Silver was the fourth pokemon game I ever played- being my third "catch and train pkmn" game and my second portable pkmn game- and my first 'gbc' game. (if that makes sense...)
I liked Cyndaquil and Totodile, but for some reason, Chikorita caught my eye. I picked it, and it was my loyal companion until I started the game over. (besides, I just catch a Pidgey to deal with Falkner... O_o) I don't normally pick grass starters, but Chikorita has always been very special to me.