[sinkspur]

But No. 2418 warns it is "unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery." Moreover, the text explains, while one can love animals, "one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons." Spoil the beast, maybe, but first spare the child.

This logic would dictate that no one should EVER spend money on pets, since there will always be human misery somewhere.

The fact is, much of the money spent on human relief goes down political rat holes in third world countries, and to overhead of bloated charities.

Find and support those charities that truly do good work (like Food for the Poor and the Salvation Army).

My charitable donations for Katrina went EQUALLY to the Salvation Army and other charities for humans, but also Operation Kindness and Best Friends, for animals.

The Catholic Church has yet to contemporize its understanding of the value of pets in the lives of human beings. One day it will do so, and realize the important value they have to their human companions.

[caryatid]

The Catholic Church has yet to contemporize its understanding of the value of pets in the lives of human beings. One day it will do so, and realize the important value they have to their human companions.

I am heartened by the fact that [it has been reported] His Holiness has a decided fondness for cats.