I strongly believe that treating your companion with the same love and care that'd I'd treat my mom with would be the only way to embrace the experience. Your furry friend MUST be treated like family. Afterall they are an extension of who their owners are. It is really incredibly extraordinary the bond people develop with their pet. Some are much stronger and more profound than human relationships. The method of communication is more indepth due to pets not being able to verbally speak the way humans do. I am super flexible and am able to customize my interactions with each individual. I have watched and cared for close friends pets both old and young. I've had pets specifically dogs since I was approximately nine years of age. Enthusiasm is key.