The author shares a humorous and detailed account of their lifelong obsession with various animals as a child, including a desire for a dog, parrot, mouse, sugar gliders, raccoon, and more. They recount their persistent requests to their parents for these pets, the unsuccessful attempts with fish, and their eventual acquisition of a bird. The author reflects on their ongoing passion for animals but acknowledges the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. They also mention the availability of merchandise related to their online presence.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author has been an animal lover since childhood.
2. They desperately wanted a dog as a child and eventually got one for their seventh birthday.
3. Prior to getting a dog, they had a series of pet fish that died quickly.
4. The author's parents did not want to get them a dog initially and tried to appease them with fish.
5. The goldfish they had, named Goldie/Rainbow, likely had a disease.
6. The author later wanted a mouse but their mom didn't agree due to disliking rodents.
7. They also expressed a desire to have a yellow-named Amazon parrot.
8. The author never got the parrot but continued to have an obsession with birds.
9. They mentioned an interest in flying squirrels and sugar gliders.
10. The author's cousin had a pet rat named Lola, which made them want a rat too.
11. The author considered raccoons as pets but realized they were not suitable.
12. They moved to a dorm in college where pets were not allowed, but later moved back with their parents.
13. The author eventually got a bird named Ari.
14. They expressed an interest in getting a dog and possibly reptiles like skinks in the future.
15. The author acknowledged that they haven't outgrown their love for animals.
16. They mentioned their parents' ability to say no to getting them animals as children.
These facts summarize the main points from the text without including opinions.