This does appear to be happening more and more. I can think of several examples. Why, though?
You never have to put them on your insurance and they won’t make your wife cry.
“Why, though?”
Western Civilization is dying out (though not altogether); many family trees are coming to an end, while the meek inherit the earth.
There’s a natural instinct to “baby” and nurture. Having children is derided or seems too difficult. Getting an animal that will always remain at the desired level of dependence and totally in the adult’s control can be seen as a suitable substitute. What started as a fill in for never married women and old people lacking company has filtered down to child bearing women who lust for a care-giving role but see it too primitive to find a man and make a baby. So they baby a critter instead.