Ray--

I do have a lot of "critter" friends--I LOVE animals of all kinds. Actually, before I moved to this townhome in late November, 2004, (I know you read the story about the patio debacle, LOL), I owned a small ranch (1/2 acre, but well-designed) in a town here in SoCal called Norco (a town devoted to animal keeping. with a zoning law that minimum property size is 1/2 acre). For a few years, I actually rescued aged, unwanted horses...I took them in, and at my own expense provided hospice care for them (including whatever medical Tx they needed) until they died.

It took a toll on my finances and, more to the point, a toll on my heart and soul...I had to put so many down--so I quit doing it. I love being around animals...they all have their own distinct personalities, don't they? I've already gathered that many people on this board are true "critter" lovers... Thanks for your welcoming responses. Liz