I have always liked animals better than people, and get tremendously attached in fairly short order to an animal. For me, I think part of it is because I have determined that I will never have children, but a pet still gives me a little soul to love, a little life that depends on me to give my own life some structure and responsibility. A little creature who will love me with the unconditional love of a child, but for their whole lives. They listen when I talk to them, don’t talk back or yell, have ulterior motives or hidden agendas, they don’t lie to me or take advantage of me. I don’t have to worry about them judging me, so I am free to be my authentic self.

And it’s nice to have a little fluffy animal to cuddle when I’m sad.