As in most things I would have to say that in this, too, I am a both/and. In the past I have been a keeper of cats. At some points there were many cats, even too many cats when the fostering life got a little out of hand, and there was a "number that could not be named." But eventually the cats went on to new homes and off to be with Jesus until there was only my Bridget cat. When she was gone, I officially became a dog-only person. My sweet husband has pet allergies, and while he is allergic to all of them, the cats set him off worse than the dog, and so we compromise.
2. Who were the pets of your childhood and what were they like?
My mother was not a lover of pets. But being a child, I begged and begged, and being a mom, she eventually gave in, to a point. I got a little bowl of goldfish. Sadly, they did not live very long. One died of unknown causes and was found very soon in his life with us floating belly up in the bowl. The second one did the fish leap out of the bowl, slid across the kitchen floor and under the stove where he even could not be reached for a decent burial at sea.
3. What pets do you have now?
We are still the proud parents of Maggie the Peke, contemplative Episcopuppy.
4. Have you ever had any unusual pets in your household or visit your home?
Only if you count the one eyed, tailless, three-legged cat whom we sat for now and again in our former home. He had the bad fortune of having a close encounter with a car fanbelt, but the good fortune to have it happen where someone cared enough to save him and give him a good home.
5. What have you learned from your pets? Give one recent example, if possible.
We used to foster some pretty abused and beat up little critters that life (and humans)had not treated very well. And yet, with time, patience and gentleness, almost all of them would come around to trust again at least at some level. It seemed as if they were willing to give a second chance to these big and powerful creatures who had been so hurtful, to try again for love. Not a bad plan, maybe?
BONUS: Pictures or anything else related to animals you love.
