I have "pets" and "specimens". My dogs are pets, because they have the same social structure humans have. I'm the alpha dog, and they are submited to me, which is what IMO makes them pets.

Then I have specimens. Specimens do not want social interaction with me, and I don't expect it. The most I do with my specimens is train the lizards to not go nuts when I have to pick them up to take them to the vet. So I pick up my juvvie Ionides a few times per week.

Why I am fascinated with lizards, a colorful tarantula, and that huge dark metallic blue scorpion, would require an essay starting with my childhood reptile-catching hobby. Since my boys grew up and out of the house, and my wife tip-toed out, I can indulge myself with pets, and with the specimens which have always fascinated me so much. I love to have them in my living room in large glass tanks (the Blackthroat has the small bedroom for his habitat), and I love the task of meeting their every need. One or two of my phobic friends and acquaintences cannot visit me, knowing I have creepy-crawlies right in my living room. So instead, *I* visit *them* LOL!

clffdvr

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