I cannot remember a day in my life without a pet.
Paddyruskus (Ruskie) the tabby from before I was born right through to Merlin, now.
I have had cats, dogs, horses, gerbils, hamsters, goldfish, koi, slow-worms, terrapins, rabbits, and even a tame Song Thrush (Sky) over the years - Sky lived indoors and flew outdoors or in and around the house, wherever he wanted. He used to perch on Ruskie's head and they would even eat from the same bowl! If he heard my mum's voice because she was working in the study, he would go mad flying around upstairs until we opened the door and let him get in to her - often pooping on the stairs in protest at having been shut out!
In Ireland we had a pack of 17 working dogs at one time - My father still has three over there, even though he's now pushing 80 and had multiple strokes!
I really cannot imagine ever being without some kind of furry or scaly in my life...