You have full control over your pets? I hadn't read that information yet...
To be honest I am not sure how I feel about that. That means that if my solo sim I use for play-testing wants a dog I'll suddenly have two "sims". Will there also be an option to make them unplayable? I guess we'll have to wait and see in order to find out the finer mechanics of the gameplay they'll be adding.
Still, I'd be most excited about a new town, new skills, and new careers (professional jumping rider sounds pretty nice).