Thanks for starting this, Emily.

There are still a few pets that I don't care to have, or don't think would be safe in my house, but I have certainly gained a healthy respect for many species that I did not know very much about, before.

To name one or two.....I probably don't want to have a snake or an iguana, but I certainly admire those people who have them, especially those horror stories that we have read about where they were in such horrible shape, and the new owner has helped them survive.

When I joined this board, I think I had Honey and Lilly (Golden Retrievers, who were probably 1 or 2 when I joined this board), Mimi (cat), Phoebe and Evelyn (hamsters). I have always had an issue with small rodents, with tails. No more, due to all the rat lovers on this board. Will I have one? Probably not, but I sure appreciate all the ones that are shared with us a lot more than ever. When we lost our last hamster, so tragically, I swore, no more, and I meant it.

I can't say that Pet Talk caused me to add the Cockatiels, but it sure has been fun sharing them here, and learning from the other bird owners. And I lost my fear of having too many dogs, obviously, since I now have 4. And when Butter showed up our house, I never thought I'd keep him, but I did, with lots of support from my friends here.