Most kids were afraid of the imaginary monster under the bed. Not me. I was terrified of dogs. That may come as a surprise to some of you since you know how much I love dogs. Like many fears, it started with a childhood experience.

My daughter, Danielle, had an amazing affinity with animals when she was younger. Her childhood was filled with all kinds of different pets. I will not forget the time I came home from work one day when she was in junior high in Athens. There she was on the front porch loving on a huge orange and white Tom cat. I think the cat was doing just as much loving back. Her first comment? “Look what followed me home!” Her second comment? “Can we keep him?”