Companions great and small
Humans have been keeping pets for centuries, covering a whole range of animals from those taking up huge amounts of space, time and effort to those requiring little to no attention in a corner (hello goldfish!). Of course, the easiest 'pet' to keep is the illustrated kind ... explore the DM Collection for your perfect companion.
Cats lived in the homes of wealthy ancient Egyptians, but there's evidence they also kept people company in their caves in the Neolithic age (about 10,000 BC).
Many an illustrious historical figure was accompanied by a pet dog, who were first lured to live with humans by the promise of food! Pet dogs date at least as far back as ancient Greece, with Odysseus in Homer's classic leaving behind his loyal hound, along with his wife and child. He returns after his epic twenty year adventure, and the dog Argos is still alive (!) but also recognises his master before passing away peacefully, happy to have been finally reunited.
Of course, animal companions go far beyond cats and dogs - though the DM Collection has a fine selection of these beloved creatures.
Goldfish - that low maintenance children's first-pet favourite - were being kept in bowls as early as the fourteenth century in China. The Bunny rabbit is also popular first-pet for younger family members. Birds have been adding a soundtrack to human homes for at least 3,000 years, according to Persian writers, and the Romans used mockingbirds in their doorways to announce visitors.
Now-a-days farming animals are increasingly popular pets - with pigs and chickens being kept for cuteness rather than tastiness. Horses are now more often a leisure companion, rather than an extra worker or transportation. Even the humble hedgehog is taking its place in people's homes as a more unusual companion to the hamster.
Whatever your choice of creature, any home is happier for some animal companionship. And if a live one is too much trouble, the DM designs are all extremely low maintenance pets!