Pets add so much to our lives. In our house we have had a menagerie of small animals live with us including dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, mice, lizards, frogs, turtles, hermit crabs, and a variety of bugs. (Yes, bugs.  My middle son has kept crickets and lightening bugs for pets.) We have even tried our hand at a worm farm at one time. Though there are times that they drive us nuts with some of their animal behaviors, most provide entertainment, pleasure, and unconditional devotion. We consider them an important part of our families. I am grateful for the lessons that have been taught to our family through the care, ownership, and genuine love of our critters.

These are the current members of our animal family:

The kids' dogs-Candy and Tasha

My cat-Willow.

My parakeet-Lucy

My husband's fish-Bait (this shiner has outlived every fish we have ever had)

We still remember fondly those special pets that have past away and they, too, hold a place in our hearts.

My oldest son's cat, Midnite, and our family dog, Oreo-Both died in 2007 after more than 15 years of being part of our family.

I am linking up with Garden of Learning’s Gratitude Challenge and Teaching Good Things 30 Days of Gratitude.