While Janan Ganesh’s article (“How pets comfort a sad generation”), Life and art, FT Weekend, September 18) contains interesting perceptions, he missed an important point: many double-graduate owners of urban animals do not seek love for their pets.

Many animals are adopted and rescued from basic human kindness. Twelve years ago, I went to the local ASPCA shelter and rescued one of the many kittens they had sheltered. It was not driven by a desire to escape or for comfort. It is motivated by compassion without expecting anything in return.

Anwar Elgonemy
Benicia, CA, United States