There is an assumption in your statement that every person considers a pet equivalent to a child, in all circumstances, including extreme existential ones. It

There is an assumption in your statement that every person considers a pet equivalent to a child, in all circumstances, including extreme existential ones. It may or may not surprise you that is not universal. I for one admit to being speciest. If I have to choose between my dog and my son I will not be thinking very long. It is not even remotely hypothetical btw. Most of us, when our dog threatens and bites our child, will get rid of the dog and will not rid of the child. In my mind either: 1. You did not fully think through and empathize with war situation and mentality. That's possible and even likely and I would not judge for that. E.g. Many Ww2 and Vietnam veterans famously persisted In telling people "you won't understand unless you've been there". that's infuriating and insulting yet true. It is difficult for a person in comfortable situation to empathize with extreme situations. Or 2. You are not being fully honest (either with yourself or us). I.e. You'd LIKE to think you are kind and giving to pets and don't want to admit that in extreme situation you might make a difficult decision and harm a pet. Or 3. You genuinely put pets and humans on the same level. That's certainly possible. I would say that when push comes to shove (as opposed to internet theorizing) that would put you in minority. Don't get near my children, especially if you remotely meant your last sentence - which would be TERRIFYING.