Growing up, I had a variety of pets.
When I was in elementary school, I owned a golden retriever for several years, but it had a tragic accident when it ran away at night and was hit by a car.
Credit: Canva
A few months later, after learning about iguanas at school, I became interested and convinced my mother to let me keep a green iguana.
I thought the long spine and huge tail were very cool.
Credit: Canva
My mom took me to a local pet store and got me two green iguanas.
I don't remember the names of either of them, but they called one “toeless” because one toe was half missing.
I had it for a few years, but eventually had to give it to a friend when I moved.
Finally, when I was in high school, we moved to a few acres in the country and my mom bought some horses.
She grew up around horses for most of her teens and early twenties and wanted us to share her love of horses.
Credit: Canva
I'll never forget the first time I rode a horse and felt its muscles and its strength.
Currently, my wife Lindsey and I have two wonderful dogs named Benny and Paddy.
Big Joe Pesch – TSM
read more: Bring your pet to 20 pet-friendly beaches in Michigan
Shocking pets your Michigan neighbors can legally own
It's no big surprise that all of the animals I owned were legal to own in Michigan, but check out these animals that Michiganders can also legally keep as pets.
Surprisingly, 9 animals you can legally own in Michigan
10 Animals You Can't Keep as Pets in Michigan
Some people really want to keep an exotic pet at home, but it's rarely a good idea. If you'd like to add a wild animal to your family, check out our list of animals you can't keep as pets in Michigan.
