It is hard at first, especially with this board being so large.

If you want to get to know others, what about PMing someone? You have animals, we have animals, so there's already one thing in common.

What about finding someone that lives in your state or closer?

What about posting a thread in General about something that interests you?

I typically stay in the cat section, as I have 8 cats. I sometimes wander into the Pet section, because its always really neat to learn about some critter or scaly creature...but don't oftentimes post because I don't know all that much about them.

Keep with it, be outgoing, and you'll be fine.