I have always had either a cat or dog in our house. I don't usually refer to them as pets as I treat them as family members with the same discipline, hugs and loving as any other member of the household. I recently looked after a small Maltese/Shih Tzu cross for 6 months while her owners were overseas. She was due to have an operation just after her owners left. They were able to leave feeling confident that their little girl would be well looked after with all the extra attention that she required post-op. I ensured that all her dietary requirements were attended to as well as administered any medication.