Growing up we always had animals but they were kind of treated as disposable. We'd get a cat or dog, have them for a while, and then my mom or grandma would give them away to someone. It seemed like we always had several around but I didn't get that attached.
My husband and I have always had animals together as well. When we first moved in together someone had left a cat at the house we moved in to. The poor thing seemed lost and we adopted her.
Now... we have 6 dogs, 5 cats, 6 rats, 2 goats, a miniature horse, 40 chickens and 21 ducks. We plan to get more goats and another miniature horse soon. We would have a lot more if veterinary care were not so much. I love animals!
Here's a collage I made a while ago of our gang. It is missing some and we've lost some (like the rabbits, sadly) since then. I need to make a new one of our crew. Just posting the link because the photo is showing up huge...
Flickr Link