So far it looks like most of us who are responding were "created" by exposure and/or education. But it surely isn't nearly everyone. Most were exposed to more than just the dog and cat. But once again, not all. So here's a follow up question .............. If you were not raised around a lot of animals, how would you describe your personality? Ex: liberal, conservative, artistic, creative, routine lover, practical, scatter brained, restrained, formal education, outgoing, quiet, loud, introspective, spiritual, religious, .... well, you get the idea. It would really be fun to get to "know" each other in the process. Here's my guess. A lot of you are experimental and artistic. I would say I was artistic, musical, extroverted, probably attention seeking, very touchy lovey dovey, hunger for knowledge, not religious, educated, live for humor, bubbly, extremely loving, have an intellectual side (shut up), love science, oh yeah ... did I mention that I was mentally ill? No, really. Part two. Someone pondered over the sex's, marital status's, and ages of ferret people and animal lovers. I am a monk, 18, and a hermaphrodite. No, not really. Ardith, you were so right, I didn't intend it to, but this really opens up the lines of communication and it's been a nice surprise to learn about a whole new side of people here. [Posted in FML issue 5270]