AJ stands for Andrew Jackson, our 7th president. His reputation for toughness earned him the nickname "Old Hickory." A hero of the War of 1812, Jackson has appeared on the $20 bill since 1928.

Feed your pet

Do you think your pet is sick?

Here Are Some Signs Of A Sick Pet

If they stop their normal activity, if there is hard or labored breathing, if they stop eating or drinking, if their poop changes in consistency, seek professional help.

Veterinarians are animal doctors—they cure animals. They determine whether a pet is ill and they administer a treatment for the pet.

Usually there is one in your town. Consult the phone book, internet, or a friend for a vet recommendation.

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Feed your pet a consistent diet of quality food. Don't change your pet's brand of food too often—it can cause stomach problems.

A Simple Diet Tip

Feed your pet good quality food. Poor quality food is like junk food. It isn't good for your pet.

Investigate what is good for your particular pet. Consult with a trusted friend with experience, breeder or vet.

If you got your pet from a breeder I suggest you try the food they use first.

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When you change brands, mix old food with new food for at least three days. It helps them get accustomed to the new food without abruptly changing their diet.

Look into your own family's animal allergies. If you suspect family allergies check with a doctor before getting any pet.

Check for Allergies

If you or your family is allergic to that type of pet, than this is not the pet for you.

You should probably spend some time with the pet before getting it to make sure you're not allergic.

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Where to get your pet

You can get your pet from many different places:

• A pet store has its pros and cons;
Pet Store Pros and Cons

The good part is you won't have to wait to get your pet.

But they can also be sick. Animals kept close together can spread disease. Unfortunately, one sick animal can make all the others ill.

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• Adoption might work for you;
Adoption May be Just Right

Sometimes a friend's pet will have babies that need to be adopted.

If it's the kind of pet you want, you should consider this option.

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• The Humane Society is an inexpensive way to find a pet;
The Humane Society

The Humane Society rescues abused, or unwanted, or homeless animals.

Unfortunately though, some rescued animals can have behavioral problems like loudness, depression or biting.

Be sure to spend time with your animal before you take it home from the humane society to make sure it has the disposition you want.

One of my pets, my hamster, Heidi, came from the Humane Society, and she had the sweetest disposition I have ever met.

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• Breeders are another option when looking for a pet.
A Different Breed

Breeders can be expensive in the short run, but in the long run this might save you money in veterinary bills.

Get a recommendation for a good breeder from someone you trust.

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Need help naming your pet?

Name your pet

Now that you've got your pet, the next step would be to name it. This is one of the best parts.

What you name your pet is up to you. Usually you find a name that just seems to fit your pet.

Names that Fit

I know some albino guinea pigs. Their names are Rosie and Violet, and they think I'm their "human."

Their names fit. Rosie has pinkish ears that look like rose petals, and Violet has darker purplish ears that look like violets.

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Sometimes when you get your first pet, people will suggest names. Another place to get names is from your favorite books, movies, TV shows, music, etc.

Remember that Book?

I named my lovebird Stella after the name of the theater in The Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke.

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Some people use names related to the type of pet they have.

For instance, a pig or a guinea pig could have the names Hammy, Piggy or Bun Bun.

More than one kind of pet?

Thinking about adopting? Try here

Before you bring more than one kind of pet into your family, make sure the species agree with each other.

For example, do cats and birds get along? No, because cats are predators and birds are prey. You can't take away their instinct no matter how hard you try.

It's not worth losing your bird to a hungry cat!

However, you could have rabbits and guinea pigs in the same house.

Research and ask questions to a veterinarian or an expert before bringing any animals together.

Pets can get jealous of each other. Make sure you give them all an equal amount of attention.

When introducing pets to each other, do it under very strict supervision and on neutral territory. Emma says, "Find out what your pet needs at Pet Health 101."

Neutral Territory

Neutral territory means do it away from both of their cages or territories.

Most species are very territorial and don't immediately welcome intruders.

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Companions for life

Owning a pet takes a lot of responsibility, a great deal of time and there are so many obstacles.

With research, time and a little patience, most of these can be overcome and you will have a special companion for many years.

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