I think caring for another human being is much more complicated than taking care of a pet.

The question is a bit confusing because do you mean a human being who is a stranger? Few people would get that deeply involved (even though they may take care of a loved one), whereas they would consider adopting a stray cat or dog or one from a humane shelter.

The unconditional love from a pet is so open and honest, and if a stranger (human being) is sick and needs taken care of, he or she will probably not be in a good mood and perhaps not appreciate what is being done for them because they are in pain from a physical ailment or whatever is wrong.

A pet is a good companion, and there are many surveys that prove that having a pet is very calming and has many advantages for both the health and happiness of its owner.

To me, a person has the capacity and capability to care for itself in most instances, if they don't take that initiative they don't deserve to be cared for. I was never one to help someone who won't help themselves. Animals on the other hand that are kept as pets have had this ability taken from them. We have domesticated these animals into a state they can no longer survive without out our help and so are obligated to their care the same way we are a child when we decide to become parents.

I also feel that animals in general have an innocence and honesty that humanity does not. I would trust an animal I didn't know before I would trust a human being I didn't know. My preference for animals over most human beings is swayed by this.

At least that's how I view it.

I believe it is easy to love a dog or a cat. They never speak out in anger and say hurtful things. They never gossip about you or talk about you behind your back.

I think maybe that is why you would see people being that way about pets and not about actual people.

To love the unlovable is the hardest job we have on this planet in my opinion.

Hmm... I don't quite agree that people care more about pets than to other people. Maybe you're just basing this on a particular person or just a small number of people. But if you'll try to broaden your perspective, you'll realize that people care more about their fellow being. Example, there are more NGO's out there reaching out for people than for animals. In times of need or disaster, I'll bet you'll save a child over a dog, right?

In my country and other countries out there, people doesn't pay much attention to animals or pets. There's even no animal shelter here in my place. :( Some dogs and even cats sadly were being eaten by some people. :( Some pets were even abused. Sad but this is really happening.

With your other question, why would a person take care of a pet than another human being? It is because pets are supposed to be taken care by us. Pets don't have free will. They act based on instinct. While other people out there have their own minds. They can survive. They can work to provide themselves clothes, food and shelter. Okay, of course some other people are having difficulties in life that sometimes, its good to reach out for them. But you know, in the end, they could also do something for themselves. Humans can manage, they don't have to depend their life to others.

I definitely care about animals more than people. I'll admit it. Here's why:

#1 - Animals are the weaker, more vulnerable creatures. They don't have a voice and can't usually help themselves.

#2 - Human beings are aware of right and wrong, beyond instinct. They make conscious choices to hurt others and to act selfishly or stupidly.

#3 - When a human is hurt or sick, people throw charity benefits to raise money to help them (or they hopefully use insurance to get medical treatment). When an animal is hurt or sick, rarely is there a charity event for money. They get euthanized.

#4 - Humans have the capacity to understand why. They get cause and effect and can communicate. Animals don't know what's going on or why bad things happen to them. They need our extra protection and help.

#5 - No animal (that I'm aware of) has ever raped, carjacked, hijacked, or suicide-bombed others.

#6 - Animals don't have lawyers.

#7 - Many animals (especially pets) give and give affection to the very end of their days.

#8 - Humans take and take to the very end of their days.

#9 - Humans already have legal, medical, and governmental advocates. Animals have a handful of activists.

#10 - When animals sense danger, like storms or natural disasters, they flee for their lives. When humans hear hurricanes are coming, they pull out their shotgun and some plywood and say "I'm not a-leavin', that hurrincan' can cummin get me!"

#11 - Animals are great listeners and compassionate companions. Human therapists charge hundreds per hour.

#12 - Cats purr. Humans yell.

#13 - I've never heard of an animal launching a UFO balloon and calling on other animals to save their kid, who's hidden in a barn, all to get a reality show contract. (Right?)

Plus I really do observe anecdotally every day that people have a lot more people pulling for them than animals do. I'm proud to stand up for gods' creatures who can't stand up for themselves. To me, that's one of the duties of being the dominant species, we look after those who can't help themselves.

great questions, something i was recerntly discussing with my cousin... as we were discussing this topic i was mentioning to him, the reason i want to become a vet vs a doctor as he asked me why i did not want to become a vet. I told him simply... People are s--tty... Time and Time again peopel lie, cheat, abuse and neglect one another it is not right it is inhumane and something I would not care to be apart of helping. As our conversation continued I told him that animals are more humane then people as they care nothing about money, greed etc they are unselfish in so many ways... They are what makes my life so much better and I only wish to see them live longer and be healthy as that is why i want to become a vet.

mike !

Sometimes, yes. Because most animals are loyal friends than most humans.