Greenghost, I have gone one step further : NO PETS !! The way I see it is that in cases of SHTF, a pet is an additional source of stress, additional thing to prep for.

Kids have had some gold fish and few pets in the past ( after showing moderate objection ). They got the pets for some time and now they had enough.

I'd prefer to focus my preps and attention towards family members , and even then I don't think I have all bases covered.

Re: the zanax, I found that vitamin supplements really help in times of stress and fatique. YMMV.