Stories of a short, fat bastard.

Never did we have nor have access to the kinds of animals you are speaking of, but my parents and I spent much time in the high desert wilderness when I was growing up, and I grew to love the wild creatures. We used to catch the polywogs in the rainpuddles and take them home so they could sprout feet in the fish bucket and become frogs and eat the bugs in the garden. And the toads, I can't tell you all the ribbits in the desert back yard we had because my father couldn't resist. And the snakes I took to show and tell and scared the teacher, not understanding why she was so afraid of a little water snake. Yes, I can understand your love of these creatures. They aren't always pets, but they are all the wild ones are especially precious. I still get goosebumps when I spot or hear a hawk. Now there is a majestic desert creature.