Pet Paparazzi by NPG Newspapers

Pet Paparazzi

2014

SPONSORED BY:

Voting Instr uctions: You may vote online by going to: newspressnow.com/pets

Voting will end on Monday, September 29, 2014 at 12:00 noon. Each registered user will be allowed 5 free votes. Each additional vote will cost $1 each. There will be FIVE winners. Each will receive a $50 prize package. Winners will be announced in the Sunday, October 5th edition of the St. Joseph News-Press. St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 3

Bramble

Brownie & Buster

Carolyn Chilcote

Buster Carver

Debra Galliani

Cassie

Chico

Susie Harris

Calie

Steve Carver

Chuckie

Gary Tantlinger

Neal & Carlene Makawski

Lucinda & Ray Kerns

Chuckie

Neal & Carlene Makawski

Helping to make your dreams a reality. Our objective is to provide an atmosphere in which each branch can make the “Fairway experience” be exactly what they want it to be for themselves and their families. We provide the systems and the culture that enable each of our branches to grow in the residential mortgage finance industry.

300 B South Belt Hwy. St. Joseph, MO 64506 After business hrs pick up times, up to 6:00 available, for small fee.

Services: CHARLES CHARLES ST. ST.

★ $5 walk-in toenail trim ★ Coloring services starting at just $5 up ★ Specialty shampoos

3 6 T H

Your fur babies are not kenneled all day. They are let into a play area to socialize until owner comes. Important: appt is made generally within 1 week

816-273-0140

4 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014 75032074

★

B E L T H W Y.

S T. MESSANIE ST. Easily accessible from 36th St.

Hours: Tue-Fri 7:30-4:00 Sat 8:00-2:00

We create “raving fans” by providing customer service that is “Legendary” not just “Satisfactory”. Our experienced staff offers expertise in every area of mortgage lending…from purchasing to refinancing. We specialize in loans for First Time Home Buyers with down payment assistance available. We have access to a full range of mortgage sources and all of our lending specialists are dedicated to finding the right loan-with the best rates, terms and costs-to meet your unique needs. But that’s just the beginning of our service. Throughout the lending process, we provide regular loan updates and progress reports so you always know the status of your loan.

For more information, contact: 1807 North Woodbine Rd., St. Joseph, MO 64506 75031527

816-390-8898

Bathing Your Dog There are no firm guidelines for how often to bathe a dog. The quality and texture of the dog’s hair (whether it’s long, silky, curly, smooth, or wiry) will determine how much dirt it collects and how frequently the dog should be bathed. Your dog’s lifestyle and activities will also influence how often she gets dirty and needs a bath. If you own a dog with special coat requirements, you may wish to consult a breeder or a professional groomer for specific recommendations.

Daphne

Vance & Dana Plowman

Dixie

Rita M. Greer

The usual reasons for bathing a dog are to remove accumulated dirt and debris, to facilitate the removal of dead hair at shedding time, to eliminate doggy odor in dogs with oily coats, and to improve the appearance of the coat. Routine bathing is not necessary for the health of the coat or the dog. In fact, frequent bathing can rob the coat of its natural sheen and make it harsh and dry. For most dogs, regular brushing will keep the coat and skin in good condition and eliminate the need for frequent baths. Before bathing a dog, brush out all snarls and tangles and remove mats. If this step is omitted, the wet, matted hair will set and be most diﬃcult to manage. It is important to select a shampoo labeled “for dogs.” Most shampoos for humans are on the acidic side and are therefore unsuitable for dogs. There are a number of good commercial dog shampoos on the market for white dogs and dogs with other coat colors. Do not use human hair dyes or coloring agents on dogs.

Eeyore

Meghan Anderson

Foxy

Gina Fox

Household disinfectants must never be used on dogs. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and can cause death. Except on warm, sunny days, baths should be given indoors using a bathtub or basin. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub or basin to keep the dog from slipping and panicking. Plug her ears with cotton to keep water out-wet ear canals are predisposed to infection. Add some lukewarm water to the tub, then place the dog in the tub. Begin by washing her face with a damp cloth. Lift up the ear ﬂaps and wipe the undersurface to remove dirt, wax, and dead skin. Using a bath sprayer, wet the dog thoroughly with warm water. If necessary, bury the nozzle into her hair to get to the skin.

Foxy

Gina Fox

Foxy

Then work the shampoo in by hand, one section at a time. Be sure to lather all of the dog-not only her back and sides, but also her neck, chest, belly, legs, feet, and tail. If the coat is badly soiled, rinse lightly and then repeat the sudsing process.

