I always had pets, at one time 3 dogs and a pussy... Overtime I lost them, and the losses were devastating, but while I had them, they bought the greatest joy to my life... BUT my life was always centered around the pets. Like with children, they are an endless commitment, and they NEED you... While I shared responsibility with my longtime partner, after he passed I no longer found it convenient for me to have pets, so made the sacrifice to be petless, which has its perks, BUT nothing beats cuddling up at night with your "best friend" (no, not the one with 10").....