Cats

Genevieve would have had many fur brothers and sisters: four cats, two dogs, and a guinea pig whose day job is being a classroom pet. She is so loved. 

My dogs don't seem to have noticed how sad I am, but the cats definitely have. They come out of their way to snuggle me or rub against my leg. The dogs just sit there with a dopey look on their face like "play with me, pet me, throw the ball."  The cats understand I'm in pain. They let me love on them a bit more than they would have tolerated before. 

Before they were all I needed to be cheered up. That was before I met my angel and understood how much I could love someone. They still try to make me feel better, they always try.