Well, animals aren't really roommates. There is a lot of research showing how animals are helpful to the wellbeing of people who live alone. Especially to elders. Where I live, it is free for a senior to go take a pet home from the animal shelter because of this. Petting an animal lowers blood pressure as well.

And although an animal may frustrate you, it's not going to argue with you or call you name.

We all need something that drives us. For me it's my kids and my husband. For you it's your pets. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact it's good.