So, I've been doing a lot of thinking (and by thinking I mean procrastinating, but that's another story). Many people head out to get a pet and don't know what that perfect first pet would be! Here are some great first pet ideas.
Rodents - Rodents, in general, are good first pets. They are pretty easy to care for and, as horrible as this sounds, they aren't a long term commitment. One thing to remember is the larger the rodent, the longer they live and the more responsibility they are.
Goldfish - Goldfish are simple. Unlike what people think, goldfish do need a tank with a filter, but they don't need a heater and the quality of water isn't completely vital. Unlike tropical fish, water pH. ammonia and nitrate levels are not as important. Again, these little guys require minimal care and are a short term
Snails - No laughing. All these little guys need is a container with good ventilation, some clean soil, a shallow water dish and food. Their food can be leaves, veggies and fruits. They also need a calcium source, but that can be an egg shell. I think they are super cool.
Walking Sticks - Stick bugs my friend. So freaking easy! Soil, climbing surfaces and a head of lettuce. So easy!
Those are just some ideas. I always think its good to start off with a small, low maintenance pet to see if the person, young or old, is ready for the commitment and responsibility of a bigger pet that will live for longer.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Some PIctures
I don't feel like doing a long post or typing anything meaningful, so I am just going to put some pictures. I like pictures and I like my pets, so it seemed like a good idea.
This is Devi the Scorpion. Somehow I managed to convince her not to haid behind her rock. I am. . . the scorpion whisperer!!
This is Ben, my horse. He's an appaloosa gelding. Ben has hit the 15 year mark and has slight arthritis, so he is semi retired. He no longer shows or jumps, but he does still get ridden all the time and does some lessons, too!
This is Skye, a husky mix from the SPCA. He's about 5 and the look on his face in this picture is pretty typical of Skye. He's a good dog, just very happy and not so smart. We still love him.
This is Kitten, my other cat. Callie lives with me at school, Kitten lives with my parents. Kitten thinks he's pretty regal and loves to hang out by the computer looking. . .smug. His name is Kitten because we couldn't agree on a name. Poor bugger!
This is Monty. He's a rat, and this is the best picture I have of him because he refuses to stay still. Monty is always up to something. If anything touches his cage he will chew it. I love him dearly, but he is ill so I am worried. Hopefully he'll pull through.
This is Devi the Scorpion. Somehow I managed to convince her not to haid behind her rock. I am. . . the scorpion whisperer!!
This is Ben, my horse. He's an appaloosa gelding. Ben has hit the 15 year mark and has slight arthritis, so he is semi retired. He no longer shows or jumps, but he does still get ridden all the time and does some lessons, too!
This is Skye, a husky mix from the SPCA. He's about 5 and the look on his face in this picture is pretty typical of Skye. He's a good dog, just very happy and not so smart. We still love him.
This is Kitten, my other cat. Callie lives with me at school, Kitten lives with my parents. Kitten thinks he's pretty regal and loves to hang out by the computer looking. . .smug. His name is Kitten because we couldn't agree on a name. Poor bugger!
This is Monty. He's a rat, and this is the best picture I have of him because he refuses to stay still. Monty is always up to something. If anything touches his cage he will chew it. I love him dearly, but he is ill so I am worried. Hopefully he'll pull through.So those were my pets! Maybe next time I'll add some pets that aren't mine but ones I love as if they were! I love pictures!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Nothing Exciting
So, I haven't posted in forever, and now I have nothing exciting to talk about. I've been so crazy busy, thins blog has taken a back seat. Oops!
How about some tips on what to do when in a Big Name pet store? How to deal with the employees, the conditions and so on.
1) Do not yell at the employees. For the most part, they are doing what they can. On busy days I'd be feeding animals while I was helping a customer. The employees know that the rabbits need to be changed, the birds knocked over their water and that a fish died. The fish one particularly. Goldfish die like it's their job. Deceased fish are removed twice a day. We'll get around to it. If there is a big problem that is obviously not being dealt with, go to the manager or ever head office. The people working there just want a job and to be around animals. They realize how shitty it is and are sad for the animals too, even if you think that's bull.
