We have always been a family of many pets. Ever since I can remember, the kids had an assortment of pets from cats and dogs to fish to turtles and reptiles. I actually remember a time when we had seven pet dishes lined up at the back door, even though they all seemed to eat out of the same one.

The pets all quickly became a part of the family and we spent a lot of money on pet carriers and vet bills. Usually I did not mind having them around, but at times I felt as though we were running a zoo out of our home. But, for various reasons, I could not say no when the kids found a stray animal and we adopted many this way.

Our youngest child just moved out and we, for the first time since I can remember are completely petless. I have to admit that I really don’t miss the dog toys lying all over the house, but I don’t like how quiet and empty the house feels. In the end, I may just go and adopt a pet that will be just mine. I have never had one of those before.