Pets are animals that live with us and share our lives. Even if you don't have pets under your roof – such as a horse that lives in its own stable – they are important to us at an emotional level and can feel like they are a part of the family. Many people will suffer from grief if one of their pets passes away. Indeed, the relationships we form with them can be very complex. Although some animal rights activists argue that pet ownership objectifies them, most people agree that keeping a pet is humane, especially if the creature concerned has been domesticated in a similar manner to the way cats and dogs historically have. That said, few people advocate keeping wild animals as pets these days.