I remember those rules. It wasn't even me that disobeyed the rules. Other family members would give me pets as gifts and my parents just stopped telling me no. Years later my only limitation is my financial status and the square footage of my home. Any gift list I ever give out is all critter supplies or gift cards to pet stores or hobby shops. I will always have a full house and despite my parents trying to tell me that I would be miserable with tons of pets and no money for myself.. I don't mind one bit! I willingly spend every cent I have on my collection of critters and always will.