Write in the correct word:

Didn’t you dream of having a dog or any other _ _ m _ _ _ _ _ (1) animal as a child? Didn’t your parents try to convince you how much _ _ _ _ _ t_ _ _ (2) living pets require to feel healthy and secure in a family? Are you a parent yourself now? How do you _ _ _ _ _ _ d (3) to your kids’ constant begging for a pet? Of course, you may consider purchasing a hamster or a turtle a matter of _ _ _ _ _ f_ _ _ g (4) your children’s every whim, but just think about the more utilitarian purpose that your pets may _ _ _ v_ (5). Apart from being lovable little friends, pet animals, _ _ _ e _ _ _ _ _ _ (6) dogs, may act as houseguards scaring away any intruders or _ L _ _ _ _ _ g (7) its owners about the potential danger. Cats are common vermin eaters while horses provide an alternative _ _ _ _ s (8) of transport. A huge variety of animals are kept in houses for emotional reasons. Birds’ soft singing can help _ _ _ u _ _ (9) tension, the majestic movements of colourful exotic fish are _ _ _ o _ _ (10) for their tranquilizing effect, too, and stroking an animal’s hair is scientifically proven to act as an _ _ t _ _ _ (11) for stress. Are you still in two _ _ n _ _ (12) whether to visit the nearest pet shop and fulfil your kids’ requests? Or perhaps, you should go to the local animal shelter to find out if you can offer offer some affection to alone caged pet that will otherwise be destroyed.