I have spent most of my life having pets, I got my first dog when I was 14 and learned a lot from him, as he grew older he was blind and diagnosed with cushions, he was my best friend. My brother and sister both had cats and although I consider myself a dog person I miss having a cat around as well, I miss having animals in my house but with my one and three year I old don’t feel I am ready to get another pet at this time. My kids have been exposed to cats and dogs and understand they are family, they love to play with animals and understand they have to be gentle, we have a hamster but she generally sleeps all day so only gets out for small periods of time.