not realize the joy and satisfaction of embracing pets as family members, those millions of people who think a cat is cold and unfeeling, and that a dog can live his or her whole life outdoors in a run.

This page is meant to proselytize to the unknowing masses of people that pets deserve to enjoy a full life, doing the the things that make them happy, all the while bringing happiness to us.

So join us, and send the link to this page to your friends. Contribute stories that will touch not OUR hearts, but the hearts of those who still don't understand that our PETS ARE FAMILY!

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