Phillippe
American Toad
Acquired: Other
Gender: N/A
Discovery of My Toad Phobia
I was given a toad by a family friend for a summer while she went away on a lengthy vacation. Originally compelled to make a connection with animals from all walks of life, I was excited to care for a toad. His habitat was moderately sized with a hut, water dish, and faux-fern pattern backdrop.
Unfortunately, I was not aware that I was terrified of touching Phillippe, and this made weekly tank cleanings very difficult. I also didn't know that his original owner wanted to feed the toad living crickets. They had to be purchased in a large plastic air-filled bag, and would jump around relentlessly. Emptying the crickets into the tank proved to be very scary, and difficult. We would often end up with stray crickets hopping around the house.
Though I loved Phillippe very much, I was not prepared for an animal of that type, especially not one that eats live food.
