My life would not be the same without my pets. To me, they are just furry - or feathered - members of the family. Tiger, my first cat, is credited for teaching me how to walk. At the age of 2, I convinced my mom to bring a stray kitten who I named Little Kitty into our family and she stayed with us until I was 21. Smoky was my best friend during my darkest and most depressing times. Lulu inspires me because of her strength as she braved the wilderness and had kittens when she was less than a year old before my mom rescued her. Jovie, the baby of the family who was just rescued in December, never fails to bring a smile to my face through her peppy energy and cuddles. My life would not be the same without my pets, and I believe the love that they provide are essential to the wellbeing of many.