So as it turns out, we seem to adore all types of animals, two-legged and four legged, feathered and furred (is that the right word?).  Conventional wisdom says you should never name your chickens, we completely fail -  In fact, we were pretty reluctant fowl owners, but we have been completely enamored with our chicken and ducks and take great joy from watching them.

If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.
— James Herriot