They are as familiar to us as family members, their fate often moves us more than that of other people, and yet they remain foreign creatures. For thousands of years, pets have accompanied us as providers, loyal companions, or simply as guests. However, just like with close relatives, we often know the least about these seemingly obvious animal companions. Knowledgeable and full of charm, Josef H. Reichholf narrates the unknown lives and histories of pets, uncovering unexpected insights, as it is not always clear who domesticated whom in the relationship between animals and humans. He reflects on the fate of cats, house mice, cattle, and others with a mix of affection and criticism, but always with great personal dedication, highlighting the extremes of our own relationship with nature: while dogs and cats are often seen as pampered pets.