We humans are so susceptible to getting influenced by things around us that we try to reason any unusual happening with hypothetical possibilities, without knowing the logic behind it. Our ancestors came up with religious beliefs,the foundation of many of which where simply based on unknown facts which nobody tried to dig upon and find out the reason behind. Well when it is said that half knowledge is dangerous then that be true because it can turn out to hurt someone or even be fatal. As such we have never spared our fellow species, our pets can be no exception in it as we drag them into this colossal field of false beliefs and myths.

Below are few myths-considered-facts that that we has been going around for a long time now but needs to be clarified.

1. Black BAD LUCK

As if hypothetical ghost stories lost their charisma that they dragged a poor little feline into it. Considering them as inauspicious, black cats are often seen as carriers of some evil that is bound to happen and inevitable. People stop and flinch if they see black cats come across their way. This one is too old a myth and some still follow till date. ‘Uh-uh! I won’t go that way else bad luck would follow’, seriously? You think a cat can make a truck run over you while crossing the road, probably yes if your gaze is fixed on that four-legged dark shadow and not on the road while crossing it. Get over that sick myth! They are like any other cats that people pet around rather just more beautiful and unique!

2. Old dog New Tricks, Uh-uh!

No! This is a false verdict. There is no relation between age and ability to learn new things when it comes to your canine friend. No matter what age they reach you can still teach your friend to sit, roll, stay, fetch or whatever pleases you. This has nothing to do with its age. An everyday practice for a week or two and then your dog is smart enough to grasp what is being taught. Don’t underestimate your dog friend they can be stubborn or lazy but they will definitely pick up more quickly than you expected and surprise you. Changing their habits isn’t that difficult as goes the saying everywhere.

3. A Camel’s own water tank?

Camel is the ship of desert, some books poetically explained so. With their ability to live several days without food and water, they are considered as the most well adapted animal to the harsh conditions of the deserts. Camels have distinctive features like padded feet, long eye-lashes and most visible of them all, its hump. Well most of the people think the camel carries water inside its hump and avoid death due to dehydration. The actual fact being they have got oval shaped red blood cells instead of the common circular shaped cells that most mammals have. This lets them retain water in their body for much longer duration. And as for the hump, it just a mount of fat that acts as a food reservoir rather that that of water. Camels can stay fit and fine for as long as three weeks without food with the fat burning in the hump providing the necessary energy. Special thanks to the kidneys and intestines that reduce the water excretion to minimal levels and help it survive whilst other animals die of hunger and thirst.

4. All parrots DON’T talk

You pay a visit to your neighbor got a parrot pet recently and the first question that comes out is, ‘Hey does it talk?’ And with high expectations you try saying monosyllables to it, thinking probably it might mimic you in the funniest way possible. Well, here goes down your expectation and myth, not all parrots talk. Why?! Simply because they are individuals like us. Parrot species like Amazon parrots and African grey parrots are most famous among the parrot species as they can pick up vocabulary faster and mimic better. Whilst on contrary some of the species won’t talk at all. Even among the above two species, there can be few odd ones who don’t talk or very less in comparison others. The reason for this is still a mystery to the scientist who give the individualistic trait as one of the reasons. Hence so forth, don’t overestimate about the poor parrot, because all parrots can’t speak like you.

5. That Egg is Hers!

Well, it doesn’t who came first the egg or the chicken, you simply have your non-veg delicacies without thinking nonsense, but what is to be clarified it that the eggs you have aren’t the ones that would hatch if you keep them warm or something. As a child I often used to do that, thinking that at least one of them would hatch and I would have a chic to play with. Sadly the eggs that we eat are not the fertilized ones. The hen lays eggs regularly, be it fertilized or not. So no you are not committing any crime and killing those babies developing inside the calcium shells. Veggies, take a note!  If you have roosters n your farm and you think probably the hens are having a good time making fertile eggs then you can keep them in the fridge. Refrigeration can  to stop the further growth inside the egg.