2) Do not take everything you are told as the truth. Do research and come in knowing something, or some employees will sell you the store. Question things that seem out of place and if they brush you off, be suspicious.
3) Get the animal you want. This is mainly for birds and rodents. Some employees will reach in and give you the first one they catch. Don't allow it. Ask to handle the animals if they can be handled (most birds cannot). This will prevent you from getting an animal you hate, or at the least you will have no one else to blame nut yourself when Hammie turns into the Spawn of Satan. Also, the longer you spend with an employee, the more likely they are going to relate/like you and the more likely you will get the real scoop on the animal.
4) Don't say puppy mill. Don't think puppy mill. Don't think "what a cute puppy" and then "I need a pepper mill". As far as employees are told, the puppies don't come from puppy mills, so that is what we will tell you. When you yell at them, tell them how sad it makes you, how sad they look, or even go as far as telling them they are bad people for working there (it happened), you are not helping the problem. People are going to buy the puppies. Those who work there are just trying to help by making it as easy on the puppies as they can. Telling an employee of one of the billion stores Big Name has that you are sickened/pissed/sad etc. will not solve the problem. Actions speak louder then words, and your hurtful words just make said employee upset. The employees are not the bad guys.
Those are just a few tips. Some of them are going to get people up in arms, I can tell. Let me just say that I do NOT think that pet stores should sell cats or dogs. I am even iffy on larger birds and reptiles. I can do a post on the whole puppy mill thing later if wanted. To be honest, I don't know if the pups come from mills or not. What I do know that is the employees who work there do love the animals and treat them as well as they can under the circumstances. They work there because they love animals and need a job, not because they want to support puppy mills.
How about some tips on what to do when in a Big Name pet store? How to deal with the employees, the conditions and so on.
1) Do not yell at the employees. For the most part, they are doing what they can. On busy days I'd be feeding animals while I was helping a customer. The employees know that the rabbits need to be changed, the birds knocked over their water and that a fish died. The fish one particularly. Goldfish die like it's their job. Deceased fish are removed twice a day. We'll get around to it. If there is a big problem that is obviously not being dealt with, go to the manager or ever head office. The people working there just want a job and to be around animals. They realize how shitty it is and are sad for the animals too, even if you think that's bull.
2) Do not take everything you are told as the truth. Do research and come in knowing something, or some employees will sell you the store. Question things that seem out of place and if they brush you off, be suspicious.
3) Get the animal you want. This is mainly for birds and rodents. Some employees will reach in and give you the first one they catch. Don't allow it. Ask to handle the animals if they can be handled (most birds cannot). This will prevent you from getting an animal you hate, or at the least you will have no one else to blame nut yourself when Hammie turns into the Spawn of Satan. Also, the longer you spend with an employee, the more likely they are going to relate/like you and the more likely you will get the real scoop on the animal.
4) Don't say puppy mill. Don't think puppy mill. Don't think "what a cute puppy" and then "I need a pepper mill". As far as employees are told, the puppies don't come from puppy mills, so that is what we will tell you. When you yell at them, tell them how sad it makes you, how sad they look, or even go as far as telling them they are bad people for working there (it happened), you are not helping the problem. People are going to buy the puppies. Those who work there are just trying to help by making it as easy on the puppies as they can. Telling an employee of one of the billion stores Big Name has that you are sickened/pissed/sad etc. will not solve the problem. Actions speak louder then words, and your hurtful words just make said employee upset. The employees are not the bad guys.
Those are just a few tips. Some of them are going to get people up in arms, I can tell. Let me just say that I do NOT think that pet stores should sell cats or dogs. I am even iffy on larger birds and reptiles. I can do a post on the whole puppy mill thing later if wanted. To be honest, I don't know if the pups come from mills or not. What I do know that is the employees who work there do love the animals and treat them as well as they can under the circumstances. They work there because they love animals and need a job, not because they want to support puppy mills.
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