Well I grew up on a farm so was surrounded by animals most of the time, but as household pets we had cats, dogs, budgies and
Rabbits.
We currently have two dogs, an Airedale terrier and a Standard Poodle. We also own or are owned by twelve cats. I must add that these cats are not free roaming cats that are allowed to decimate the local wildlife. We have gone to great expense to ensure that the local wildlife and our neighbours are not troubled by them. We have a purpose built cat run fastened to the back of our house. This run is 40 foot long by 18 feet wide and around 12 foot high at the highest point. There are various levels incorporated into this run and various climbing frames. This is to ensure the cats can get the fresh air and exercise required to keep them healthy. The back door of the house has a cat flap that gives access to this run therefore day or night the cats can get into the run if they want. The cats also have the complete run of all the downstairs rooms in the house. Most of the cats are rescues from the local CP branch although we do have three pedigree cats as well.
Sorry for waffling off thread slightly but animals of any kind are a great passion in mine and my wifes lives, and no, they are not substitutes for children we have always had animals and we do have two grown up sons as well.
Ollie.