Zoom Pet Photography via Getty Images
Kinship: it's not just about the bond you have with your friends and family.
Your pets are as important a part of your relationship with the world: they don't care whether you haven't put the bin out, or even that you're in a cranky mood - they explode with love and joy the minute you come into the room.
(With the possible exception of Grumpy Cat).
We asked our readers and HuffPost and AOL staff to name some of their pets and why they love them so much. Take a look and tweet us your pics!
Readers' Pets
Dave Leonard(01 of21)
"Hamble is my Chow Chow and she is 10 months old. Hamble came along at a time when I had loads of great change in my life. I was getting married, had extensive refurbishments on my house going on and work was going mental - so in terms of timing, it was terrible! "She came from a breeder (with a penchant for Abba) based in Lincolnshire. Her pedigree name is ‘The day before you came’, named after the (highly underated) Abba song. The breeder gave us loads of support and tips to help Hamble have the best start in life. No matter how my bad my day is or however rubbish I feel, Hamble is always there to greet me with wags and licks. "She is also very protective over my partner and I, which is very funny when our friends try to get in the way of her and us. I highly recommend to anyone thinking of getting a dog to do it now. Your life can work around them and the amount of joy (and exercise) that they bring into your life is invaluable to your wellbeing." (credit:Dave Leonard)
Christine Cawthorne(02 of21)
"My cats never fail to make me laugh!" (credit:Christine Cawthorne)
David Hobbs(03 of21)
"This is one of our friendly neighbours. We haven't got a name for her, so Foxy will do and she lives with her family in a den in the garden adjoining ours. "We're pretty sure it's the same family group that has been there since we moved in nearly 14 years ago and every year there are new cubs jumping around the garden when they don't think anyone's watching. That makes us very happy although the local pigeons aren't quite so keen - nor as numerous any more." (credit:David Hobbs)
Paul Vale(04 of21)
"I like my dog Dr Watson because he dresses like Jack Regan from The Sweeney." (credit:Paul Vale)
Ebona Eastmond Henry(05 of21)
"This is Little Foot. She is a rescue cat that I've had for almost seven years. She looks pretty fearsome in this shot, but she's just mid yawn."Despite hating water, she's often found sitting suspiciously in the bath tub once the water has drained out." (credit:Ebona Eastmond Henry)
Erin Latham(06 of21)
"Milo - he's a seven-month old wire fox terrier, who loves tea, scrambled eggs and cuddles. "He's a ball of energy, jumping everywhere, always after attention, always so happy to meet people and makes me filled loved every time I walk through the door... he also knows how to open my bedroom door and sneak into bed with me!" (credit:Erin Latham)
Sue Seaman(07 of21)
"This is my gorgeous companion Holly, who was a rescue at 13 weeks old, now rides shotgun everywhere I go." (credit:Sue Seaman)
Amy Laughinghouse(08 of21)
"I love him because he keeps my head warm at night. A jaunty cha(t)peau is one politically correct way to wear fur." (credit:Amy Laughinghouse)
Gordon Richards (09 of21)
"I love my dog Huey because he loves everybody the same." (credit:Gordon Richards )
Lucy Sherriff(10 of21)
"This is Emily, my 9-year-old black labrador who still acts like a puppy and lies next to me when I'm feeling ill." (credit:Lucy Sherriff)
Violet Gibbs(11 of21)
"Viggo (after the actor Viggo Mortensen) is a lovely, larger than life Bearded Dragon lizard. We got her as a baby, she was unwanted (I can't understand how!)."We fell straight in love with her when we bought her home and she has been the family pet for two years now. Viggo has a habit of sulking if we get home late from work. She will sit in her wooden cave with her back to us and not come out for the rest of the evening. "If she wants to come out of her vivarium and sit with us for a while, she will stand on two legs and press her belly and her face up against the glass of her tank and run from side to side to let us know. She will run around and then come and sit on the sofa with us and watch TV before going back in. "There were lots of surprising moments with her - finding out she loves swimming, having her eat from our hands and watching her wiggle her bum like a cat when she jumps up stairs but the funniest thing that comes to mind is when she was a baby, we had a plastic alligator that she used to think was a rival and attack- it was the cutest thing!" (credit:Violet Gibbs)
Michelle Bolton(12 of21)
"Saffy is a beautiful dog and we all love her." (credit:Michelle Bolton)
