No, not a requirement. But they definitely help!

And I have 5 cats and 1 dog and have to say the same!

I don't think you have to have the pets, although they are great. I think with your sense of humor you will fit right in!!

My Cat Misty is my buddy and she keeps me company during the day while my hubby is at work. She is a very socialable cat and very laid back and there is a bond between us as she chose us when we went looking for cat.

Have pets only if you love to have them. If you are meticulous about having a clean and fur-free environment, then train the pets to not go in your sewing space (close your door, in other words). My cats keep me company in my sewing room and sometimes snooze right by the sewing machine. They actually claim the room as their sun room when I am not sewing.

Haven't you heard? "No quilt is complete without a few pet hairs." Just kidding, of course. You can be a perfectly accomplished quilter without them, and I suspect that a judge in a show might not look kindly on a quilt "decorated" with pet hair.

I refer to my pets as the "supervisors." The cats especially love to park themselves right in the middle of whatever I am trying to do. However, I will probably never enter a quilt in a show.

Not to be successful, only to be happy while doing it.

Love this answer !!!!!!!!!!!

You mean you haven't got one yet? I'm shocked.
Your post made me chuckle loads.
One dog and two cats here.
Annie

If you truly want everything you do to be appreciated, you will.