[catsmom21]

Grew up with cats, they were there before me, but the first cat who was MINE was when I was 11, her name was Muffy. However when I grew up and moved out I didn't take her with me because by then she was old, bonded to other pets in the house, and I didn't think it would be fair to her, though I missed her something terrible. My little sister used to write me letters about her and send me Muffy's fur from brushing.

My first pet as an adult (22) was a Red Boy, and he was my soul mate for 15 years.

[pekemom]

Very first, a light brown pomeranian/chihuahua mix we named Sugar (1960).

[Pastelito de limon]

Got my first pet when I was 9. He was a GSD/Collie mix. But he, and most of the animals I've had, were "family" pets (my parents were financially responsible for them, and cared for them when I left for college). My present dog is the first animal I have been solely responsible for. I got him when I was 26.

[riotsquirrelz]

My first pet was a little calico mouse. She had a little scar on her face, it looked like a pink smile drawn up at the side of her mouth. I was 11, and I remember holding her in my palm and marveling at how delicate and tiny she was! Those little tissue-paper ears...so cute!

When I brought her home, we soon realized she had a medical problem. My grandma took the opportunity to teach me how to properly care for a pet. She made an appointment with the vet and we found out she had mites. The vet gave me the medicine and instructions, and she was soon free and clear of her pest problem. As an adult, I can't thank my grandma enough for teaching me the value of life, even if that life was bought for a few dollars at a pet store.