Man's Best Friend

Yes, there are some pet owners that do go a bit overboard in their treatment of four-legged friends. I too shudder when I see cats in strollers or dogs in handbags. It is terribly obnoxious to hear people "baby-talk" with their "pwecious wittle Foo Foo".

That being said, I do think dogs, cats, fish, and birds can all be enjoyed as sources of companionship. Nothing makes us more human than when we are taking care of another human person. In a similar way, when we are responsible for and take care of one of God's little furry creatures, we can become more compassionate human beings.

Being with our pets, however, does not mean we should neglect our neighbors and those actual people who are in great need of human companionship. (Stop in any nursing home and you'll soon experience the desires for basic human interaction). Rather, having a pet should make us aware of how much we are responsible for the care of others, especially other humans.

Whenever we spend time with "man's best friend," let us remember that poochie is simply preparing us to go out, encounter others, touch lives, and become a "best friend to [actual] man".

And now, a picture of my dog, Mr. Barky: