I grew up on a farm with a variety of animals - we always had dogs and cats as pets.

When we moved into a city (without our farm pets) and I began to go to school cats often followed me home. My Mom and Dad finally let me have my first kitten when I was 12. Sammy was beautiful and my best friend and my family had him for 22 years!

I think people in general are born without bias one way or another; circumstances and immediate environment shape their choices and preferences. My pets were my first friends - living on a farm with no other children around can be lonely. Our dogs and cats were my playmates and I grew up feeling more comfortable with them than other children. Going to school in the city changed that however, my love for animals never changed. Life without a furry friend is a lonely place.