I do not own a pet, nor do I want one, However the post about diseases carried by them is greatly exaggerated, In fact many people are actually healthier because of their pets. Dogs especially are very social animals and crave attention. Owners of them especially those who live alone tend to have heathier lives.
Its quite soothing to have a dog jump on you to relax and be petted. I just dont want one because I am not in the mood to walk it when its 5 degrees outside and snowing and cleaning up after it