God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
(Genesis 1:25)

And good, they are.  God has directed several animals into my life over the years and each one has given me joy and enriched my life in ways beyond measure .... each one as unique, precious, and fleeting as one of God's snowflakes.