A few weeks ago I was visiting New York City and as I was walking through Times Square I saw a man with a huge pet snake draped around his neck. The sight sent my mind reeling. I was amazed to see a pet of this nature in such a crowed area, I wondered where this man lived — perhaps in a tiny New York apartment with this snake in his living room, and I pondered the different types of pets people enjoy. I have always had dogs of the ‘cute and cuddly’ variety in my life so I find it fascinating when someone has a pet tarantula, alligator or even a pit bull. Any pet that has the potential overpower me, sink their teeth into me or inject me with venom makes me a little wary.

It is interesting to observe the choices some people make in their search to find a pet which matches their lifestyle and personality. Many of us, me included, are satisfied with a fluffy dog, a cute cat, a bird or perhaps a fish. However, there are others who literally prefer to take a walk on the wild side – similar to a person I saw walking a ferret on a leash. Whatever the choice may be, it is important to create a loving and happy home for you and your pet. Tripping over your Boa constrictor every time you get up to use the bathroom in the dark or coming home to a tarantula on the loose in your kitchen may not be best for you or your pet.

Several years ago a friend of mine adopted and Irish Wolfhound. The dog is massive but very loving. Initially I thought he was crazy but he is a unique person who is always looking for things that are a departure from the norm and Marilyn (the name he chose for the dog) seemed to fit into his life very well. My friend has a spacious house with a large back yard so his exceptionally large dog has a lot of room to run and play. Shortly after adopting Marilyn, my friend decided he wanted to add a few additional animals to his family. He ended up adopting three goats which were so much fun, they inspired him to bring home two Llamas a few months later. With a virtual petting zoo as a home, my friend is thrilled and looks forward to coming home to his large family every night. He has the means to have hay and other special food delivered to his home each week so the animals are well taken care of; which they exhibit through their loving and playful behavior.

Personally I would find this living situation to be crowded and too high-maintenance but it is ideal for my friend and has greatly enhanced his life. I have another friend who had a pig as a pet for several years. Again, not for me but I always looked forward to going to visit as the pig was so ugly it was cute and it was very friendly. Its behavior reminded me of a dog – it would greet you when you arrived, hang around you for a few minutes to feel you out and then move onto a toy or a treat. Having a pet can bring great joy to life and since we are all different, it is fortunate there are many unique animals to match our unique lives.

By David Greenwood