6. RAPE RACK

This one goes as a matter of fact, clearing out every possible ‘made-ups’ and beliefs around. You think you get ample calcium supplies from that glass of milk you have everyday (which is actually not true) and with those endorsement brands of milk showing cows happily grazing in the background, it all seems a perfect cycle of milch industry. The horrendous truth being that the milch animals are tortured inhumanly to get you that glass of milk or cup of coffee in the morning. The concept is simple, cows only lactate when they have babies. No baby means no milk. Hence they are impregnated time and again effecting their health and what is done with the calves is even more unfortunate. They are weaned onto some other diet whilst the milk that is supposed to be for the calf goes to us humans. The babies are kept away their mothers, tied all the time with little space to roam around and if they seem of no use, specially the male calves, they end up in slaughter houses. The sorry and disturbing truth, isn’t a myth but a fact covered with the veil of the benefits of developing good health through milk.

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There comes a time when you feel the most need for a pet but realise that you just won’t be able to take that responsibility. Keeping a pet requires a lot of time, patience, care and also money.  Now, do not get all gooey over this. I am sure this is only a temporary glitch and you will soon find yourself in a position to adopt a puppy or a kitten or even geckos and fennec foxes and exotic birds. Till that happens, I would advise you to cheer up for I have found out a really quirky alternative- the world of virtual pets!

Now, I am sure many of you remember this delectable animated series. It was in fact created by Craig McCracken, the creator of The Powerpuff Girls. What was intriguing about these series other than the irresistibly cute characters, is the surreal setting. Set in a world where imaginary friends coexist with the human beings, they have been bestowed with pet-like characteristics. In fact, the outgrown or abandoned imaginary friends are sent to something akin to an orphanage or pet-shelter where they stay until adopted by another kid.

Talking about the home’s namesake, it is administered by an elderly Madame Foster and her imaginary friend Mr. Herriman whose peculiarities remind us of the rabbit in Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Frankie, Madame Foster’s granddaughter also helps in handling everyday activities.

Now we come to the protagonists- a kid called Mac Bargains and his imaginary friend Bloo. After he is coerced into abandoning Bloo at the Foster’s Home for Imaginary  Friends. He makes a pact with the employees that if as long as he visits the home on a regular basis, they would prevent Bloo for being adopted by some other kid.The series revolves around the curious escapades of an extremely mischievous Boo and a plethora of peculiar friends at the orphanage.

Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends was one of my favourite shows as a child, and I sure can vouch for the same for many of you. So, let’s  talk about the main characters,shall we?

Mac Bargains, voiced by Sean Marquette is a compassionate but shy eight-year old boy. He is Bloo’s creator and also his friend. He is shown to be sensible as opposed to Bloo who thrives in creating a ruckus every time he gets a chance. Mac is very attached to Bloo, and visits the home everyday to prevent his friend from getting adopted by someone else. Mac is very scared of losing Bloo who. At times, seems almost like an alter-ego to him. His only weakness, other than Bloo of course, is sugar. This guy gets high on sugar, and often becomes febrile, which includes running around in an hyperactive state without an underwear or nothing but his underwear. What makes him all the more delectable is his huge crush on Frankie, Madame Foster’s daughter.
                

Bloo, the cute blue thing that resembles a dome shaped cylinder, is voiced by Keith Ferguson. His full name is quite a mouthful- Blooregard Q. Kazoo.  Bloo, minus his alacrity, somehow resembles a cat in his behaviour. His feline connection is heightened by his overt narcissism and self- centered egoistic behaviour. He seems to have a knack for getting into trouble, and occasionally even despises company. However, he is good- natured, and though mischievous, is not astute. He is a big fan of paddle balls even though he sucks at the game. He is cute, funny and smart, and is unmistakably the most popular character in the series.

Wilt, voiced by Phil LaMarr, is  good natured, friendly and incredibly caring. He is easily recognisable because of his red tall stature and a stubby left arm and crooked left eye-stalk , which he fondly describes as “wonky”. The nicest person at the home, his excessively apologetic self makes him an instant favourite.

Eduardo, the stout hairy Latino with horns and curious set of demon-like teeth, is actually compliant and silly. Extremely compassionate, he is almost like a toddler with confused demeanour. The only times he rises to the occasion is when his friends are threatened or cornered. Quite gallant, is he not?

Coco, the freaky-looking bird who can only say or write her name at various emphases and speeds, has the exclusive talent of laying colorful matchless eggs containing myriad objects from an assortment of baseball cards to money. She is quite matronly, despite here disheveled appearance and eccentric behavior, and often exhibits principle and kindness.

