Having been married to the same man for 53 years, together we raised 5 children. this employs years of constant loving care. Pets were always included in the family to instill responsibility to the children. This teaches children patience , as well as myself. Having said that, patience is a virtue sandwiched with love. The dressing is the unconditional love that is received from the pet who lives in the family. The pet is part of the family. I spent many years in the school system, tending to "special needs children" This made my realization concrete that I was blessed to succeed at raising children without special needs, to provide them with a pet that required special attention. In return, a pet provides unconditional love.