Marge and HL Childress

“Animals don’t lie. Animals don’t criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do.” ― Betty White, If You Ask Me

SP4519

St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 5

Foxy

Marge and HL Childress

Gizmo

Michelle Foutch

Foxy

Gabby Sue

Gracie

Harley Davidson

Marge and HL Childress

Julie Halloran

Vance & Dana Plowman

Lynda Rivers

Gabby

Vance & Dana Plowman

Jasper

Julie Halloran

Countryside Veterinary Clinic Eric K. Haeker, DVM, Brad Reynolds, DVM, Kyle S. Ripperger, DVM

Jasper

Julie Halloran

Jett & Blue

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” ― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog

6 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014

Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM Friday 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Reeder/Judkins

We welcome walk-ins and do not require appointments for Vaccinations & Exams Surgeries, Dentistry, Boarding & Grooming By Appointments Only 5025 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64506 Phone: 816-233-2005 Web: www.countrysidevetstjoe.com – email: csvc@stjoelive.com “WE ARE AN AAHA ACCREDITED HOSPITAL MEMBER” 75031731

JoJo, Duke & Oscar Amos Donaldson

JoJo, Oscar & Duke Amos Donaldson

Katie Elizabeth

KeMoNai Marisa Thomas

Kosmo and Amzie

Bill Nelson

Jada & Jody Thomas

Find great selections of everything this little guy needs at everyday low prices.

Jada & Jody Thomas

Todd Durfee

Visit all of our wonderful Hy-Vee departments: FLORAL • KITCHEN • ITALIAN • CHINESE • DELICATESSEN • SUSHI PRODUCE • BAKERY • SALAD BAR • DAIRY • FROZEN • MEAT & SEAFOOD MARKET • PHARMACY • HEALTH MARKET WINE & SPIRITS

• 201 N. Belt Hwy. • 816-232-9750 Kosmo

Todd Durfee

Laslo and Red Judy VanVickle

@ STJOSEPHHYVEE and become a fan at facebook.com/stjoehyvee St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 7

Bathing Your Cat With her With Wi her b built-in uiilt l -i -in gr groo grooming oomi ming ing tools too oolls ls (tongue (to tong tong gue u aand nd d teeth, teeeth th, h, off course), cou ours rse) e),), your yo our u fastidious fasti tidi idi diou o s feline ou feliline fe ne ne is well-equipped is wellell-eq eq qui uipp pped pp ped e to to tackle tack ta ckkle le her herr own own haircare hairc rcar aree needs. ar neeed eds. s But But ifif she she is very ver eryy dirty diirt rtyy or gets get etss into in nto o someth so something meth thin ing in g st sticky kyy o orr sm smelly, mel elly ly,, yo ly yyou ou ma mayy ne need ed to to give give v her her a bath. bat ath. h Read h. Rea ead d the th he following fo ollllow owin ow ing g tips tipss befo be before fore re you you ou begin beg egin in too ensure en nsu sure re minimal min inim imal al stress str tres esss and an nd maximum maxi ma ximu mum um eﬃ ﬃciency. c en ci ency cyy. cy.

Laslo

Little Trifle

Judy VanVickle

Carolyn Chilcote

1. Perfect 1. Per erffe fectt ttiming: imin im ing: Sc ing: SSchedule che hedu hed dule dul le b baths ath at hs w hs when hen yo he your u ccat’s ur at’t’s’s aatt he at her mo her most stt m mellow. ellllo el low. A p low play lay se la sess session ssiio ss ion ion with wi with t a ccat at d dancer ance an cerr oorr oother th her toy oy ooff ch choi choice oice ce ccan an hhelp elp el p titire re oout ut eeven ven th ven the he fr fris friskiest iski kies ki estt of ffelines. es elin el ines nes.. 2. Clip, 2. Cliip, p, ssnip: nip: ni ip: p Fo FFor or yo your u oown ur wn p protection, rote ro tect ctitio ion, ASPCA ion ASP SPCA CA experts exp per e ts ts recommend rec ecom omme om mend d trimming tririmm imm mmiin ing Fluff ing Fluff ffyy’s’ss claw claw claws ws be befo before fore re bathing. bat athi h ng hi ng. 3. The 3. The he brush-off brushh-ooff ff:: Next, Next Ne xt, give give your you ourr cat caat a good goood d brushing brush shi hin ing to remove ing rem emov ovee any ov any loose loos lo osee hair hairir and hai ha and d mats. matts. s N Now’ Now’s ow’ss al aalso soo a g good o d titime oo me ttoo ge gently ent ntly ly p place laace ssome omee co om cott cotton tton o in he on herr ears ears too ke keep eep tthe he w water ater at e oout. er ut.. ut 4. Stand 4. Sta tand d firm: rm: m Place Plac Pl acee a ru ac ubb bber e b er ath at th ma matt in tthe he ssink he ink or ttub ink in ub bw here yyou’ll here he ou’l’lll be ou be b athi at thi h ng yyour ourr ou rubber bath where bathing kkitty itty tty so sshe he d oeesn’t’t sslip. oesn lilip. p. FFill ilill wi with th tthree hree hr ee ttoo fo four u inc che hess of llukewarm ukkew ewar a m (n ar not hhot, ot,, pl ot plea ease se!)!)) w ater at e. er doesn’t inches (not please!) water. 5. Just 5. Jus ust add ad dd water: waate ter: ter: r U se a h and an d-he d-h held sspray held pray pr ay hhose osee to os to tthoroughly horo horo ho roug ug ghl hlyy we wett yo your u p ur et,t, ta et ttaking aki king ng ccare aree ar Use hand-held pet, n no ot to sspray praayy d irirec e tltlyy in hher er eears, ars, ar s eeyes yess an ye and d no nose se.. If yyou ouu d on’t’t hhave on avee a sp av spra rayy ho hose se,, a pl plas astititc not directly nose. don’t spray hose, plastic p pi itc tche herr or unb nb bre reak akab ak able ble ccup up w orks or k great. ks greeat at. pitcher unbreakable works

