I’ve killed starter. I didn’t quite feel like it was a pet… since I sort of forgot to feed it for a few days. At least the cat meows at me and pees on my clothes when I forget to him. The starter? Stayed pretty quiet until it started to reek of cheap booze. Luckily I had some in the fridge I was able to reboot.
Not a baker and in the Buffalo area? I highly highly recommend BreadHive. (full disclosure, I am a shareholder). They will also sell you some of their around the world starter.

Adopt it, feed it, even name it. You’ll be paid back in lofty doughs and pungent breads.

Source: Sourdough Starter, America’s Rising Pet – The New York Times