Love the recognition of your connection to and with so many life forms in days gone by. Reminds me of the many dogs, turtles, tortoises, snakes ... yes, snakes, gerbil, parrot and annual returning nesting cardinals we had when my kids (now in their late 50's) were growing up. Author James Herriot, of "All Creatures Great & Small" fame would be proud of you. Aye ... me, too.