content: You are providing a little life form the best life ever. They love being loved.  It's easy to not be sad about them being gone, easy to not be sad when they die... because you and your family gave them the best life they could have had. They live longer as pets rather than in the wild or simple captivity. Raising and loving them is a great way to teach children about life and death. When they pass it is an opportunity to give another little life form the best life ever.