Hi!
I'm part of a huge dog loving family. Currently we have 2 Golden Retrievers, mother and son, and a Chihuahua/Min Pin mix that we rescued. Powder is a rare white blonde Golden and is the mother of Amadeus, a dark gold color. We rescued Dusty, Powder's estranged "husband." 
Dusty was going to be put to sleep by some ignorant people who couldn't cope with a large dog. We took Dusty who fell in love with Powder, or at least lust, and Amadeus was born on our kitchen floor just after we went to bed one night. Because we had so many friends who thought Powder was amazing, we had no trouble finding good homes for the rest of the puppies. But my in-laws fell in love with Dusty and so now he lives on their 100-acre farm with his very own private pond to swim in.
Pedro was left at a gas station and his friendly manner caught my attention. I posted ads and flyers trying to find his person but after a few days, I was so hoping that I could keep him. No one claimed him so I became his. Maybe it's because I found him, but he has become my shadow and never leaves my side, including under the covers at night where he is my personal hot water bottle! LOL We thought he was a large Chihuahua but he is mostly Min Pin with a bit of Chi thrown in. His personality is definitely Min Pin as he is the friendliest little guy and charms everyone he meets.
We also rescued China, a St Bernard, but found her person. He casually said that we could have her as she just "won't stay on the porch." ???!!!! She was a lovely dog but Powder had just had puppies and we couldn't keep her. A vet in Milledgeville GA rescues St Bernards and she helped us find a forever home for China. The family had just lost their own to old age and wanted another. Plus the vet performed a needed eye surgery on China first. Wonderful woman!
Our college-aged daughter volunteers at the Atlanta Golden Retriever Rescue and we all help out for adoption days. Last adoption day, I personally assisted with 3 puppies finding their forever homes. I could barely turn those sweetie pies loose but I know first-hand how quickly they grow up. Not that I mind that at all. One day, we hope to open a haven for senior dogs. Those whose people have passed away or families who can't cope with a senior dog's care. Nothing is more tragic to me than a beloved dog being confused as to where his or her person went. Suddenly the pets and cuddles are gone along with the person. I want to provide these dogs a loving home to spend the rest of their days in. I know it will be hard to watch them go but if I can give them love and attention, and make sure they die with dignity and pain free, then it will be more than worth it.
Currently, we also pick up lost dogs and work with the local shelter which is a non-euthanasia center. They do everything possible to find homes for these dogs if the people can't be found. Plus, we support a FL friend's feral cat shelter. These were wild strays that have suffered horrid cruelty, including being shot, set on fire, and ears glued back. She cares for them and ensures they suffer no pain. She has had cats with leukemia live to be 17 under her care!
Then we did have a rescue rabbit. A house rabbit named Bunny Foo Foo. Foo enjoyed the dogs so much and loved playing with them. She would hitch a ride on the bushy tail of Amadeus with her teeth. She would hold on to his tail and Amadeus would walk her around in what we called the theme park ride for bunnies! LOL She hopped into our yard one day and we later found out that a family down the road had just set her "free" when they tired of caring for her. Foo was so well-behaved and our first experience at what wonderful indoor pets rabbits are. She learned to use the litter box in one hour and was so clean. Like cats, they groom themselves. While I have heard stories of indoor rabbits chewing through everything, we didn't have that problem. We bought her special wooden chew toys shaped like carrots and gave her plenty of toys as well. They chew because their teeth continue to grow and need filing, plus they get bored if they don't have toys or other animals to play with. Foo would play and annoy the dogs like a younger sister! But they loved her and watched out for her when she would take her daily hop into the yard. One day, she went out to the deck for some sun and her favorite pastime, watching the dogs play in the yard. She died suddenly and without pain or stress. Her heart just gave out. But we are now converts with having house bunnies (not dust bunnies lol). After we move (we are purchasing 26 acres to build a house and our pet haven on), we will definitely get another bunny.
This is so long but I must also mention that we have a frog who lives in the front garden pond. He likes to be held and also to ride on my husband's shoe...very carefully! LOL He will actually hop to you if you call his name. Then we have 3 geckos who live on the front porch and eat all the bugs that the south is famous for. One is lime green and the other two are dark green. They have been with us for 8 years and are very territorial. They love to play hide and seek, and to splash in the sprinkler. If you get the hose out, they will come out because they love to "ride the waves." First, you turn the water on low so they can get close enough, then you turn it full blast and they will jump up into the spray and fly across the yard. Then run back for another shot.
We've learned so much from animals. How they communicate with each other and how they try to communicate with us, but also how they each have personalities, no matter how small they are. It never ceases to fill me with wonderment and amazement. For my next volume, I will tell you the story of how Powder talks. Really.