How to Own A Pet
When I was five, I wanted a hamster more than anything else. When my parents gave me a cage and said I could go pick one out from the store, I was so happy—I couldn't wait!
Ruby the Hamster
My first hamster was an albino. I named her Ruby because of her red eyes.
Since then I've had two hamsters, two rabbits, a frog, two guinea pigs and a lovebird.
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When I got Stella, my lovebird, I thought it was going to be easy. I was wrong. Some parts were easy—but not all.
Getting a pet? Here are some tips from other websites
Advice On Getting A Pet
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Pets take work
It takes a lot of time to own a pet. They need:
- Food and water everyday;
- Attention:
- Care.
Caring for a pet can include regular nail, claw or wing clippings, fur combing, and cage cleaning. All of these tasks take time.
Some Take More Time
Some animals take a lot more time than others. For example, birds and dogs take much more time than cats and guinea pigs.
If you have a lot of time you might want to consider owning a bird or a dog.
If you don't, consider a pet that takes less time such as an aquatic frog or fish.
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Having a pet takes patience because no matter what kind of animal it is, there is always some sort of demand. Pets can be very trying sometimes.
Pets and their Demands
Pets can be trying:
- Birds can make a lot of noise;
- Rodents can bite;
- Rabbits and cats like to mark their territory with pee.
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How much is that doggy in the window?
Pet ownership takes money. Costs range depending on the type of pet you have, and include:
Pet Ownership Cost Money
A kitten I know named Hannah ended up at the hospital because she was playing with a candle and got hot wax all over her paw.
It was Christmas time so it cost extra money because it was off hours at the vet's.
Things like that happen and the unexpected costs can add up.
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- Food;
- Toys;
- Cage;
- Veterinary care;
- Grooming;
- Bedding or litter.
Which pet?
If you've decided you have enough time, patience and money to own a pet, you're ready to decide which kind of pet you want. Here are some factors to consider:
What kind of companion do you want? One that is distant or one that keeps close to you? Go to the library or ask questions at a local pet store to find out more about the pet.
Animals Can Be Close
Animals have the ability to pick up on your negative and even positive feelings. They can sense that you are angry, happy or even sad. Then they too can mimic your feelings or even try to comfort you.
I really wanted a lovebird because I knew that it was the kind of pet that got attached to their owner easily.
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How much time can you spend? Educate yourself before getting any pet. Take into account the amount of time it takes to care for the pet you are considering.
How much money can you spend? Look into costs for the pet you want. Research the needs of that pet, and the related costs.
What's unique about your pet? Knowing what is good and bad for your animal is essential. There are many things that can be bad for your animal.
Different Pets Have Different Dangers
Here are just a few things that can be dangerous to certain kinds of pets:
- Ceiling fans, cleaning chemicals and Teflon pans are bad for birds;
- Chicken bones are bad for dogs;
- Lettuce is poisonous to rabbits;
- Ivy and other common houseplants are poisonous for all animals;
- Citrus fruits or chocolate can harm many animals.
Research these things for the pet you are thinking about getting.
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Diet is an essential part of your pet's life...
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