Today's pets play a bigger role in the family than ever before. In a Hartz Human-Animal Bond survey, 76 percent of pet owners surveyed say their pet is their loyal companion and part of the family.

Pets are sleeping in their owners' beds at night; they accompany the family on vacation; they receive presents at Christmas; their birthdays are celebrated, too. Many people consider their pet their best friend. (Dogs are "man's best friend.")

Pets have also been shown to reduce owners' stress, with a resultant lowering of their blood pressure. In a recent study of pet owners, 73 percent of female respondents said they are more likely to date or marry someone who also has a pet. (Seen the movie Must Love Dogs yet?)

When my parents were older, I gave them a golden retriever named Barkley to keep them company after the loss of their previous dog. He went everywhere with them and protected them in their older age.

Alas, when Mom and Dad died, Barkley was only 6 years old. He went to live with my sister and her two kids, who loved him until the ripe old age of 15. When we finally had to put Barkley to sleep, we grieved for the loss of a wonderful pet, but we also felt we had lost a loving direct connection to our parents.

This illustrates how strongly pets can become a part of your family.

In respect for our beloved pets, we need to nurture this bond by being the best buddy to them - by educating ourselves about their innate behavior; by understanding their physical and emotional needs; and by returning the abundant, unconditional love they give us constantly.

Remember: Who is always happy to greet you at the end of the day with a big sloppy kiss, or a purr?