Wow! What a long thread! It has been interesting to read all these points of views, too. I love both cats and dogs but have never had them as indoor pets. I grew up on a farm and still live on one and my parents and DH always insisted pets stay outside. I am fascinated when I happen into a shop that has a dat or dog, and honestly, it mainly happens when I am vacationing. I say, to each his own. I do always wonder about allergy sufferers, tho. One eve this winter I let our Border Collie into the house...that lasted about 10 minutes...he smelled like a dog! Yikes! Put him back in the garage right away. On the other hand, DD has a small indoor dog that does not bother me at all.