Thank goodness your son is fine now! I like what you say about being a steward of domestic animals to teach you many skills and prepare you for the time where you may be confronted with a loved one who is seriously sick or injured. We had chickens and ducks for a few years. Of course, they are not as fancy as mammals. But my kids have been through the joy to witness their birth, the responsibility of caring for them, and the sadness when they hurt and eventually die. As a result, they are more prepared for life events at least emotionally when dealing with death in the future.