PET

These creatures are commonly called pets, a word that is related to petty, meaning "small," "insignificant," or "subordinate." For centuries, animals have been regarded as the inferiors of humankind. Some advocates of animal rights argue that we should eliminate the use of the word pet entirely for this reason. But, of course, pet can also mean "favorite," "cherished," or "especially near and dear," and it is for pet lovers in this sense that this work is intended.