Its been twenty some years since I first discovered zoo love, I've covered a lot of ground since then. For years I blamed everyone for everything, myself for being different, my parents because somehow it had to be their fault, society for being narrow minded, and the universe for creating me. I don't have all the answers and probably never will. I don't understand some of the questions, but at least I know where I belong in the world.

        The truth about ourselves often lies hidden, buried in the dark recesses of our minds waiting for us to find it and set ourselves free. Over the years I hid my true self by engaging in relationships with both men and women, proclaiming to myself that the animals were "just a phase". Social pressure can be overwhelming, even when there's nothing wrong with what we do, causing us to doubt that which we know is true. All of my human lovers were good people just something was missing. As each relationship failed the truth would quietly guide me back home, back to my furry friends whom I love, and each time I fought the truth refusing to accept myself. The universe has a way of confronting us with that which we refuse to accept until we are finally willing to deal with it. All lies have loose ends and if you pick at the edges it starts to unravel and expose the truth hidden behind. In the last few years I began to understand, like words on a page I could see the truth, and for the first time in my life saw myself as well. For perhaps the first time in my life I accepted who I was, even if that meant accepting myself as a zoo, and in the end I learned to love myself for who I am.

        I cannot take full credit for the journey of my soul, many people have helped me. From Doug my school buddy who was the first to hear my dark secrets, to Erik who was the first to truly understand. My experience online is new but I owe thanks here as well. Thanks go to Canine Casanova for saying hello, talking to me and making me feel at home on the web. Thanks also to Anaximander, the wonderful fellow who hosts my page. I also would like to thank the many people who have written the wonderful stories and webpages that I have read.

Thank you for making me feel less alone.

Tache