how much is that doggy in the window?

when i was a kid, i remember being places where you could buy a pet; whether it was shelters or pet stores i don't remember. what i do remember though, is that i often watched the people in those little rooms, playing with their prospective new room mates. some would pay me no mind, others would glance up at me with a look on their faces, as if they were disgusted or creeped out by this boy watching them. seeing these people, it always made me smile, but i think also it made me sad. looking back i wonder, what were they looking for there, in that clear walled room? love, companionship, a friend who would always be there for them without question? those people made me sad and i wonder now: did any of them get what they wanted, or was it something completely different that they never thought they needed at all?