What do a goldfish, guinea pig, rabbit, chinchilla, ferret, dog, chicken, and cat all have in common? 

Give up?

They are all animals I’ve personally had as pets. 

This doesn’t include the plethora of animals with whom I shared residence throughout my childhood. Others were: a canary, Westie, domestic mix breed cat, blue gourami fish, parakeet, calico, gerbils, neon tetras, another Westie, Himalayan, mourning doves, tiger barbs, Birman, finches, algae-eating catfish, Lab mix, Birman-...