"In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this." -- Terry Pratchett
Over the years, New Jersey has been home to quite a few famous animals -- Elsie the Cow, MGM's Leo the Lion, Tarzan's original Cheetah the Chimp and Petey the Dog from the Our Gang series.
On March 4, 1929, Rin Tin Tin and his owner, Leo Duncan, had this photo taken with Elizabeth Mayor John Kenah and local children Charles Coriel and Jane Seymour. But the most famous animals in New Jersey were and are those that become a part of our lives.
They're pets, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to more exotic species like snakes, toucans and insects. And they're animals that were and are part of the Garden State's agricultural history - draft horses, sheep, cattle, chickens and even bees.
MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey
I've heard a lot of quotes, statements and opinions about animals over the years, but the one that sums them up best, at least for me, came from scientist Irene Pepperberg, who has performed extensive studies on animal cognition: "Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know."
Here's a vintage photo gallery of pets and animals from New Jersey, as well as links to other galleries you may enjoy.
Vintage photos of pets and their people in N.J.
Vintage photos of horses and horse racing in N.J.
Vintage photos of why N.J. is the Garden State
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.