Why animals 'mirror' their owners ...

Animals survive by using all seven senses to pick up non-verbal clues such as body language and fear.  Interpreting body language accurately helps animals to know how to act or react.  In this way, pets can often interpret the thoughts and feelings of their owners, simply by using their senses and reading body language 

Social (pack or herd) animals, such as dogs and horses, tend to adopt human emotions more readily because they learn their cues for proper social behavior from their 'pack' or 'herd' members.  Social animals have evolved to be highly empathic so they can feel alarm or aggression in other members of the herd, even if they can't see the threat 

When humans comprise their social group, people become their role models.  They don't judge our feelings as good or bad.  They just readily tune into and absorb our negative emotions, and mirror what we are feeling.  Quite often they will also mirror our health issues and pain ...

You don't need to neglect or abuse your pet

to make it sick or neurotic.  You just need to

neglect or abuse yourself or not heal your own emotional issues!

Animals that spend a lot of time with humans are more likely to develop complex emotions, since we learn to higher emotions such as compassion and altruism by example from others.  As a result, pets often begin to act a lot like their owners!   

Many domestic animals begin to mirror the subtle body language, feelings, and behaviors of their owners or caregivers, and can even mirror their health issues.  That can show up as behavior issues, health issues, depression, vices, or neurosis

Learn more about your animal's relationship and bond with you