Are you a cat person or a dog person? If it’s neither dogs nor cats that tickle your fancy, maybe you’ve got a soft spot for rodents, birds, or reptiles? Cultural preferences about pets vary, but all humans seem to share an innate desire for inter-species companionship. City life banishes much of nature from our daily lives, but all of our zoos, aquariums, and pet shows — not to mention our space program — betray a deep-seated desire to commune with non-human species.
Knowing that someone has a good relationship with a pet immediately earns him or her points with other pet owners. That’s because it’s much like being a parent. If you do a good job, it shows that you can feel empathy, be patient, nurture, and give and receive unconditional love.

Beyond the dog/cat issue, the type of pet you choose (or that chooses you) often reveals a lot about your personality. Maybe that’s why it’s so interesting to learn about celebrity pets.
There are two types of celebrity pet owners: those who view their pets as living fashion accessories, and those who treat them as loyal, beloved family members. Perez Hilton definitely falls into the latter category. The incredibly busy blogger and gossip gangsta had this to say about Teddy, his miniature Goldendoodle. “My dog has calmed me down. He’s made me happier than I can describe.”

In a classic case of pets taking after their owners, Teddy has become a star in his own right on PerezHilton.com. Over 160,000 viewers tuned in to watch a clip of Teddy recently after he was neutered. In the clip, Teddy runs around looking completely unfazed.

Some might be surprised to learn that Dirty Sanchez singer and busy entertainer Jackie Beat has two precious pups of her own — Baby, a Cairn Terrier, and Li’l Sister, a Chihuahua/Terrier mix. A tattoo on Jackie’s arm bears the adorable likeness of Baby, which seems oddly appropriate. Why? Because unlike the majority of tattoos that are dedicated to ephemeral love affairs, this one is dedicated to a love that will never wane. L.A.’s most famous drag queen had this to say about his two best friends. “I love my dogs, Baby and Li’l Sister, because it’s impossible to be in a bad mood around them. When I wake up in the morning, they jump around like drops of water in a skillet of hot grease. As if to say, ‘Yay! It’s a new day!’ I love to be alone, and with the dogs I can be alone but not lonely. Everyone should get a dog. They will make your life — and your heart — open up.”

David Moretti — one of the super sexy stars of here! Network’s The Lair — talked to us about his Jack Russell/Cairn terrier mix, Tess, and how she helps to keep him grounded. “Having Tess is what keeps me sane in an industry that fosters self-obsession. I put her needs before my own. Having her reminds me of my priorities in life. The most glamorous parties and hottest clubs are nothing compared to just laying on the couch with my dog, who always greets me with unconditional love, a wagging tail, and a slobbery kiss. And she doesn’t want anything but my attention. Having her has actually made me a happier, more content person all around.”

Another dog lover is drag personality Willam Belli, best known for his role as Cherry Peck on Nip/Tuck. Belli also created the hysterical YouTube sensation, Tranny McGuyver, which has been converted into a twenty-minute short film slated to tour gay and lesbian film festivals this summer. Willam shares his busy life with a Saint Bernard puppy named Warner (who occasionally gnaws on his wigs) and a three-year-old labrador named Lloyd. Willam offered this funny insight about his two best friends, “Being a pet owner has made me a more responsible person in so many ways. I put away my wigs now for fear of my dogs ripping them apart and eating them. Tell me — have you ever cleaned up dog poop that has hair extensions in it? Plus I can just strap a keg to my St. Bernard puppy’s neck and voila! Instant party!”

Not everyone is polarized on the dogs or cats issue. In fact, some people like having an interspecies menagerie. Actress, writer, and comedienne Amy Sedaris has always had a special place in her heart for foring why a new Microsofta Microsoft commercial where she portrays the manager of a bakery staffed completely by bunnies. Although she grieved after her first rabbit Tattletale passed away, she now has a new one named Dusty in her life. Sedaris likes rabbits so much that she talks about them whenever she can. When asked about Dusty she said, “Bunnies teach us lessons in so many ways. They’re always aware and listening. Curious. Smart. Always looking behind them. Street smart! They notice everything. I wonder – why did Dusty and I hook up? I was so afraid to get another bunny. She’s so different from Tattletale. But she has taught me so much, in her own way.”

Although having a pet can be extremely rewarding, there are also some downsides. The British singer Lily Allen found this out the hard way in December 2006 when her dog Maggie May was abducted. The distraught singer responded by offering ?500 for the return of her beloved pooch. In interviews she stated that the people who kidnapped her dog probably make their living by preying on the love that people feel for their pets. She felt angry that she had been forced to contribute to the cycle by paying ransom, but she didn’t feel she had much choice.

Singer/songwriter and Billboard chart topper Debby Holiday summed it up best when talking about her six-year-old adopted dogs Prince and Nikki. “They remind me to not take myself (or anyone else) so damn seriously. Playing a game of Tug-o-war with their favorite chew toy can make my whole day. They remind me to smile.”

Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. But if there’s one thing that we’ve learned, it’s that they offer you an unconditional love that you won’t find anywhere else — a love that can touch your life in amazing ways. Whether you’re looking to adopt your first pet or to expand an existing family, destiny has your new best friend waiting for you at your local pet shelter. The ASPCA is a good place to find information about local shelters, along with other useful resources. So put down last month’s issue of Cat Fancy, stop reading those purebred breeder ads, and head down to the local shelter to rescue a special kitty or pup that may have only hours left to live before being euthanized.