Stray animals are often seen as a societal nuisance, viewed with a mix of frustration, sadness and wariness by many in the community. But strolling among the street cats and dogs is a special joy—one that many of us don't take advantage of. Learning more about strays can open us up to a deeper appreciation of animals of all sorts, while providing us with the chance to enhance our understanding of the particular joys of animals without owners. The term “stray” encompasses a wide variety of animals. For example, a stray might be a dog or cat that has been abandoned or is a stray that has been wandering an urban area all its life. Although since most strays haven’t had the same socialization as pets, we often think of them as wary, suspicious and possibly dangerous. However, many strays are actually incredibly affectionate and sociable, not to mention unerringly loyal—often to the unfortunate people who are taking care of them. Moreover, learned behavior that some pet owners struggle with—like barking, digging and jumping—are often not exhibited in the street animals who received far less training than that of a pet from the start. This can provide us with a unique perspective and appreciation for the animals beyond just being someone’s pet. Furthermore, aside from the physical traits—like intelligence, strength, and adaptability—many strays have a certain resilience that can near be matched. All of these aspect show that strays are far more than “pests”, but instead should be viewed as true companions and teachers of life. These animals offer an understanding of the well-known survival of the fittest, while their loyalty, beauty and loyalty to us provides us with the opportunity to treat them with the respect they deserve.