My "Fish Problem" Anonymous

The freezing water lapped against the plexi-glass walls. Ripples appeared on the surface, and the water glittered in the fading rays of the sun. The seven million gallon home was coming alive--for just under the surface, the water was bustling with activity.

Excitement lined the faces of the spectators as they awaited the treat in store for them. Suddenly, the 12.5-ton, tuxedoed giant breached out of the water. The spectators were left in awe, their mouths open, their eyes locked and their hearts pounding.

When we are in public, my friends refer to me as having a "fish problem". Most people, upon hearing this, think I have an intense dislike for sea food. But when they talk about my "fish problem," my friends are not talking about seafood. They are referring to an unusual hobby of mine.

Since I was a child, I was fascinated by animals and wanted a pet. My parents would not yield to my infinite demands. Yet unlike other parents, they weren't joking when they said we didn't have the space to keep it in. After all, I didn't want a puppy or kitten for a pet. I wanted a whale!

These gentle giants have fascinated me ever since the age of six, when I received the movie Free Willy as a birthday gift. From...