In some other countries particularly in the US, I gathered that pets are the companies of old people who are living alone. I couldn't comprehend that when I was younger until I myself started to have a pet. Now my pet dogs serve as my stress reliever and I feel relaxed in coming home to their welcoming barks. Maybe I would be like those aged people that my pets would be my companions when I retire.
Living out in the country it's always reassuring to know you have a dog tagging along with you because you never know what could be lurking in the forest, and just their presence alone could deter another animal from making a move on you.