Have you ever heard from someone, "You and your pet look alike!" By all accounts, it's not all that unusual. This includes likenesses between humans and dogs, but also cats, horses and exotic pets.

What do you think? Do they resemble each other?

flickr photo courtesy of Lee Nachtigal

In fact, it's been a long-held and debated idea that the not-so-uncommon resemblance between companion animals and their people actually means something. A 2005 study done by researchers at University of California at San Diego set out to explore the phenomenon, and it seems that there is some weight to the theory.

Another study done by Bath University psychologist Dr Lance Workman indicates that the choice is usually more conscious, as we tend to look for a pet, that matches our energy level, and there is a tendency that we have to be attracted to others who look like ourselves.

We're interested in seeing how many of our readers resemble their pets! To participate, simply email a photo to ppsa2mi@gmail.com, any time during the week. Owner-pet resemblance will be the theme of our Friday Pet Photos feature this week.

Please include your name, the animal's name, age and city or township of residence in your email. Be sure that your photos are 600 pixels wide and in .jpg format.

We compile the photos and put them into a slideshow, which we then promote and publish each week on the pets section.

Lorrie Shaw is a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com's pet section. Live vicariously through her adventures as a pet sitter on Twitter.