I read this in the NYTimes, but it was copied from O. He pretty much sums up how I feel about pets. I’ve come to grips with my fear of large, energetic dogs so now I can be around one as long as it DOESN’T TOUCH me instead of hovering with my back turned and my eyes shut. Humans are my species and I value them far above other life forms. If I want to cuddle something I’ll go find Gerry.