Our brains have limited information processing capabilities, so we have certain "short cuts" to get to the "answer" faster. Most of the time the "short cuts" get us to the "right" "answer", but the "short cuts" can also be exploited.

Pets can activate some "short cuts" within us that make us feel certain things. We feel connected, wanted, companionship, etc. ... but these are only illusions created by activating and exploiting your "short cuts."

You could probably feel the same way about a cow that is part of a hamburger you ate if it was in the right situation. If you feel no love for the cow you ate, what is the real difference between that cow and your pet that makes your pet loveable? Alternatively, if you love your pet and the cow, how do you justify eating the cow? Either way, you're lying to yourself.

If it is not lying because the illusion is good enough on its own, then I would expect people to be just as well of if a spouse were taken away and replaced with a pet. Of course, they aren't perfect replacements.

The whole theory of this sub is well, it's better than if they died. So, lying to you? Yes, if it keeps you from killing yourself, we have no problem lying to you. If you discover our lie, we'll make up a new one. We'll admit that we lied if it keeps you from killing yourself. We'll take away all of your freedom, if it means you won't kill yourself.

People who think like that have no credibility.