Laurel suggests the possible motivations for the American obsession with owning pets, and correlates the motivations for pet ownership with prominent American values. Included in the list of motivations that typify American values are the need for companionship, security, teaching of responsibility and respect, familial bonds, and leisure time. Created by Jacqueline Laurel when she was enrolled in Jill Terry Rudy's English 392 course in Winter 2001.