Ask Aunt B

I have found that lately I like animals better than people. I know that sounds bad but sadly it is true. What should I do?

Dear I love my Pets,

If loving your pet like they’re your soulmate is wrong, then there are a lot of people who don’t want to be right. You are in excellent company, and possibly covered in fur. The short answer? No, it’s not a problem. But since you asked Aunt B, let’s unpack this a little.

First, let me just say this: pets are not just animals. They are companions, therapists, secretkeepers, and in some cases, better listeners than any human I’ve ever met. My old dog, Brodie, used to sit by us if we were upset, like he was trying to shoulder the burden himself. And let me tell you, there was no judgment in those eyes, just unconditional love and the occasional desire to lick us. Show me a human who can match that level of support without offering unsolicited advice or getting distracted by their phone.

Loving your pet deeply says more about your capacity for love than it does about any supposed deficiency in your human relationships. You have a heart that connects. That’s a beautiful thing. And in a world that can sometimes be more chaotic than a cat in a paper bag, it makes sense that people are leaning harder into their relationships with their furry companions.

Now, let’s talk about what you might be worried about when you ask if this is a problem. Maybe someone’s rolled their eyes at your devotion. Maybe someone muttered, “It’s just a dog,” or “You treat that cat better than you treat your friends.” Or maybe, late at night, you’ve started wondering if you're using your pet as a way to avoid people. All fair concerns, so let’s break them down.

There’s a certain crowd who will never understand why anyone would prioritize a creature that can’t talk. That’s okay. Not everyone has to get it. But I wouldn’t take advice on love from someone who doesn’t know the joy of being greeted by a dog who acts like you’ve returned from war every time you come back from the mailbox.

Your love is not silly. It’s sacred. People may tease because they don’t understand that love is not a limited resource. Loving your pet deeply doesn’t mean you’re incapable of loving people. It just means you’ve found a source of joy that’s never stood you up or forgotten your birthday.

Here’s where I offer a gentle nudge: if your love for your pet is creating walls between you and other humans, if you avoid relationships, socializing, or opportunities for fear of leaving your pet’s side, that might be worth looking at.

Sometimes we bond with our pets because they feel safe. They don’t judge, and they don’t complicate things. That’s a lovely refuge, but life also needs balance. If you’re using your pet as a shield against past hurt or as a way to avoid trying again with people, then yes, we may have a soft problem, but not the kind you need to feel ashamed about. That’s just a signal that healing might be needed, not a red flag.

Ask yourself this: “Do I prefer my pet’s company because it’s easier, or because it’s more meaningful?” If it’s the second one, no worries. If it’s the first, that’s something to explore

gently, not as a failure, but as an opportunity

to grow.

And let me add this while we’re here, if the day ever comes when your beloved pet passes on (and I hope that day is far, far away), don’t let anyone tell you your grief isn’t valid. You don’t need a funeral program or a casket to mourn a soul who loved you with every ounce of their being. That kind of loss cuts deep. So does that kind of love.

The bottom line is this: you are not broken for loving your pet more than most people. You are connected, caring, and loyal. The world could use more of that. Just make sure your love for your pet is helping you grow, not keeping you stuck. And hey, if your dog, cat, bird, lizard, or hedgehog makes you a better version of yourself, then that’s something to celebrate. Let them teach you about joy, presence, loyalty, and unconditional love, and then take those lessons out into the world. We humans could sure use them.

Love,

Aunt B

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