I am probably in the minority here... I don't like domesticated animals. I think it is an age old tradition that has no real purpose. I have nothing to back up my opinion other than that - until now - this article is GREAT fodder. I have just never really understood wanting an animal in my house. You want companionship? Make a human friend or serve in the community. I mean... cats and dogs may not judge you - but they rub their anuses on your pillow. I don't share this opinion often - Denver has got to be one of the most pet friendly cities in the world. You'll get out on probation if you stab a human, but if you even brandish a knife at a dog, you'll get 90 days in lock-up.
>You want companionship? Make a human friend or serve in the community. My only complaint with this statement is that you can easily do both, they aren't mutually exclusive. I have a fiancee, plenty of friends, and an active social life, but I can love my cats too. It's not that most people are choosing animals over people, it's that we like both. I just like having cats around and they make me happy. They do silly shit, they sleep on my lap, and they are just fun to have around and take care of. I don't care if others don't like pets as that is their personal choice, but the assumption that people who own pets choose to do so rather than forming social bonds with real people is kind of a silly premise, very judgemental, and total assumption. I know plenty of anti-social shut-ins who do NOT own pets.