>The experience changed my perspective about pet ownership/stewardship in general: unless I really need an animal companion or a working animal (e.g. herding), I will never own another pet. I find it a luxury I can do without. I've had three dogs die in my lap now, and that's enough.
I understand not wanting to put yourself through the pain of loss, and have felt that too. Sometimes I don't want a pet because I feel the good times aren't worth the pain of parting. However, you went on to call it a luxury, which confused me. Is that because you will have to pay for the luxury, or because the animal will?
I've never had a pet I thought had a bad life, and it sounds like you were a good owner, so I don't get what the downside is.
>The experience changed my perspective about pet ownership/stewardship in general: unless I really need an animal companion or a working animal (e.g. herding), I will never own another pet. I find it a luxury I can do without. I've had three dogs die in my lap now, and that's enough.
I understand not wanting to put yourself through the pain of loss, and have felt that too. Sometimes I don't want a pet because I feel the good times aren't worth the pain of parting. However, you went on to call it a luxury, which confused me. Is that because you will have to pay for the luxury, or because the animal will?
I've never had a pet I thought had a bad life, and it sounds like you were a good owner, so I don't get what the downside is.