10 Reasons You Need a Pet

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Birds make wonderful pets. They are easy to care for and are quite social.
Some birds are very smart. Look up Alex the Parrot on the web. While he is unusual, many talk and are appreciate attention.

James of MS 2:23PM January 11, 2010

I have had cats around me for most of my 73 years. Yes..I've had dogs too but when you get older, a dog is very hard to keep up with. They must be walked (unless you have acreage of fenced land or a fenced yard neither of which I have), bathed and even a small dog is usually an expense and they tend to bark a lot for no reason.
Don't get me wrong. I love dogs too. Have had nice big ones in the past..German Shepherds and a Rott, both of whom were superb companions and only barked when someone they didn't know came onto the premises. Much better than an even more expensive alarm system!
But now I have only cats of a very special loving breed known as the Sealpoint Siamese. I have three of them and they are indoor-only and have no desire whatever to go outdoors. I have loads of toys for them, tall shelves that I have carpeted for them to play skyscraper on and, at night, they cuddle next to me and purr me to sleep. They are what most would call 'spoiled rotten' but a feline that is spoiled totally makes for an affectionate one who doesn't judge me if I have not combed my hair or gone to church for a month! They accept me for what I am and I do likewise.
Frankly, I'd prefer to have these cats than humans! I even decided to not replace my tenant when he left. I'd rather be alone with my cats than put up with a 'people' who will be judgmental as to what I do or do not do.
Need I say more?

Jerry D of HI 2:20PM January 11, 2010

Potential thieves will stay away from a home with a barking dog because they can't tell how big a dog is inside? Give me a break! I can tell from the sound of the bark whether it's a little yip-yip dog or a big dog that's inside and I'm not a thief-just observant. Bigger dogs have longer vocal cords and therefore a deeper bark and growl.
As for cats, most are too independent for my liking and are not going to scare the bad guys away-they will run and hide.

Franklin B. Williams of NC 2:15PM January 11, 2010

pets are such great fun. I love having cats. They are "grown up" and will help you set the boundaries. Dogs are great! They are so enthusiastic and welcoming. What matters is that any pet opens new doors for friendship with other humans as well as other peoples' pets. I have been interested to observe that many of the senior living facilities seem to be recognizing that having a pet is a great socializing experience for all of their residents. More and more are allowing new residents to bring their pet(s) with relatively few restrictions.

jane of IL 2:15PM January 11, 2010

When I got too old to take care of a dog properly, like walking and playing a lot with it, I got Burmese cats which are like dogs but with great traits of cats. I have 2 sets of godparents for them to be given to along with a sum of money. They agreed to take the cats (without knowing about the money), as I would like the person who might get them to never have a problem with finances in taking care of them.

Dr Kay of TX 2:14PM January 11, 2010

As 82-year-old with mobilitty and vision problems, I'd sure like a dog or cat but there's no way I'd accept the chores of taking care of it, so I'll stay completely alone, thank you. A pet is work!!! Now, if it could take itself for walks, and clean up after itself, and not shed hair all over to need the house vacuumed, that would be good. Those who advocate pets are not seniors with the handicaps of aging.

Aline Manzi of NY 2:08PM January 11, 2010

The bottom line is that nothing loves you like a dog...no matter how long you have been gone, your four-legged buddies are thrilled to see you.
I have had small dogs, but my first of several golen retrievers adopted me one night while jogging. I found this axium that I really like:
"God made dogs. Then he wanted perfection and made golden retrievers."
They are the best. Like all dogs, they are trouble. But the joy and love you receive more than makes up for any problems you encounter.

Buz Campbell of TN 2:04PM January 11, 2010

I had a dog when the kids were young - but in retirement I don't need the added expense and worry. Also anytime you want to go away you have to make arrangements for the dog. They you die and the dog lives on - who is going to take care of it then. Thanks but no thanks. P.S. Maybe I'll get an aquarium instead.

Jake of OH 1:44PM January 11, 2010

A maine coon cat male is a formidable foe - with claws long enough to send any intruder away in an ambulance.... if you're not a dog person, think of getting a cat instead.

Patricia Cyr of KY 1:27PM January 11, 2010