Are there people out there who do not want pets?

[LZ1234]

I saw a similar post earlier regarding children (I have 2) but I definitely do not want a dog or cat (we've had a couple hamsters). I know my kids would love a dog but I really don't want one. I love taking care of kids but would not enjoy taking care of a pet.

[southerngirlwriter]

1. I love cats, but.....

not having one right now (for the first time in my life) has been liberating. No vet bills to worry about, and I can pick up and leave town for a few days anytime I want. No cat hair. No worrying about a cat swatting a candle base, knocking it over, and starting a fire. No litter box. My house is clean enough to eat off the floor, and I like it that way.

I am sure I'll get another cat someday. For right now, though, this is nice.

[skooooo]

2. maybe a hamster, but not a gerbil

[bushiehater]

3. Not a Pet Person

More hassle than they are worth in my opinion. Plus, I had a traumatic episode in early childhood that keeps me away from just about anything with fur.

[salvorhardin]

5. Little Albert? Is that you?

http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/emotion.htm

[bigwillq]

4. I want pets

I want a dog when I get my own house and lots of fish.

[Orangeone]

6. I have to have pets

I'm really attracted to guys that like animals. When I was a kid I had a crush on Mr. Greenjeans from Captain Kangaroo. He was the guy that would bring out some animal on the show. I don't know if it's the nurturing quality of someone who likes to care for pets...

[ComerPerro]

7. apparently

I don't understand it, though.

I need to have a pet around..

Some people just don't care for animals, and some just don't feel they need or want a pet, I suppose.

[wysimdnwyg]

8. My dad

I have a cat, a bunch of fish, and I'm getting a dog tomorrow. My mom has two dogs (had a cat until it died of old age last year, too). Dad, while he likes my cat, very adamantly does not want any pets.

[LWolf]

9. Other:

I could not imagine not having my animal family. But that's what I consider them; they aren't "pets," they are family members. They have been friends, companions, teachers, etc. my whole life. I like them and trust them more than people.

I'm an only child & was raised by a working single mom; a genuine 1960's latchkey kid. We moved a lot; I went to 10 schools K - 12th grade. Our animals were the most consistent presences in my life. From them, I learned:

1. How to be comfortable in independence

2. Unconditional love

3. Loyalty

4. To recognize and value (or not) people by the qualities they exude, not by physical criteria

5. How to pay attention to the world around me

6. Responsibility/commitment

And so much more. I wouldn't be without them.