What is it with my children and animals????

I guess maybe we need to get a pet soon.

Kayleigh and I were out yesterday, I had just picked her up from playing at a friends. It is HOT, so we decide to swing through Sonic for happy hour. While there, the conversation turns to "tiger". Kayleigh begins to lament, tearfully even, how much she misses Tiger.
Who is tiger you may ask? Tiger, and his sibling Cookie, were two stray puppies who showed up at our doorstep a while back. They were rather cute, if you could overlook the mange. We put them in our back yard and fed them to protect them from a boy in the neighborhood. He was riding up and down the road, swinging a metal chain, staring at them like they had killed his mother. We felt certain, that left to the friendly kid on the bike, they'd be dead in a matter of minutes. He sort of reminded me of the kid Sid from toy story. Anyway, we had wanted to take them to the Humane Society, but they were closing (this was a Friday) and didn't take animals in on Monday. So, we'd have to have them either hang with us for the weekend, or set them free and hope the neighborhood animal torturer didn't find them. Even before we put them in the back yard, they had taken to our yard. Sleeping under our truck one night, and drinking water from puddles on our driveway.
We found a home for Cookie, but we took Tiger to the Humane Society on Tuesday. Ever since then, the kids, especially Kayleigh; have had moments of mourning for their beloved "Tiger". I even nearly lost a tear as we pulled out of the driveway of the shelter and Kayleigh had her nosed pressed to the window waving goodbye to this dirty, stray, dog. I am sure Tiger is now living it up in someone else's home, and hasn't given it another thought. He and Cookie were both so sweet and really lovely puppies. We checked the Humane Society website and he wasn't listed, so i have reassured the kids that he was adopted.
That has done nothing to lessen the guilt trip. While at sonic I was asked why we couldn't keep tiger, can we call and ask who adopted him so we can go visit him, do i think he remembers us, and on and on and on. We have finally told the kids that once we get situated, we'll consider getting a puppy.
Now, since one of the jobs Blake is considering is in Kentucky, Kayleigh has abandoned the notion of getting a puppy and now has her heart set on getting a horse. Ya know, everyone in Kentucky has horses, right?????????

And ya know what is bad about it, her father isn't discouraging it! He had a horse as a child and loved his horse. Where do you draw the line? I love animals and grew up with pets. It is rewarding, and loving, but also a commitment and expense. I think it is a good way to learn the cycle of life and all that, but seriously, I thought I was nearly done with my poop cleaning days! WHY would I want to start picking up after a dog or horse!!!!!!!???? I am thinking we should maybe cave and get a goldfish? Perhaps, then they'll see pets are boring, and only swim in circles? I am thinking that won't work, and that if it is between he dog and the horse, we better figure out what kind of dog we want.