My little Yorkie spends a lot of her time on my recliner with me. When I see her sleeping there, I think of her knowing she is loved and cared for. She is sleeping without worry.
And, I think of dogs that don’t have good masters - a dog’s life is in our hands. Dog’s are not “things” - they are thinking creatures who respond to those around them.
I had another Yorkie for 17 years and it was hard when she died of cancer.
Critters almost seem to be fuzzy angels sent to train us and to be dirtbag detectors. When you see someone who treats their pets like crap, you can bank on them being substandard in the human department.
You’ll notice that often your own can sense the heart of strangers too. A long time ago, dog, horse and cat threw their lot in with humanity (Cat said “ahhh, maybe I’ll do evenings if the fire is good”... lol) and they (even cat) are allies and companions to be treated justly.