AoSHQ Pet Thread [KT]

Good Afternoon! Take a break and relax for a while in the world of animals. This isn't the almost world famous Ace of Spades Pet Thread, but while Misanthropic Humanitarian is mired an alternate dimension, we will muddle through.

Didn't get much in the inbox this week, so maybe we can discuss some less-usual pets. Like the Giant Peace Hamster.

Capybaras are not the pet for everyone. They need swimming facilities, a large yard for grazing, special health considerations and socialization. They get along with people, cats and dogs but can be aggressive and have sharp teeth. They get separation anxiety. They are so averse to being alone that they will hang out with caimans. Or cats. But you gotta watch them. They weigh 100 pounds. So, sort of a full-time commitment.

They are not to be confused with the Nutria, another large South American rodent which has invaded California. Well, actually, it was introduced as a fur animal (with 'mink-like fur) in 1899. They thought they had eradicated it, but apparently not. They are reportedly established in Bayou country, too.

Does "Nutria" sound sort of like "nutritious"? This animal was also introduced into Southern Russia and has now made it onto menus in Moscow, where it is known as a 'river rat'.

Those who are a little freaked out by the idea of munching on rodent are simply misinformed, says Kholikberdiev. "It's a really clean animal; not only is it a herbivore but it washes all its food before it eats. And it's very high in omega-3 acids. A lot of doctors and dietitians recommend it."

But they are not potential pets, apparently, like the Capybara. Giant Peace Hamster enthusiasts suggest that they could be used to eat water hyacinths in California. Environmentalists have thought about it. Probably safer than hippopotami. (Don't comment on old threads).

Capybaras are actually more closely related to Guinea Pigs than to Hamsters. Have you ever had a pet Guinea Pig? I have a Swiss friens who loves them. One of the few phrases I remember in Swiss German is her greeting to her pets. This photo is from a book about a Guinea Pig-based version of Romeo and Juliet, though.

If I recall correctly, it is illegal in parts of Switzerland to sell a single guinea pig, as it is though to be cruel to expect them to live alone. But I guess sometimes they can be adopted alone in the USA. One such pet had a $25,000 set of armor.

My Swiss friend and her husband have a dog now, too. His name is Rocky. Great dog, loves the outdoors. Loves to visit his dog friends at a fancy Swiss dog resort when his people travel. Here he is guiding visiting grandchildren on a hike. We're working on making him a PetMoron.

Pet Amphibians?

We had a toad in the Gardening Thread today, and some people make Toad Houses for their yards. But have you ever thought about adopting a frog?

Are there other amphibians that people keep as pets?

Corgis

Corgis are special. They can even help with housework.

If you would like to send information and/or photos for the Pet Thread next week, the address is:

ktinthegarden
at g mail dot com

No need to send photos if you sent them to Misanthropic Humanitarian in early August. He'll be posting those photos upon his return.

Have a great weekend. Give your pets a special pet from us.

posted by Open Blogger at 03:03 PM

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