Is it possible to love an animal?

4/17/2010 | Krankor

[Krankor]

Is it possible to actually "love" an animal- like a cat or dog? Any Freepers love their pet? How about those with non-traditional pets? Anyone love their cow, horse, snake or pig?

[Fawn]

Would you allow your daughter run into traffic in order grab one of your dogs?

Tha'ts so stupid. Would you allow your daughter to run into traffic to save a neighbor? Really?

[Krankor]

What a beautiful girl. Um..who did the artwork?

[Fawn]

When an animal I own dies, I am very sad for a long time though my grief is not anywhere near as agonizing or prolonged as it would be if a human died.

Really? I hardly cry at all when I hear about a movie star die....but I grieve hard for years when a beloved pet of mine dies..

[Fawn]

When an animal I own dies, I am very sad for a long time though my grief is not anywhere near as agonizing or prolonged as it would be if a human died.

Really? I hardly cry at all when I hear about a movie star die....but I grieve hard for years when a beloved pet of mine dies..

[boatbums]

I think it is safe to say that God’s love extends to the creatures he created, and in loving the animals he brings into our lives, we give glory to God by imitating his love.

Hey, Mr. R! I couldn't agree more and that is why I think having pets in a family with children helps to teach them important life lessons. Responsibility, hard work, caring, feeding, grooming, patience, sharing, love and affection as well as learning to let go and grieve when the time comes. God certainly teaches us through people he brings into our lives and also through the animals he entrusts us to care for.

I've never heard of a serial killer who didn't also mistreat and abuse animals as a child. A sad, but telling, character trait. Kindness and love for animals translates into usually the same attitudes towards fellow humans.

[boatbums]

Gorgeous dogs!!!

[LucyJo]

"I used to think it was corny. Maybe I’m getting old."

Nah...just wise. : )

[Randy Larsen]

I wouldn’t cross that dogs path for all the gold in FT. Knox!

That is a serious child protector there!

Great pics!

[LucyJo]

Precious and adorable!!! How old is Coco?

[07Jack]

I have to add a picture of our "normal pet." This is Nala our Belgian Malinois.

[LucyJo]

I’m not much for reptiles, but your Belgian Malinois is gorgeous.

[Krankor]

Indeed, a handsome and noble looking canine, but Bill looked good, as well.

[rintense]

Thank you! They are my pride and joy.

[LongElegantLegs]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[LongElegantLegs]

Do you think people with mental problems are animals?

[LongElegantLegs]

If I couldn’t do it myself, yeah; I might.

[Krankor]

Aww. Two cuties. Great pic!

[Shadowstrike]

I have loved, and do love all my dogs, cats, and yes...even horses. They were my childhood playmates, I confided secrets to them like no other on Earth. They were never too tired, or in a bad mood. ALWAYS happy to spend even the briefest moment with me. I have grieved, and still do over them, in some cases more than 'human' family members. I would kill without regret anyone who even attempted to harm them. I would run into a burning building to save them. Yes, just as they would die to protect me, I would give my life to protect them. They are and where all given to me by the same God that created me. Not love them? Not protect them? That would be insulting to the very God that made them.

[Natural Born 54]

I jumped into a raging (swollen from snow melt) river in the spring when our Bibi slipped and fell down the bank. I was able to grab her collar and hook her head under my arm right away and grasp some long grass on the bank a little ways down. Getting out through the sucking mud that kept breaking away in the rushing water was actually the hardest part. I didn’t think twice about it, didn’t think at all, just went for her.

[Krankor]

What an adorable pup.