GERALD C. CHAMPAGNE, SR. I have my Dad to thank for instilling in me a love for nature and wildlife. As far back as I can remember, some kind of birds or animals shared our home. Pigeons were Dad's forte, but over the years, he raised canaries, parakeets, lovebirds, doves, finches (Lady Gouldians were my favorite), he also kept several freshwater fishtanks with neon tetras, guppies, etc. Dad passed away on October 3, 1996. I still miss him. Click on the flying dove to see some of his birds.