I didn't grow up with pets but learned to love them (especially the bully breeds) when I rescued my first dog, Lucy, over a decade ago in Palm Springs, CA. At one point, my work schedule hadn't been flexible enough to foster a dog or provide attention the way I would have liked to so I'd learned to voluntarily adopt "other people's children" (bosses, clients, friends of friends) when I was available. As a dog owner, I understand how demanding pets can be. I currently work remotely and enjoy the good company, and spending time with something that doesn't talk back ;-)