I was raised with animals. Dogs, cats, ferrets, parrots, hamsters... you name it! My parents taught me to be responsible and compassionate for the voiceless at a very young age. I still cry when I watch the SPCA commercials. :( I currently have 3 dogs and a cat. My Akita is 11, and she was raised with my son, who's 10. When we go for walk, it's at her pace. Her 2 little brothers (2 yr old Chow/Pei mix) have more energy, so we go for long runs or enjoy the dog park. I talk to them like they are people, because I feel they understand us. Plus, they are less judging and much more loving than a lot of humans, so I rather spend more time with them!