How much does your pet/animal companion mean to you?

Can you love your pet more than human loved ones? If so, why do you feel that way? How far would you go to secure your pet’s health/well-being? Are there limits to how much we should invest in the care of animals, when there are human beings out there in the world needing our assistance/care/donations?

Do you resent going to your friend or family’s home and having to contend with their pet, or are you the pet owner always apologizing for your pet when people visit your home? What’s your take on the whole pet issue?