In pursuit of deep connection with just one creature

“Quality over quantity” applies to my love for animals, too

When I was little, I dreamed of having dozens and dozens (and dozens) of animals. I sketched entire house plans imagining where my pets would live. I’d offer the largest space to the dogs (part of the floor was to be built of trampolines; in hindsight I’m not sure my hypothetical canines would love the ground caving under their paws, but alas. I was nine). I’d line the cat room ceiling with balance beams. The small mammals would explore hundreds of clear tubes. Out back there’d be pigs and goats and maybe a donkey and definitely a reading hammock.

I never was able to renovate my bedroom, but I did achieve some of these fantasies in my parents’ house. For the bulk of my childhood I lived with two dogs, Larry and Lucy, and two cats, Charlotte and Ophelia. I had seven hamsters and two mice (though not at the same time) named Sunshine, Cookie, Muffin, Oreo, Nilla, Cocoa, Millie, Simba, and Nala. For a brief period I kept a rabbit called Biscuit, but we (rightfully) realized he wasn’t happy…