Pets are living, breathing, thinking, feeling creatures. Over holidays, chances are your regular routine is disrupted -- which means that feeding, housetraining and adapting a new pet to your home will require time you may not have. Children may also inadvertantly frighten or injure a new pet in excitement.

Keep in mind that although many people love animals, some don't necessarily want responsibility that comes with owning a pet. There are financial obligations, of course, including food, treats, vet care, grooming, and one-time costs such as spay/neuter surgery, a kennel, and grooming supplies. There is also fact that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment -- dogs and cats can live well into their teens!

I remember when I was a child how much I loved my grandmother Silverman's things. They were not just functional plastic items, earthenware and stuffed sofas that most families had when I grew up. All of furniture and things in her apartment were 'alive' with romance, magic and beauty.

For instance, there was statue of a beautiful lady that stood in her hall. Actually, she was a 'bust'. That meant that her shoulders, a bit of her bosom, and of course her head were all carved in ivory. She was so wonderful, with perfect features and a delicate smile. She rested forever on a black marble column that had streaks of light colors running through it. I loved her and I wanted her to be mine! I begged my grandmother, "Please, may I have that statue someday?"

She promised it to me, but reminded me that reason it was white on black was that originally there had been two statues. Over years, each had fallen over. The base of one broke and head of other, so I would need to be careful and always watch that children did not fall near statue. They could hurt themselves or break her. Even with warning, I wanted her. I promised that I would be careful.

Her furniture also had such presence. The front hall chair was carved dark mahogany. It was big and shiny and very heavy. It felt like it had meaning, not just a place to sit. Perhaps fascinating people had sat in it; perhaps stunning women in long white dresses holding parasols, even.