Thank you for this post(thought I was the only one that would feel this way)-I would feel very guilty and have in the past! My animals are so much a part of everything-they know when it is a holiday and even when it is one of their birthdays. You would not believe Christmas morning!!! I have to fight with them to stay away from their presents and stockings-it's a race to see who gets downstairs first, me or them! And surprisingly, they know which presents are theirs. Christmas, especially is a riot because of them! Great question Dotsie-I look forward to reading more responses! Dana