Well, I'll admit with no shame, as much as I love all my plants, I can't put the plants on the same level as a pet. I would certainly be very upset if my pet (currently a dog) damaged or killed a plant, especially a rare or favorite one, but...geezz...a plant can be replaced. A pet is a unique creature with feelings and personality...each is one of a kind.
The love most people feel for a pet isn't the same as the love you have for a hobby. Its (usually) an emotional love. Most pets become family members. I would no sooner hurt or get rid of a pet for damaging a plant than I would a child for doing the same. They are, after all, animals who don't understand human behavior like growing plants. So don't expect them to KNOW "hey my master reaaaally loves this plant...better not eat it."
And in my opinion, anyone who thinks more of a plant than a living, breathing, feeling animal, shouldn't have pets to begin with. They require care and love. They aren't inanimate, unfeelings objects like a plant. There are too many uncared for, abused pets as it is. Cats and dogs both chew on things and knock things over. Its the owners responsibility to make sure the plants are safe...not the pet's. And...accidents will happen. Its fine if you value your plants more than a pet...just don't have pets then.
So, no I don't care too much for roaches and rats, but neither do I love them the way I do my dog. A roach or rat isn't something I've reared, loved, cared for and played with for the last 11 1/2 years nor has a creature like that returned the love and devotion ten-fold.
Would I get P.O.'ed if my dog destroyed a plant? Sure. But I'd trade any plant I have for as much time with my dog as I could possibly get.
OK...I'll step off my soapbox now. Sorry...I am an animal lover as well as a plant lover and I just can't compare a pet to a plant. I'll move or shield a plant in danger...a pretty easy thing to do.
If you can't handle an occasional pet-related plant disaster...don't have a pet.
OH...and Elgecko, I AM truly sorry to hear about your plants. And Andenes...CUTE dog! What a sweetie.
Suzanne
(sorry...not a great day here)