I'm an "animal lover" as well. Part of my years of "growing up" was on a farm in Indiana. Two dogs, ducks, geese, two goats, chickens and hogs. Today I think about how much I would have rather had raised cattle than hogs......not nearly as messy! After getting out of the Navy, and while attending college, worked part-time as a Vet Assistant for three doctors. Back then, no Certificate needed. Previous farm experience was fine with the doctors. Right now, the pet wife and I have is "Stormy" our Betta. Quite the dude and he loves his 5 gallon tank. In the near future, we plan on getting what I call "a Senior dog", Shih Tzu. A "lap dog" that will spend plenty of time in my lap. My wife likes dogs and her favorite is a Bichon Frise........too expensive for us.