I have basically grown up having dog as part of the family. I still have two dogs back home whom i cared for by feeding them, bathing, going on walks, chilling in parks and basically playing with them (we all need exercise, might as well have fun while at it). I always have treated dogs like us human. I feel just because they are animals, We should not assume they feel anything less. Never had a cat as a pet but always loved them. I am a shy and a quite person so around animals i feel the most comfort, therefore I always preferred staying home with my fur babies. In some cases, animals are kinder and better company :)