Washington Mutual is one financial services company that recently identified the growing need for pet insurance. "We're here to help protect our customers' financial well being," said Carl Formato, president of Washington Mutual Insurance Services. "Pet insurance takes the financial burden out of the equation so pet owners can make the best health care decisions for their pets based on medical information, not money."

Mature Dogs, Cats Help Children Learn Empathy, Responsibility
(ARA) - If you could choose a best friend for your children, you'd probably look for someone who plays well, listens to their problems without passing judgment, gives them unconditional love and stays close to them.

If those are the criteria you'd use, you might do well to choose an older cat or dog.

Even if your child or family hasn't had a pet during its early years, senior-aged dogs and cats are still a good first choice for a pet. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are full of older animals eager to please and eager for homes. And an older pet can offer several advantages. Compared to an average puppy or kitten, they are generally calmer, already housetrained, and not as likely to chew furniture, shoes or fingers.

Still -- and I would never admit this to them -- it is a good question. There are many things you should ask yourself before getting a pet. For example, "AM I NUTS! I can just barely live with myself! Why do I want a pet?"

Trust me, some winter's night when you're under your quilt and the dog is sleeping peacefully at your side, you'll know the answer to that question. Because that's when the cat will leap from the dresser and attach itself to your face like one of those sucky things from "Alien," waking up the dog, who will leave claw marks on your belly as he takes off across the room after the cat. At that moment, you'll know the answer to your question is, "Yes, indeed, I am nuts."