When I was growing up, my family had no less than five animals at a time. This goes without saying, but we are animal people. Owning pets has always been such a big part of my life, and I couldn't imagine living without them. My family currently has 11 pets — ranging from cats to a horse!

I believe that owning these pets helped me grow a lot when I was younger, and still helps me to this day. Everyone needs somebody sometimes. I think that that somebody should be an animal of some kind. Here's why:

They can be therapeutic.

Whether you are suffering from depression or just a bad day, animals can be your source for comfort. There are studies showing that animals have actually calmed people down after spending time with them when stressed. I know when I was growing up, and even now, my animals kept me sane at some points when the outside world was just too much.

They can teach responsibility and kindness.

Some people have trouble learning to be responsible as they are growing older and becoming adults. I think that the best way to teach someone responsibility is to give them something that they absolutely have to take care of. In this case the animal would have to be taken care of and if it wasn't there would be consequences. Animals can also teach kindness. They show you how fragile life can be and how to handle it delicately.

They can provide you with companionship.

I'm not saying that you should get a pet and that pet will be your companion for the rest of your life, but during lonely times in my life I valued my pets because I could always look forward to seeing them. They can also be your guard pets.

There are so many reasons to have a pet. Whether it be for therapy or companionship, owning a pet is a good way to live your life. You are saving the life of an animal and giving it a fresh start. I would strongly advise that you own a pet and before you know it, you'll have a new addition to your family.