A family pet

We have had great rewards through having a family pet. My first pet was a rat, when I was 8. 'Ratso' taught me how to take care of something else, on a small scale. My dad and I bonded over making Ratso a 3 story 6 room cage complete with ladders, alcoves, and a kitchen. I learned responsibility because I had to remember to feed and water Ratso. Ratso lived for years, and during that time we have many fond memories of him. One time I left a tissue box too close to his cage, and he proceeded to fill his cage with tissues as they popped up. In the morning he was nestled well into a nest of blue Klenex. Another fond memory was when I placed him on my hoity-toity Aunt's shoulder. This was not a fond memory for her. Ratso prepared me to later be caretaker of dogs. I did foster care for Canine Companions, and got more lessons in responsibility as well as dog training and compassion, as we were training these dogs to work with disabled people. That has carried over to today, when our family now has three dogs. They are great for our daughter to be around, and they are well trained since I learned how to do that as a young girl.