The most intriguing( at least I thought so!) character in the Foster’s home is Mr. Herriman, the gray and white elderly anthropomorphic lop ear rabbit imagined into existence by Madame Fosters who speaks in (of course!) an English accent. In fact, he reminds us, at times, of Alice in Wonderland. He is the stern strict disciplinarian and often prefers rules to common sense. We often see him reprimanding Bloo at several occasions, the reason he gives in one of the episodes is that Bloo living in the home despite having an owners has already made him break one of the essential rules. However, he is not a flat character, so to say. His devotion and loyalty towards Madame Foster is really commendable and we see another side of his personality in the manner he talks with his creator.

There are sundry other characters in the home and you are free to pick your favorite. There is nothing wrong in engaging in the virtual world for some time ( Talking Tom, for example!) and watch these adorable creatures, most of them modeled on real animals or an potpourri of characteristics and features from many, melt you heart. In fact, if you are creative, you might just make your own.

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Many people consider reptiles to be their thing as opposed to the more common pets like cats, dogs, birds and fish. I believe it sure is. Sure, many of us do squirm at reptiles and cannot imagine keeping them as pets but, trust me, some do. Geckos are, more often than not, a boy’s pet. Outlandish, eccentric and downright creepy, I mean, what are the odds of not getting a gecko!

Now before you go on to adopt one of these, it is important to know something about them. Geckos are usually kept as pets, and the most popular of these is definitely the Leopard Gecko, which, I believe is a wonderful starter reptile, and is quite popular with experienced reptile- owners. Contrary to the way they look, Leopard Geckos are actually extremely submissive creatures, and are rather easy to tame and look after.

Leopard geckos look dazzling with black spots in their otherwise yellow and white skin. There are however, variations in their colour, which is, as a matter of fact, a mechanism of self- defense. In fact, the hatchling are more stripped than an adult, and gradually lose their spotted appearance as they grow up. Reaching approximately up to nine inches in length, they live up to twenty or more years.

They are the ideal pocket pets. Their small size allows you to take them places without others noticing. Also, there is a certain pride involved in owning an exotic animal which gecko owners cannot possibly deny.

Leopard geckos are usually nocturnal. Unlike owls, they do not really sleep during the entire them, but let us suffice to say that they prefer the nightlife!
Among the geckos, the ground dwelling ones have eyelids, and are more complaint and relatively easier to tame. To use the urban dictionary, we might as well say that the ground dwelling ones are more grounded!

Housing is nonpareil. It is always better to keep more than one gecko because, more often than not, they tend to get really lonely. If , say, you intend to keep two or three geckos together, a tank of 15 -20 gallon would be good enough for your reptile pals. However, you should never keep more than one male per tank as they tend to fight. Keeping a male in the vicinity with other females is also not a very good idea unless you want to deal with offspring, that is. The best thing to do is to keep females together. You might also want to be a tad bit creative and place some half logs or cardboard boxes inside the tank which can provide your geckos with hiding and climbing spaces. You might also want to keep a damp hide box that is commercially available, with shedding, which is, in simple words, a plastic container with a hole in the lid, with moist earth or moss inside it.

If you are interested in offspring, you must keep in mind that they require special care and attention. You must never keep the young ones on sand, as there is a high possibility that they might ingest it, and suffer an intestinal blockage. Remember that young leopard geckos are extremely delicate creatures, and are vulnerable to almost everything around them. For that matter, you should be really exacting about the choice of substrate for your young pals. Wood shavings are a bad option, as they tend to do the same damage to the young ones. The best option is definitely paper, being absorbent and easy to change. However, if you want to use carpets or such, I would not advise you against it. Just whatever you decide to use, make sure it is not something that the young ones can ingest along with its meals.

You also need to give lighting a thought. Remember that geckos are nocturnal creatures, and thus require no UV lighting. That does not mean than it does not care for regular lighting. In fact, you can place a regular incandescent bulb to provide a basking spot, but I would advise you to go for something dimmer. Leopard geckos are no good with strong lighting, and more often than not, it does them more harm than good. A red bulb or a ceramic heating element to provide a temperature gradient is probably the best thing to do. You can also go for under tank heaters that comes with a light attached to it. While inserting a temperature gradient, you must keep in mind that ideal temperature for the basking spot at daytime would be around 88F with a gradient to about 75 F. The night temperature should be so adjusted to drop to around 70-75 F.

