kittykhat

So, today I was looking up wildlife photos to, well, modify and create a new tattoo. In the process, I stumbled across an American bulletin board advertising pets for sale, pets wanted etc. I explored this page, and went to the 'exotic' section, and wow are there some freaks out there. Turns out sugar gliders are over represented on this board (wanted, being sold, trying to find a mate for one) which I'm not too distrubed about, because I think it's not too difficult to keep a small possum happy, so long as you're feeding it right (though I do worry about the people that are hand rearing new borns, given that they're meant to stay in the pouch for a number of weeks due to being naked, and kind of fused to the nipple- they're not like puppies and covered in fur, and able to be easily reared independantly). Fine. Turns out baby hedgehogs are pretty cute, though I can't see the attraction in having a completely nocturnal pet that you can't cuddle, and definitely don't want to sit down on. Monkeys I'm really not huge on- I think they're super cute, but I don't think it's fair on them to be kept cooped up in a house in a owner-pet situation where they'd normally be living in big extended family groups in the wild, getting heaps of stimulus all day every day. Even more concerning for me was the number of disabled people advertising for a monkey, that probably needs a lot more activity and care than they might be able to provide, although constant companionship from them may be a plus (but who's going to clean up when shit starts getting thrown around)??

I just started getting angry at people that think they have the ability to take care of lets see- POLAR BEARS. Yes, someone wanted bear cubs. There were black bear cubs for sale, and polar bear cubs wanted. I can see that going really well, outside of the arctic region... And haven't there been enough small child meets large not quite domesticated carnivore tragedies?

Meh. And that person that wanted a tassie devil? You're a mental. Sure they're cute, with giant bone crushing teeth and jaws, and a penchant for carrion (who wouldn't want one!!) but given that australians can't legally keep them as pets, and even most tasmanians are trying to get them OUT from under the house, then it's a silly idea to try and export them. Plus, because they're dasyurids, they don't live very long.

So, what's your dream pet?

Even though I just said dasyurids aren't great long term pets, I still think a quoll would be awesome. I'm all for native pets in the right locations!