My Favorite Animals

Animals are a major group of multi-cellular organisms that make up the Animalia kingdom. Animals can range in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, amongst other varieties. I will say that this kingdom amongst the other kingdoms in science, would be my favorite.

I have always, had an affinity towards all animals, whether they are covered in fur, scales, or slime. As I have grown up each year, the animals that I am interested in, grows more and more. And, to think that it all started with a small beagle puppy when I was three years old.

Choosing my favorite animal would be a very hard decision, so I have narrowed it down to three.

Having been my first pet snake, ball pythons would be my favorite snake. Yes, I do enjoy red tail boas, as well as colubrids, and such, but ball pythons would definitely be my favorite.

This constrictor, is very docile and even tempered. It is one of the best beginner reptiles.

With the proper care and husbandry, ball pythons can live an average of 20 to 30 years, so these snakes are a real commitment. If you are not able to devote yourself, time, money, and energy, then a ball python may not be for you.

One of my favorite stories about ball pythons, is that Cleopatra wore them around her wrists. Being a strong woman, ball pythons must live up to her standard.

Although, yes a snake is one of my favorite animals, so are rats. Being one of the animals that I was always told could never enter my parents house, as soon as I moved out, it was one of the firsts that I bought (snakes and hamsters being 2 other animals that were forbidden but I bought quickly).

Fancy rats, as they are commonly called in pet stores, are very docile and intelligent animals. They love to play games and toys. Pet rats love larger cages with plenty of room to run and play. Without this mental stimulation, rats will easily become bored and even destructive.

I find that pet rats are normally really healthy, but they can succumb illnesses such as Upper Respiratory Infection, to which they are most common to contract. Being relatively healthy creatures, makes me love them even more because they live fairly short lives of an average 3 to 5 years.

Pet rats are just one of my favorite small animal, because of their relatively hardy health and less fragility, they barely rank higher in my books when compared to the chinchilla.

Of course, I cannot forget the animal that started it all, the canine. Dogs are a big part of my life (past, present, and future). Their goofy smiles and sloppy kisses are always one to make me smile. Dogs live in the moment, something that I strive to do; they are creatures of forgiveness. What other animal can be beaten, starved, and deprived by a human, later to be a happy addition to another family?

But, I can further define my favorites. Yes, within the "dog" category, I have favorite breeds- the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.

The dog with the worst reputation, in my home, is the sweetest. Although my demon is the worst instigator, she's still the most innocent in my house. The thing that kills me about the APBT is that at one point in time, in American history, this breed was admired, loved, and cherished. The "pit bull" is your category of dog aggressive, mongrel, fighters, whereas the American Pit Bull Terrier is your famous, dignified breed.

On the other hand, you have your cute little Yorkie. This small breed is nothing less than your mongrel "pit bull" in a 10 pound body. This small breed, like most small breeds, suffer "little man syndrome." This breed is one of my favorites because they are full of spunk and energy. My brave little yorkie is a better watchdog than my vicious APBT.