I never thought of that before. In our family the term "my pet" is actually meant as an endearment. My grandmothers and parents, aunts and uncles and now even I use it when referring to younger loved ones
Maybe its an Irish thing..
Its funny, because I don't like calling them dogs..haha..I KNOW they are, but its kind of the same thing..thats why I call them my babies, or pups etc..sometimes I guess I actually say dogs and pets, but I always do feel thats not enough of a "love title"..Oh I am tired. I'm babbling..lol.