Ever Wanted A Weird Pet?

Midnight · Post by **Midnight** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:07 am

One thing I haven't noticed (might have missed it though) is any thought given to the climate of the area anyone's planning on keeping their unusual pet. Hyenas for example... They're African and probably wouldn't do particularly well in a cold climate. (Z, would that be about right?) I don't know much about American geography or how mild the winters in California are likely to be so that would be something to think about as well if you're ever in the position to get one.

As for wallabies... they've acclimatised to the Waitaki valley area (so much so that they've occasionally been a bit of a pest) and I don't think there's any protection of them (they're not exactly endangered over here as far as I know, and they're an introduced species anyway). It's a fairly dry area with occasionally harsh winters. Kaebora, I can't remember where in America you are but as long as it's somewhere reasonably dry it should actually be possible to keep wallabies. I don't know much about the things, though... but they'd probably do better in a paddock than as a house pet. But it would definitely be worthwhile doing the background research to see if it's feasible to own one.

Kaebora · Post by **Kaebora** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:14 pm

If the dog primarily lives indoors, you don't have to clip its hair. My pet dog, a Japanese Spitz, has long white hair. The color keeps her from absorbing heat, but we still keep her indoors. She also is never left outside for longer than fifteen minutes, whether she's going potty, or taken for a walk. Central New Mexico weather isn't forgiving to longhair breeds, but we keep her cool.

Kaebora · Post by **Kaebora** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:24 pm

Yeah, that would be bad. Some owners like the extra fluff on their dogs just to stand out. Damn prissy rich folks using their living breathing animals to attract attention. The dog's well-being should come first. Either keep them indoors, or shave that hotdog! (Yay! I made a pun!)

MoonKit · Post by **MoonKit** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:18 am

It works the other way too. If you've got a short haired breed with a thin body (greyhound, chihuahua etc) and it spends a lot of time in snowy weather, you darn well better get that thing a coat! Maybe even a snood.

darkest wolf · Post by **darkest wolf** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:56 pm

Heh, I thought I was the only one who noticed that. Z's right, as well as Kaebora and MoonKit. I guess they buy it for the looks, climate later. (He he, I'm a tape recorder.). Its kind of sad actually.