All growing up we had cats & dogs. Since I have been married to my husband we also had Parakeets, but finally gave them away as we felt they were contributing to my health problems.
We still had a black lab mix and a tabbie cat. We just recently got a german shep/black lab mix.
They are a lot of work, but I couldnt imagine life without my animals.
My doctor once suggested getting rid of all of them. I told her it will never happen so she will have to work around that factor!
I want my daughter raised with animals like I was. She is excellent with animals of all kids!