Mrs. Bee and I both had many wonderful pets. We had so many that I'll share a bit about some of our favorites.

My first dog Yochan was my favorite pet ever. She was like the dogs in that book, Where The Red Fern Grows... so brave and loyal and loving. After she died, a part of me died and was gone forever.

Bee had a cat named Sparky who was also wonderful. She was brave and loyal and loving... she reminded me a lot of Yochan. She was the only cat I've ever met that was so loving and caring. Maybe it was b/c she was the runt of the litter? I always told Bee that if our daughter was as wonderful a person as Sparky, then I would be happy.

I would like our kids to experience that kind of intense bond and love with a pet. But I also worry that pets often die after so few years. I'm not sure if the kids would be able to cope with watching them die. By which I mean, I don't know if I'd be able to deal with it!

Did you have a pet growing up? Will you get a pet for your little ones?