Lifetime 26+\-, not counting the rescues we found homes for.
Same here! Eight as an adult. We always had cats and dogs growing up, too, I have no idea how many.As an adult I have had eight. Tons more as a kid, too many.
I was thinking the same thoughts more than 10 years ago - when I retired. I had 2 cats at the time - one has since passed. I started seriously fostering cats and kittens (> 30 per year) and even acquired for myself a beautiful BLH (saved from a lifetime of producing kittens).I probably won't have more.. I don't know how long my two have, but by the time I'm 'catless' again I'll be in my 70s. I've decided that's a good age to have a vacant house for fostering.
That is the main reason I didn't get a small dog when I went back into an apartment. With a fenced in backyard the bathroom thing isn't an issue, just open the door to let them out. Still have to go out and clean up the yard but that is much easier then physically taking the dog out each time. Of course even with the fenced in yard the dog still needs to be taken for walks at least once daily but I actually enjoyed that. It's the hassle with taking the dog out to do their business that kept me from getting a dog.I am not disciplined enough to own a dog - though I am often tempted!
My sister-in-law tried to get a dog when her kids were small and it was just too much to chase 3 little kids and a puppy that needed training. My nephew was an energetic handful with some sensory issues and my younger niece was still an infant not sleeping through every night. So I learned from her. Dogs just need more from their people. Now they have a number of pets and everyone gets the attention they need and deserve! Now that my kids are big I think we would enjoy the daily walks and we have a huge yard. But I don't feel like it's fair to Mooch with her senior issues at 17. Maybe a calm adult who leaves her alone would be ok; but not an energetic puppy who still needs to learn manners.That is the main reason I didn't get a small dog when I went back into an apartment. With a fenced in backyard the bathroom thing isn't an issue, just open the door to let them out. Still have to go out and clean up the yard but that is much easier then physically taking the dog out each time. Of course even with the fenced in yard the dog still needs to be taken for walks at least once daily but I actually enjoyed that. It's the hassle with taking the dog out to do their business that kept me from getting a dog.
For a long time I said I would never get a kitten because they were too much work, but then I got a puppy and I was like, "Nope, kittens are super easy." I adopted my first puppy in February 2021 and then I adopted her littermate in December because he got returned to the rescue, so having two dogs that are the same age, same size, same energy level, and same temperament has been an adventure. I share a queen sized bed with two 60-pound dogs. Needless to say, I do not sleep well. I'm probably kicking them out of my bedroom tonight.That is the main reason I didn't get a small dog when I went back into an apartment. With a fenced in backyard the bathroom thing isn't an issue, just open the door to let them out. Still have to go out and clean up the yard but that is much easier then physically taking the dog out each time. Of course even with the fenced in yard the dog still needs to be taken for walks at least once daily but I actually enjoyed that. It's the hassle with taking the dog out to do their business that kept me from getting a dog.
Well, does this mean fosters as well as resident kitties? Rescues too? Hmmmm. Then if you Google me you would probably find a Googolplex. I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count them all! Lol The last colony of rescues was over 100 but most got adopted. Good thing or I would have too many kitties in my lap to respond! Some from a previous colony were with me a short time because I rescued cats with active Felv that stayed here for their lifespan. Over ten years, about 20 Felv adults of varying ages. Mackie is still here at about 16 years old (estimated) Oh my. Remembering all the kitties. So much love has come into my life. My first rescue that I did myself was when I was about eight or nine? Multiply that by the number of years passed and then by…..oh. Banjo just pointed something out to me. I have never owned a cat but I did have cats allow me to live with them. Cats are so kind to us humans! Maybe I could answer if the question was “how many cars have you owned? “ I have to go and give treats now.I want to see Jcatbird 's answer to this.