My basic list of past pets includes two wonderful dogs, Lassie and Dukie; several painted turtles from the river that used to be in my backyard including Rudy; two gerbils named Herbie; and many fish.

   My family had several cats. My sister Gail's cat had five kittens. My brother's gerbils had seven little ones at the same time as my sister's kittens.

   Currently, Karen and I only have Hoppy.