Before having two rabbits of my own, I did not consider myself an “animal person.” You may have heard clippings from this yarn before. Here’s some of my companion animal history…
When I was born, my parents had a rescue dog Bonzo, named after John Bonham. I don’t remember her but I hear she was my big sister and protector. She passed when I was maybe two or three years old. I texted mom for a more precise date but she hasn’t answered me as of time of publication.
Shortly after Bonzo passed, Midnight, a female German Shepard puppy joined our family. I remember her. She knocked me over and, thankfully gently/playfully, bit my head. I hesitate to say “bit” because she didn’t break skin or injure me physically but biting is technically what it was. There started my fear of dogs that stayed with me for nearly three decades. Midnight was rehomed for my safety with a colleague of my father.
My only cousin growing up was a cat named Sammy. Sammy didn’t like me. Sammy belongs to my uncle who taught me the true responsibility of caring for an animal. I credit this uncle for my perfect balance of compassion and no-nonsense. His example is the foundation for what I do, for my life purpose and work. Direct all complaints his way (pause for laughter).
Various fish, a turtle and a container of Sea Monkeys filled my younger years. I can still see, like a short film playing in my head, when my uncle (not the same guy from the previous paragraph) was returning the Sea Monkeys to their spot on the table in the basement (I just had to bring them upstairs and show them off!) and accidentally dumped them over, the red lid of their container rocketing off and monkey-water cascading out. Rest in Peace, Sea Monkeys. And while we’re on the topic, what the heck are Sea Monkeys? Pause for a Googling.
Ok then… Bonus was my longest-lived Beta Fish. She went away to college with me and she accompanied me on many Connecticut to Long Island and back road trips. She was a cool chick. When I met the Bunny-Daddy, I was sharing my apartment with a Beta Fish named Ham that my grandmother brought home for me from a bridal shower. Ham was the centerpiece… really people?!
Shortly after moving in together, the Bunny-Daddy and I got Tater Tot and Peanut… the rest is history, chronicled here.
I’d say I’m an animal person now. Much Love.