Isn't it funny how we don't realize what we have until it's gone. Like the parent who pushes the kids off to college only to suffer from empty nest syndrome a week later, or like the guy that sells his hot rod only to spend the rest of his life drooling at ever car show in town. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have someone show you in advanced the consequences of your actions or show you what the world would be should you never have been born?

Just think for a moment, it's evening, you're just getting home from work. You enter the house to be greeted by your family, but there is only one exception, there are no pets. No one ever thought to domesticate dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, and even snakes. So you say your hellos and then start to get ready for dinner. You're then told how your son is having difficulties in school because he doesn't communicate well with others. Mom and Dad were always working and without that pet to interact with he just kept to himself.

After dinner you sit in front of the television. You drape you arm over the side of the chair, but there's no fur rubbing against your hand. No dog to curl up at your feet. No cat curling around your neck. Then the phone rings, it's your sister. She's calling you because she's alone and needs someone to talk to, because she doesn't have those fish, an African Grey, or that lovable French Bulldog to talk to. She tells you about her blind neighbor who needs to have someone guide her around.

The morning comes as scheduled so you get up grab your shower, eat breakfast, and you're out the door. Wait, what's this, no morning jog? But you need to get that body weight down. Oh, wait, there was no dog to walk to give you that extra push to get out and get moving. You then turn on the radio to hear reports of wild dogs terrorizing the public, and uncontrollable amounts of wild rabbits causing numbers of auto accidents.

Finally you come home for lunch. The house is empty. The silence is maddening, you could really use someone to talk to or curl up on your lap. But that would be silly, because animals don't belong in doors, and animals are dangerous. As you sit there in your cold, quite house, you realize how truly alone you are. Then your silence is broken by the sound of your PDA chiming with a reminder that you need to see your Psychiatrist today. Hopefully he will find the root to your depression. As you walk out the door you think, 'There must be something missing!' Suddenly you wake up to the feeling of a wet nose poking your face, a purring in your ear, and you breath a sigh of relief that it was only a nightmare.

How much would you miss pets if you sudden found yourself in a life with out them? Doesn't it make sense to enjoy every minute we can with them? So today take some time and just think about what your life would be without your pets. If you don't have a pet, just dialup your local shelter or rescue. Together we all can see to it that we never have to live a life without PETS!

Inspired by Natercia Clanton and Jimmy Stewart.