Recently a friend sent me a story about her dog Bonnie. It is a very warm story of unconditional love; the kind of love only our pets can give; except my cat.

My cat Victoria, or I should say, “Our cat,” allows me to give her insulin shots, feed her, and care for her when she is sick, but does not care about me. She “loves unconditionally” my wife Ann. Victoria sits with Ann, follows her into the bathroom, comes looking for her when Ann is out of the house, and sleeps with her–snuggled right up against her. If I get on the bed when the two of them are napping together, Victoria jumps off as if to say, “You’re not invited!” Then she gives me a clear message that I am her servant not a fellow cat. So, I am low in the household hierarchy.

Victoria, talks with me in very authoritative terms. She will come into the room where our TV set is located and order me to turn on the TV so she can watch cartoons and action programs. She specifically likes to watch the Animal Channel. Because I am her servant, naturally I turn on the TV and tune it to the Animal Channel.

Sometimes she sits on the couch to watch, but if the action is stirring, she jumps down to get closer to the action and frequently goes behind the TV to see if those creatures are back there ready to play. Mostly, however, she lounges in front of the TV and just enjoys watching big cats hunt game, and programs about dogs.

Once she told me that it was a wonder to her how anything could be worse than a dog. I told her there are dog people who wonder why cats are allowed to become the rulers of their domiciles. We argued about it for a few days and I realized that I was losing the debate, so I quit.

We love our pets. They make an empty nest full. They help an ebbing life be happier. Pets help a depressed person find joy.