Why do you have your pets?

I have my cat because I got her just after I moved out of my parents' house. It was an act of independence, as they never allowed me to have a pet. A good friend worked at animal control and sent me a picture of Miss Roxy, a three-legged white-and-calico girl, and I snatched her up. I was hoping for a more... affectionate cat, and Roxy is not that. She's very much the "Human, come when I call you." type. But she has her cute moments and I have no problem with her hanging out for the next 15 years.