According to German researchers having a dog in the house reduces a childs risk of developing allergies and hay fever later in life.

http://www.slate.com/id/2189676&GT1=38001

It seems as if a growing meat from animal stem cells maybe a possibilty in the near future and PETA has just offered a $1 million dollar prize to anyone who can create a commercial viable version.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24359065/