I can see it from your perspective Cricket, but I guess I am inclined to agree to a level that people should have pets before they have kids.

Particularly for the reasons mentioned. Sometimes in the case that you brought up that people may deter from having babies because they couldn't look after a dog or cat - personally I don't think that is such a bad thing either - as harsh as that sounds. It could be more of a responsibility issue and lets face it people live longer than pets.

Saying all of that though there are a HUGE number of irresponsible pet owners out there as well as a HUGE amount of people who's babys are in fact a burden on them and they cannot handle (or want) the responsibility of the child.

Of course in your case you have said you are not particularly pet minded so for you I wouldn't recommened a pet BUT I think it comes back to seeing if a person is truely ready for how much of an impact a baby can have.

Its taken 1 alpaca, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses for me to finally decide I was ready.