We have 5 cats and 2 dogs. They do get under my skin from time to time, but I can't imagine not having them around. I was always a dog person and my husband was always a cat person. When we got married I already had a dog and a cat (that I "inhereted" from my brother). After we got married, the "clan" expanded over the years. There is a story behind each animal we have, but that would take up too much space (lol). I don't recall ever being told by a doc that we couldn't have pets. It's probably a good thing cause I wouldn't have listened to them. I love all my pets and don't know what I'd do without them.