I totally agree! I'm 52, broke off an engagement years ago, have no regrets..after I got Cody, I thought I'd rather spend my life with HIM rather than the ex! When you come down to it, really, our pets are "kids" . It's our responsibility to take them outside regardless of weather or how we feel at that moment, to feed them nuroshing food on time, take them to the doctor when necessary, only they can't verbally tell us what they want. Human babies grow up, get potty trained, feed themselves..our pets will always rely on US. They are babies that will never "grow up" like human kids. I love kids but never wanted rhem. I'm a toddler/dog magnet (I should have been a politician.. ) I have a wonderful boyfriend who loves (d) Cody and Klo. I feel fullfilled in my life. Some people shouldn't have kids and some shouldn't be animal owners anyway. On a sad note, Caroline Knapp died this year (I think April) of lung cancer. Lucille was laying next to her on her bed when she passed. Her boyfriend has custody of Lucille. It was one of the best books I've ever read. From the 1st page, I thought she was reading my mind and expressing my feelings. The book is a must!!