Why I can't have a dog

MegaDeath and Meister

If I wanted my pets to love me, I wouldn't have got lizards. Introducing my two Pogona henrylawsoni, MegaDeath (gender: male; the bottom lizard) and Meister (gender: ??).

Honestly, I originally did want a dog, or a cat, ANYTHING that I could come home to and cuddle up with at night while watching a movie. Basically, what I wanted was quiet company. Realistically, I knew it wasn't the right thing to do; I've seen far too many bored and lonely dogs and cats with owners who have full-time jobs and no energy at the end of the day. Knowing my PhD is so time- and mind-consuming, I sadly decided not to get a dog/cat. I didn't want to have an unhappy pet.

"Meister, it's time for cuddles!"

But, you can cuddle lizards. And they are quiet. Although MegaDeath treats me with mild indifference, and Meister regards me as one would regard a real-life "Alien" skulking in the shadows, that suits me fine, doing a PhD I'm hardly ever home, and it's a fair compromise to an energetic mammal.
I've learnt to relish the fact that my lizards would rather I was not home. As long as they are healthy and happy, I am thoroughly entertained by their shenanigans, however detached they seem from me.