[Destroyer]

Well, everyone else seems to be contributing to this thread, so I guess it's only proper that I do also. I completely agree with everything that everyone has said... pets are expensive and can be a PITA, but having said that, they are also (at least for me) a never ending source of enjoyment. I think you get out of them exactly how much you put into them. If you're a kind and loving person, they sense that and respond in kind. Truthfully, there's nothing nicer than coming home and having your dog come running...not walking, running.. up the walk to great you simply because he or she is happy to see you....or to have a cat jump up into your lap while you're watching TV simply because you're warm and they know you're a safe place to be. I guess what I'm saying is I love animals, and while it's nice to have none for a while, everytime that's ever happened to me I found myself going to a shelter to find a new one that needed a home and love. Rob, I'm sorry for your loss... I understand how you feel...but I suspect that sooner rather than later you'll be taking a drive to the shelter, just to look around...