It is a dog
That is how I see it.
Yes, it is a dog. But I have relatives who are unable to have children, and for different reasons, are unable to adopt. Their pets, while not their children, are all they have, as a substitute. My son and daughter-in-law fall into that category. They have had to put down their precious pets, when those pets became old and infirm, and medical care would only prolong their suffering. It was traumatic, but they had no choice. After a time of grieving, they adopted more animals to fill the gaping wound. Yes, it is just a dog, but it has great value to those who love it, especially if it’s all they’ve got.
“It is a dog”
That’s harsh advise for some but in the end that’s just how it is.