Feeding is one of the chief concerns for any pet owner, and for gecko owners, it is no different. Now, as a potential gecko owner, you should keep in mind that Leopard geckos are insectivores, and you can normally feed them a variety of crickets, waxworms, and even meal worms, though in moderation. Now, do not be dismayed at the thought of hunting these down for your pet gecko! Most pets shops store these as a part of the gecko diet. As a treat, you might also want to feed an occasional rodent if you come across any in your household. This, however, is safe only for adults. Feeding is actually the most exacting part of keeping a gecko as pet. You must remember that insects that are supposed to be fed to your reptile pal have to be gut loaded at least a say prior to feeding, and coated with a calcium or vitamin D3 supplement.

Leopard geckos are charming reptiles. Once you befriend them and win their trust, they really do look forward to spending them with you. If reptiles are really your thing, then I am sure you will find rewarding company with these golden pals.

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All of us have been there or still are where only dogs or cats emerge in our heads while thinking about a pet. The west has already opened its arms for peculiar, out of the box pets though we still struggle to think beyond the conventional choices. Lizards, wolf-dogs, hippos and even giraffes are being domesticated in various parts of the work and it is time for us to advance in the same. Here is a brief list of some peculiar potential pets suitable for Indian aspirants with some efforts.

Bengal cats

Have always looked up to Duma with an aww? A Bengal cat shall satisfy you well then. No, it is not a tiger but the result of crossing regular domesticated cat with an Asian leopard. The resulting kitten may look wild with its majestic spotted coat and physical traits tending towards its parentage but a Bengal cat is of gentle domestic cat temperament and can form an adorable playmate posing no threat to your throat. In fact their behaviour tends a lot more towards that of a domestic cat.

Rats

Rats have usually been synonymous with dumpsters, found scaring the living soul out of by standers at Indian railway stations. With such memories it becomes unimaginable to think of a rat as a potential pet for many of us. To break through these stereotypes, no one asks you to pick up a rat from filthy alleys, that will probably get you sick. Fancy domesticated rats can be obtained from a reputed pet shop and they do have their pros too!

Once you are able to get over the stigma about rats and diseases, you can find a great range of fancy rats varying in colour, spots, coat or body type. Rats do come in adorable kinds and can charm you or your kid with their loyalty and intelligence. Being brainy means that you can train your pet rat some tricks worth flaunting. Their adorably compact size enable you to take one with you wherever you go. Playing with them does not require vigorous activity. Hence, it does give them an edge over the larger options out there.

The greatest downside of having a pet rat is their life span. With their playful personality and affectionate temperament, 2-3 years can never be enough with them. Don’t let that stop you and get your kid his own Stuart Little.

Guinea pigs

Just like rats, guinea pigs too can be the ideal mate for your kids! They are small, adorable and delicate ball of fur which are fun to play with. Though these traits also make them susceptible to rough hands of preteens. Just like rats the intellect of guinea pigs make them a quick learner. Build them a hamster like play station and enjoy limitless amusement for both you and your pet.

Emperor Scorpion

It was about queer pets, wasn’t it? Treat your gothic side with a pet scorpion. Scorpions are feared to be fatal which does stand true but certain relatively calm and non-lethal species of scorpions can be the part of your decorations. Cuddling is not a viable option with them but you can surely device a fancy home, replicating their desert like habitat in a glass casing. Emperor Scorpions though non-lethal can sting like a bee or even send a person with venom allergies into anaphylactic shock!

Hedgehog

These little cute pets come heavily guarded with spines to protect themselves from overly attached pet-owners! Weighing less than half a kilogram they are of a gentle temperament holding no high demands. Their nocturnal nature makes them a perfect mate for those of us who spend their nights in front of a screen and the engineering students. Hedgehogs live for about 10 years can definitely contribute in your pleasant memories.

Potato

This pet needs no introduction. We all have seen it, felt it and most of us have even tasted it and its time for some special pet owners to realise that a potato is probably the best pet for them. Who are those special chosen ones? Those who lock their pets out to get baked and suffocate in a car under scorching heat with windows rolled up, those who leave their pets for days alone and locked playing ignorant of their needs, those who buy because they have money but no time, those who place their pet in a cage barely fitting their size, those who think their kids have the right to mangle a delicate life, those who see their pet as investment and not as a living soul. Those of us who want to own a pet yet not live with one, should forget all the other options and get themselves a potato to own and play their will on.

