The Art of Animal Keeping

 How We Magically End Up With More Creatures Than We Planned

Or: How Saying “No More Animals” Somehow Means “Welcome to the Family”

The Gateway Animal

We started with one. In our case, it was a pure bred German Shepard and we named him Diesel. It was practical, manageable. It was even before we had children. Then somehow, another one showed up. And then another. Before long, we're hosting a full-on animal kingdom.

Diesel

The Accidental Acquisition

Cutie "Mama"

The pet you didn’t mean to have but couldn’t say no to. Someone needed a home for them, and you, despite knowing better, obviously stepped up. Fell for it yet again. My grandmother had a barn cat, for mouse control. Her name is Cutie (like the orange) and she is great at her job. BUT she had kittens. We found perfect homes for all of them except 2 so of course we had to keep them. Oh and yes we finally caught Cutie and had her neutered. So here we are, now we have, Cutie, her two babies, Maggie, and Reese, and my cat Luna. And trust me, they are all spayed and indoor cats! 😂

Luna

                                                                   

Maggie

Reese

The Rationalization Stage

• “Well, I already have food for one, so what’s ONE more?”
• “It’s not that much more work.”
• “Okay but LOOK at its little face, I HAD to.”

Or just watching my husband do his animal whispering thing. Oh, and by the looks of him you wouldn't necessarily think he's the animal guy. But I have proof!

The Logistics Spiral

Suddenly, the animals outnumber the humans. You’re running an unlicensed zoo. You have vet appointments, feeding schedules, personality clashes, and a growing budget dedicated entirely to keeping these tiny critters happy.

The Joy (and Chaos) of Too Many Animals

FeeFee

Sure, it’s exhausting, but there’s something magical about all of it, the personalities, the companionship, the little chaotic moments that remind you why you keep saying “just one more.” Although I must say, it is truly devastating when you lose one, then it turns into " I'm never getting another animal again." 
It was after I said those words, a baby squirrel came into our lives. She was desperate for food and warmth. Well now she's thriving and climbing trees! I guess its these moments that make it feel worth it.

And so, despite all logic, reason, and our ever-growing zoo… I know the next ‘accidental’ addition is just around the corner.🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Have you ever found yourself magically accumulating more pets than planned?

 Tell me about your ‘gateway animal’ in the comments!⬇️💬