@jpgerken oh, that sounds great! It works for you and that’s wonderful. There are several reasons why I can’t get a puppy or kitten. First, I am highly allergic. Then there is the matter of the coyotes. They are brazen predators who have come up on my patio.
So, no puppies for me…
I would consider a small creature like a hedgehog or a hamster but I’m not sure…

I appreciate people thinking of their pet and his/her future. However, they bring such comfort and fun to the home (provided you select the dog/cat with the personality you want and the needs you can handle). And....it has been documented through various studies that people with pets tend to live longer - so you'd be doing yourself some good too.

Adopt any animal in need of a good home. Check with your local shelter. Senior animals that have been abandoned at a shelter after having been brought in from a good home are frightened and confused as well as missing their human parents terribly. Do consider adopting a senior pup. Be aware that it is costly to adopt and maintain a pet. I think if I could adopt I would go to a shelter and adopt the most unattractive pet there. Or maybe the one that is shy and least likely to catch the attention of people looking for a pet. Shelters say that pets that are all black tend to stay there longer, perhaps because it’s harder to see their cute expressions, but just look into their beautiful dark eyes and see that black nose and you may be mighty tempted to give them their forever home. There are probably a few things to consider prior to adopting a pet: if it is a dog make sure that your energy levels match, if you are sedentary don’t adopt a dog that needs a lot of exercise or is full of beans but difficult to handle. The SPCA or adoption centre should be able to advise you on this or various web sites or even a call to the American or Canadian Kennel Clubs. Next make sure that you do not have asthma or allergies. Make sure that you have means to transport your petto the vet if health problems arise (they always do). Make sure that the other various costs in terms of walking, feeding, annual shots, attention and affection. Also keep in mind arrangements for your pet should you die before your pet, or even find yourself unable to care for it properly. Have a plan in place so that your pet has someone to care for it are not too onerous for you. People who reside in condos or apartments have to consider that dogs do bark and neighbours will complain, also you may not feel safe taking your dog out for a walk before bed. Some people may understandably not feel safe doing that. In that case, may I suggest that you consider a cat. Many people who didn’t think that they would enjoy a cat are pleasantly surprised. If, after considering all of these variables it’s still a go for you, then I say by all means “go for it.”

Exactly!