It was an issue for discussion today as a result of a conversation with grandchildren. I can't imagine not having a pet, and our choice would be a dog, but when Kramer goes, I think I'd have to wait a while and get some travelling done. They (pets) can really be a handicap when you want to go away.

I'm not sure I want one in future.

As a child I had cats as pets - I can remember two tabby cats Tinkey and Winkey, but one was killed by the train, and I don't recall what happened to the other.

Not long after I was married my husband bought me a dog - a bitzer - a bit of this and a bit of that, and we had her for three years. She did however get jealous when our second child was born, and turned rather agressive towards me. We had to give her away.

Several years later I bought another dog - a dachshund (daxie, or sausage dog). It was the beginning of our love affair with this breed - although we favoured the miniature long haired dachshund, and subsequently became breeders.

Many dogs passed through our lives - and we have one left. Kramer. You can read about him at his blogsite, Kramer's Diary.

I do love him, but these days find that he can be a challenge to our travelling, as he doesn't settle well in kennels, and it is hard to find someone to look after him.

When he "goes" I don't want a replacement. I want to be free of pets.

I do house sitting and caring for other people's pets. Cats, dogs, fish etc. - that is enough for me these days.