PJ, Thank you for this piece. I have had a dog now for almost 10 years. She is a rescue, the sweetest pit mix you will ever meet. Before her i had 2 cats, both with very different personalities and both have passed beyond the rainbow to their heaven. I miss my cats very much. I don't have a preference, I have love all of them like children since they have been my only children. They are my babies. Even cats can give unconditional love. I miss that purring sound from my cats and I swear my dog took the spirit of my first kitty, Sam, into herself when he passed. She almost makes a purring noise when I pet her. It is amazing how animals can teach us love.