Yeah, I have 3 gerbils. I would love to have a cat or a dog, but there are days I can barely look after myself, let alone someone else. So it would be pretty irresponsible of me to get an animal that requires a lot of work. Gerbils are perfect - they are there when I need them and can take care for themselves when I'm not there (I still feed them, of course x). At first I only had one but I figured that he'd be happier if he had company. So I got 2 more. The 1st ones name is Henry I., the 2nd and the 3rd don't really have a name. They do help me emotionally, since they are the only "constant" in my life. Whatever happens at college or anywhere else, I always know they're home, I'll get to see them soon and that they don't care if I embarassed myself or did/said anything stupid. I guess my reasons for deciding to have a pet are very egoistic and I feel bad about that, but I do love them with all of my heart.