There are two sides to the pet story. I've seen the hoarders. I know a JW who has spent 75% of takehome pay on the care of multiple horses, cats, and dogs. As a result, this JW lived with others, not able to pay a dime towards housing or related costs. I still think everything with moderation, and the WTS has a point here. Alot of peope in the WTS are emotionally needy people and a few have a tendancy towards hoarding. Hoarding is not good for the person or the animal. To own a dog, cat, horse, or any animal, you have to be ready for emergency medical. That means having an extra few thousand available. The ER pet hospital will not admit my dog until I paid them a $1,500 advance. And they used that up on me within 24 hours of "care" where they did nothing but take a few blood tests and give an IV. The doctor then wanted another $1,500 for the care of my very old dog for the next 24 hours to see how the liver functioned. I made the decision to put him down. Based on him being 15 years old, advanced cancer, and liver issues.
i think that if you can afford to care and spend time with the animal, then all is good. My fido is here with me right now. He takes about 1 to 2% of our income.
Skeeter