As a student who has recently moved 2 hours from home to Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, this is the first time in my life I have not had a pet in my household to share cuddles with, and I miss it. I believe pets are a crucial part of the family, as they lift spirits and make life so much more positive and fun, and they deserve to be shown how valued and cared for they are. I have been lucky enough to have had opportunities in animal shelters and work experience at Taronga Zoo, being up close and personal with many animals. I have grown up with 3 cats, 2 dogs and 2 birds - all rescue animals - and have taken on responsibilities of feeding, exercising, cleaning, grooming and loving, and I would be overjoyed to do it again with any pet....