A couple of weeks ago, I read an opinion piece in The Guardian, wherein the author shared her thoughts about pet ownership, arguing that humans don’t have the right to own other animals, and deriding the suggestion that domesticated animals and humans may have special bonds.

At the time I read the article, it was the middle of a work day but I was lying in my dimmed bedroom having just chugged a handful of painkillers to try to stave off some fairly horrendous joint pain. I took this photo, intending to send it to the author of the article, to show her what companionship with animals looks like, but then decided there was no point. You either get it, or you don’t.

You either get the feeling of contentment that comes from having dozey dog’s nosed shoved in the crook of your arm, or you don’t.

You either get a rush of love when you see your cat decadently spread out on the arm of a chair, or you don’t.

You either get that a dog can smile, and that his smile can bring you joy even on your most desperate days, or you don’t.

You either get that you can mourn an animal like you would a person, and then still feel teary when you think of them two years later, or you don’t.

I’ve used this quote before, but it bears repeating.

Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. – Anatole France

To those of you who get it, please post pictures of your furry friends here or on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/boobinabox/ – nothing better than a screen full of beloved pets to make my day. And to those of you who don’t get it – you have my sympathies.