That's adorable, growing up we've had cats and dogs. But now I don't. For me personally it has to do with guilt, like I feel guilty getting an animal to make ME happy and then the second part is responsibility, making sure I take care of them well, to have money and time to attend to them. I also would worry if something happens to them. I don't know how people raise children, it's insane.

Sorry, got off track, but I think it can be a good idea, depending on the person's situation. Pets are different from people in that they're honest about what they want, and their affection is just different, it's unbelievable. Back then sometimes I would look at our cats and see them as little fluffy balls of hunger and love. lol. I miss our cats and dogs very much.

p.s. people sharing stories of their pets who died, makes me all teary eyed.