"Because I'm fond of them. I appreciate the affection, and most animals don't offer it quite so freely. I like other animals well enough. I've ridden horses a couple times, but that was as big a rebellion as my party phase. My father had fits when he found out." He had never found out about some of her other indiscretions, but that one had taken place on the property of someone he knew, and people gossiped.

Maggie chuckled in quiet approval of the comment. "No sense being embarrassed by anything you've shared. Change is worth appreciating."