Can Being a Pet Owner Help Prepare You for Parenthood?

Can being a pet owner help prepare you for parenthood? I was recently asked that question for an article on Romper entitled "The One Surprising Benefit Of Having Pets Will Make You Adopt A Dog ASAP".  While I would never advise someone to get a pet so they can prepare for parenthood, I have seen that people who've owned pets before becoming parents have learned some valuable things about being a mother or father. And while the job of parent and pet owner have distinct differences, there are some similarities that may surprise you.