My family always had cats & dogs and my two children (now grown) were raised by my SunnyKat for the first twenty years of their lives. Now I have responsibility for eight dogs - only four of my own (look out Mugsy) and 6 cats - two of my own (i've always taken in strays, those here who know me know that means two leggers also). Happy to say both children now have cats & dogs and my grandson of 3 yrs has never not had cats & dogs to play/sleep/eat with. Best way for a child to learn love, patience, kindness, beauty and all that's good - in a world that's not always so. Laurie