Mocha Hazlehurst(13 of21)
"This is a picture of my dog Bertie, otherwise known as Boo. I have had dogs before but he is the first dog I have raised from puppyhood. I love him unconditionally in much the same way as I love other members of my kith and kin. "Boo is a good soul and given the chance will fetch anyone into his pack. He greats everyone we meet with enthusiasm and has taught us to be similarly open faced and friendly. Boo was a birthday present from my husband who knew how much I wanted a dog and I still thank him at least once a week for my hairy, mischievous and loving friend." (credit:Mocha Hazlehurst)
Nicky Granger(14 of21)
"My adopted cat Hendrix wakes us up at various points in the night just to get some loving. Somehow, however exhausted we are generally happy to oblige - he’s that adorable. He could make an empty room cosy just by entering - that's his super power - Supercosy." (credit:Nicky Granger)
Veronica(15 of21)
"I'd like to nominate our 14-year-old Zacky Wacky who's been with us through thick and thin and is gentleman enough to know to wipe his feet on the welcome mat every time he comes through our front and back door." (credit:Veronica)
Marie-Christine Napier(16 of21)
"Norrm is a Newfoundland pup, is 8 months old tomorrow and weighs 55kg. He is a beautiful, kind, enormous teddy bear. I don't mind that he turns the house into a mud bath or rests his nose on the dining room table. He gives me Eskimo kisses in the morning and at bed time. He makes me laugh and softens my heart." (credit:Marie-Christine Napier)
Freddie(17 of21)
"Ollie was rescued from the streets of London six years ago. He was covered in mange, emaciated and terrified. Now he is fond of a long leisurely sleep on the sofa, chicken fried rice, and yoghurt. His favourite pastime is swimming, contemplating how to get his next treat and chasing imaginary rabbits. "Little Nell was given up as an unwanted gift. Apparently she suffered from rage, though it turned out she was just very clever, bossy, and a diva, who liked to be centre of attention and prone to throwing a "Britney" when things get too much. She adores puddles, wagging her luxurious tail, play fighting and all kinds of food, though is currently on a low fat "Cavewoman" diet." (credit:Freddie)
Asa Bennett(18 of21)
"I'd pick my Weimaraner Sylvie. Ever since she joined my family, she has been very sweet and protective about us. She still thinks she's a puppy even though she's now seven years old, so she'll still try to sit on my lap if I'm sat watching TV - even if there's not much space! "Her daftness still makes me laugh as she can even try to chew the post when it's delivered - as if it's some sort of intruder. She can be utterly silly but is lovely really, as well a natty dresser." (credit:Asa Bennett)
Kirsty Rees-Sealeaf(19 of21)
"I have four rescue animals- including three cats. Our newest addition is Sansa, a 13-month old Staffordshire cross."When we got her (via a friend who had taken her from her abusive previous owners) Sansa was thin, riddled with worms and fleas, and had a broken tail. She had very little personality, and was terrified of everything- except me and my husband."The injuries Sansa received before she came to us left her permanently incontinent: creative thinking around this has led to her wearing nappies around the house, which she is tolerant of.I love my cats but Sansa and I have a special link - from the second I met her, she's been a mummy's girl."As I write this I have her snuggled up into my side. Sansa is a constant, through everything she provides the unconditional love that you only get from dogs, jumping up and down when I have good news, licking the tears from my face when I have bad. I don't know what I'd do without her." (credit:Kirsty Rees-Sealeaf)
Kitty Vine(20 of21)
"Talisker is part staffie, lab, whippet. My husband bought her for me from Battersea Dogs home as a (very) early 1st year wedding anniversary present."Battersea named her Sparkle which we thought was a bit cutesy so we opted for a less girly name of Talisker - my husband’s favourite whisky. A lot of people are nervous of Staffies because of the way the media portray them - but I can honestly say Talisker would sooner lick you to death than be aggressive." (credit:Kitty Vine)
Christina Kelly(21 of21)
"Babygirl - my cat. I got her when I moved in to my first flat, she's pretty special, she was an only kitten & even though she can be a bit anti social she lights up my life with her cute fluffy face. "I particularly love the way that she waits outside my front door for me every evening. Her claim to fame - she loves to show off by doing roly polies." (credit:Christina Kelly)
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