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I know a family, two adults and two children younger than twelve. About four years ago the parents purchased a male guinea pig, ostensibly for the benefits caring for it might imbue their eldest child, then aged eight years. I was astonished to learn that that pig was the first pet either parent had acquired at any point in their lives. No dog, cat, canary, guppy, turtle, ant colony: the family lavished affection on the pig. The pig became the guardian of the gate to their household. But he was not enough; a year later, the parents adopted a female companion for, ostensibly, the first pig.

That chapter ended sadly, with ventures in small animal veterinary experimental surgery. And as far as I know, the kibosh on substitutes and replacements.

Such is life.

Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.