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Many, many, many people look after animals at home for whatever reasons. This is not news to most but why we do it is quite a complex science.

They can cause huge amounts of expense what with food, insurance, vets bills, toys and general care. Our lives are compromised by having to find carers to step in if holidays or days out are desired. Don’t mention the mess and endless cleaning one has to endure and the ruination and destruction of carpets, furniture and possessions.

Dogs need walking, cats a place to sleep and all the other demands put on humans from all the other creatures we keep as home companions.

So why do we do it?

Companionship, fun, an excuse to exercise, a common bond, its something always that is done, responsibility, kindness or to be socially accepted or keep up with the Jones?

Maybe its a bit of all.

I know that my little chap (a 12ish year old Jack Russell-Patterdale cross in brown) brings me friendship, company, laughter, love and an excuse to be silly. He is just there when I leave the house and when I return and I get the same sense of welcome whether it be a few minutes of a number of hours. He is a good boy but a total DICK when out and about if other animals are within nose, ear or eye shot. Most of the time a lead and a watchful eye from me is enough coupled with finding suitable places to go at the right time.

It’s hard to have guests or strangers to sit him as he would eat them so time away is very limited.

Would I trade him in? No. We have grown to love each other and I have the proud feeling that I saved him from either a short or painfully bad life as he was a rescue dog with a very sad and harsh few years start.

Animals are unpredictable and that is what makes the so vital to our lives. What is natural for them to do is funny to us humans and learning how to interpret these actions is also part of the good experience.

Yes there are bad owners or keepers and they should be ashamed of themselves and it really upsets me to think about the hardships put on animals at their cruel hands. However, there are folk who mistreat other humans, children and themselves so it is hardly a surprise. I just hope they are becoming less and less.

Jack, my terrorist pet, is much a part of the family as anyone and he has the same value and integrity as any member too. It this that I think puts us apart. Okay he is not a human in a little furry suit but he is almost that but treated with that little bit of respect that has to be given as an unpredictable animal.

I just hope that he is happy as he makes me happy and shares my all.