I have been for years. If you're feeling grumpy, they calm you down. It's good to spend a few minutes a day spoiling an animal. Related to the last point, a pet can be a receptacle and an encouragement for emotional outpouring. I cry into their fur.
Dogs are good in nursing homes.
Our dog hates suitcases. We called in to see some friends. They're little furry persons to us. They have their own little personalities. When our dog died after 17 years, my 15 year-old son cried his heart out.