I've had fancy rats for years - they're wonderfully smart and affectionate pets, only downside is they have tragically short lifespans. They are worth it though. Don't have any at the moment though, but hoping to get a new group this spring. :]
I adopted my first pet (on my lonesome/not family pet) for the first time LAST YEAR! An old kitty cat (9). My one year with him is coming up later this month, and I cannot believe how much I love this little dude. He has my whole heart fr