I've had dogs and cats in the family my entire life. We had medium and big dogs growing up and then when I turned 12 my parents allowed me to get my own dog to care for myself and he is still the light of my life today. Other than dogs, we also had cats galore! Always had cats running around and harassing the dogs, causing mischief. I also helped with raising a newborn litter of kittens who's mother passed away. I was monitoring them 24/7, feeding them every 2 to 4 hours by syringe, and making sure they were going to the bathroom well. I got my own cat when I turned 15 and he is also still the light of my life today. Other than cats and dogs we had every single rodent under the sun! I grew up with gerbils, rats, bunnies, chinchillas, ferrets, and guinea pigs. I had my own guinea pig for 6 Years until he passed away of old age. I also had a gecko for a few years, we've had birds in the house, I helped home a bearded dragon until he found his forever home, so many different experiences with so many different pets!