Living alongside animals has taught me more than most people ever could. This page is an evolving reflection on what it means to care for—and learn from—the creatures that share my space.
Why I Keep Pets
Each animal in my life brings something different—energy, quiet, mystery, reflection, affection. This digital garden note helps me capture those lessons as they evolve, species by species, moment by moment.
🐕 Dogs: Loyalty, Chaos, and Companionship
Boxers are my breed. Energetic, loyal, slightly goofy. Bennett was my first—meant to be a runner, but more of a “kite in a windstorm.” Kylo is the once-in-a-lifetime companion I never knew I needed. They go to doggy daycare, chew peanut butter hooves, and protect the house with big hearts and drool. Despite the allergies and the baths, they make my life better.
🐱 Cats: Independent Until They’re Not
It took time to bond, but now they follow me like shadows. The adoption process was frustrating, but I found them through Purrfect Match. They’re picky about litter, oddly affectionate, and mysterious. I’m learning to live with their quirks—and their urine-based protest art.
🐠 Fish: Salt and Fresh Reflections
Saltwater
Started in a Biocube, now thriving in my office. I keep Nemo, Dory, and their dad together. It’s more art than science—turn off the wave maker for anemones, avoid starfish assassins, and clean consistently. I’m still coral-curious and protein-skimmer confused, but I’m learning.
Freshwater
My longest-standing pets after dogs. Started with blue gravel and a shipwreck. My dad introduced crayfish (chaos). The tank runs on an autofeeder, gets cleaned monthly, and hates live plants. Low effort, high reward—unless you’re a plant.
🦎 Chameleon: The Enigma
Lives solo. Female. Eats like a machine (40 crickets in = 40 gone). I upgraded to a Pollarium with a mister, which she tolerates. I can’t read her well, but she’s fascinating. The pet I got when I couldn’t have turtles—but worth watching all the same.
🐢 Turtles: Should’ve Been First
They’re my favorite. I delayed getting them but shouldn’t have. They bask under smart lights, paddle through the tank, and can’t catch their minnows. The tank needs weekly cleaning or the “sludge” comes. Still, they’re the easiest animals I’ve owned—and the most fun to watch.
🦜 Future Goal: A Parrot
I want one—but know nothing. Can they live with cats? Do they need flying space? Do they get lonely? I want to teach it something ridiculous like “my husband can never find out about us.” They live for decades. It’s a future goal, not a current plan. For now, I’m learning—before I commit to a species that may outlive me.
🧠 First Principles Reflection
✍️ Define the Problem
I want to document and deepen my relationship with animals. Without this page, I risk forgetting how important they are to my story.
🪓 Break It Down
- Dogs, cats, turtles, fish, chameleon—each with different roles.
- This page helps track their needs, quirks, and lessons.
- It’s about care, but also about meaning.
🌳 Root Cause
I got my first dog (Bennett) for companionship. I was hurting, and so was he. From there, my relationship with animals became symbiotic—and healing.
🖼️ Reframe the Truth
- I take care of them. They take care of me.
- Even with allergies and chores, they’re essential to my life.
🎯 What’s Possible?
More pets. Fewer limits. Maybe even that parrot someday. Until then, this page is the living record.