It's an occupational hazard for me to have many pets and I find them a blessing...but you have to be a real animal lover to start with or it WILL become a burden.
For me...the unconditional love they give keeps me grounded and the responsibilities keep me from becoming a lump on the couch. I may not shower for a week but I feed them... clean their box...play ball and hike with the dogs...and their purring and company helps me sleep well at night...