The world of pets is vast and magnificent and picking up one’s companion should require certain considerations. Temperament, diet, care and lifespan are few of the key categories to see if the pet fits you. It is also on your shoulders to evaluate your means, available time and preferences etc. to see if you are fit enough for your desired pet. Go on, find your match!

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A pet is a domestic animal or bird to keep as companion and treated with care and affection. that is the definition of pet. some people took this too seriously that they domesticated anything that they felt like keeping as their companion. A fox as a pet, a salamander that failed to metamorphose for the ground, a giant guinea pig and perfectly friendly hissing cockroaches. A perfect list for the companions we’d like to keep and some of them are totally legal. Well not particularly in India though.

Are you writing it down? You might want one of them as your companion. Wait. Let me tell you more about them. There is a world filled up with people who pets unique animals, let’s look at them.

Stick insects:

Stick Insect

Though there is not much known about these insects yet they are the most popular pet insects. They resemble twigs which provide them one of the most efficient camouflages on the earth. They are easy to carry around and normally they eat grass and leaves. They are nice for children as long as they are taken care by adults. stick insects need a habitat with lots of trees, if you plan to domesticate them you should provide them some little trees. But you should be careful to have them around as they have easily breakable legs. Now who wants their pet to have a broken leg? Literally!

I tried to pet mosquitos but sadly none of them lasted more than a day. mosquitos don’t make good pets.

Capybara (the giant guinea pig):

Capybara

They are guinea pigs just a lot bigger than the guinea pigs plus they are friendly. They need a lot of space to be as they are 4 feet long and a place to swim. They spend a lot of time in pool.They need a lot of green grass and fresh water. They are never perfectly domesticated and they are NOT friendly with children. If you want a healthy life you may want to leave them be.

 Axolotl:

Axolotl

Remember those salamanders I told you about that failed to transform according to the land? Axolotls are those. Apart from being aquatic salamanders, they can re-grow most of their body parts and live up to 15 years and they look really cute and there sizes are relative to tea cups. They eat mollusks, worms, insects larvae and some fish. With the growing trend of eating and  them, they are now an endangered species.

Fennec Fox:

Fennec Fox

These little animals are found in northern Africa and they use their big ears to listen while they prey at night. Sounds creepy? No. They are cute and they behave much like dogs, they are hyperactive and gets into anything. Though they are not perfectly friendly and sociable but they can be a good company if hand-raised from childhood. They are omnivorous so if you do not take care of them at least they won’t eat you up. So aren’t they cute?

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches:

Madagascar hissing Cockroach

For your relief I can tell you that this species of cockroach are less horrifying. They make good pets and live up to 4 years. If you can get your skin stop from crawling, you can have one of these. They make hissing sounds by exhaling air through their breathing holes. They make good starter pet and they are good for kids. Just let them climb as much as they want, they love to climb. And darkness, cockroaches prey in darkness (but still they are not at all creepy).

Hippos:

Pygmy Hippo

They are quite cute when hand-raised from infancy, though they are big even if you dream to have a pygmy hippo. They have distinctive webbed toes and barrel shaped body. They are endangered now so it’s best to let them be in their natural habitats. Pygmy hippos spend more time on land than in water.

Otters:

Otters

Otters have really sharp teeth and they bite. Like the skunks they spray scents. They should be kept beside a pool and it is too important. Otters are nocturnal so when you are trying to get some sleep you may hear splashing in the pool. Otters are very intelligent creatures. They can create and use tools like beaver, monkeys and apes do. They are believed to be one of the most skilled creatures in the world. Humans are main predators of otters as they hunt them down to pet.

Miniature donkeys:

Miniature Donkey

The miniature donkeys are extremely friendly, affectionate and most intelligent among the farm animals. They are people-loving by nature and they truly care for their family like a family dog. You can’t keep them inside your house though. You need a backyard and lots of love to pet this animal. They are thinking and reasoning creatures and can be easily trained.

Skunks:

Skunks

Skunks are known for spraying disgusting scent, aren’t they? But they can make real cute pets too when their scent glands are removed. The skunks should be hand-raised and they should get a lot of attention which helps them to be tamed. But when one decides to keep a pet skunk he should be ready to keep him for as long as the skunk lives because they can’t be sent to the wild as they lose their most important defence mechanism, their scent glands.

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