Lucky

Hindupur Family

6. LLather 6. ath at her up he p: G entlly massage mass ma ssag ss agee your ag your pet pett with witith h a solution solu sol so lutition ion of of one one part paart rt cat catt sshampoo hamp hamp ha poo o ((human huma huma hu man n up: Gently sshampoo ham ampo pooo ca po an dr d ryy out out he herr sk skin in)) to five ve parts paart r s water, wate wa ter,r, w orki or k ng ffrom ki rom ro m he ead ttoo ta tail il,, in the he d irrec eccan dry skin) working head tail, directtion ion off ha hairir g rowt ro wth wt h. TTake akke ca care re ttoo av aavoid voi oid d tthe hee fa face ce,, ea ears rs aand nd eeyes. yes. ye s s. growth. face, 7. A 7. lear lear le ar:: TThoroughly horo horo ho roug ug ghl hlyy ririns ins nsee the the shampoo sham sh ham ampo p o off po ff yo your u ccat ur att w itth a sp spra rayy ho ra hose oorr pi hose pit itc tche tch her;r her; Allll cclear: rinse with spray pitcher; aagain, ag gai ain, nb ure tthe he w ater at e iiss lu er luke kewa ke w rm wa rm. Ta Take kee ggood ood oo d ca care re tthat hatt al ha alll re resi sidu due ue ha hass be een e rem emov oved ed, ed d, bee su sure water lukewarm. residue been removed, aass iitt ca an irri rittate the the skin skin n and and act act as a magnet mag agne n t forr dirt. dirtt. di can irritate 8. A 8. bout bo ut fface: ace: ac e Us e: U se a wa sh hcl clot lot oth h to to ccarefully arefful ulllly ly w ipe yo ip your ur p et’’s’s fface. et acee. PPlain ac lain la in w ater at e iiss fine uuner nAbout Use washcloth wipe pet’s water lless ess h er fface acee iiss vvery ac ery di ery dirt rty— y—in —in w hich hi ch cas ase, ew e, eco comm mmen end d us sin ing g an eextra-diluted xtra xt ra-d -dillut uted ed ssolution olut ol utio ion io n her dirty—in which case, wee re recommend using ooff sshampoo, hamp ha mpoo oo,, bein b eing g ve vvery ery ry ccautious auttiou au tiouss arou aaround round nd h er eears arss an ar aand nd d ey yes e. being her eyes. 9. D ryy iidea: dea: de a YYou’re ou’’re al ou almo lmostt tthere! here here he re!! Wr Wrap yyour Wrap ourr ca ou at in a llarge arrge ttowel owel el aand nd dd ry hher er w itth it iin na Dry almost cat dry with w wa arm p laacee, aw way ffrom rom ro m dr draf afts af ts.. If yyour ts ourr ki ou kkitty ttyy do tt oes e n’ n t mi mind nd the he noi oise se,, yo youu ca an us se a bl b low ow ow warm place, away drafts. doesn’t noise, can use blow d rye yer— rr— —on tthe he llowest ow wes estt he heat a ssetting. at etttiting ng.. An And d pl lea ease se not ote, te, iiff yo your ur p et hhas as llong ong on g ha hair ir,, yo yyou ouu may may dryer—on please note, pet hair, n ne eed ttoo ca areefu fullllllyy un unta tang ng gle hher er ffur ur w itith h a wi wide de-t de -too ooth th hed ccomb. omb. om b need carefully untangle with wide-toothed

Lucky

MADE

Hindupur Family

Pam Wall

“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” –James Herriot 8 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014

1 10 0. Go G ood dg irl!l!: irl ir l!: YYour ourr lilittle ou itt ttle le b athi at thi h ng gb eaut uty de d ese serv rves rv es eendless nd dle less less s p raiis ra ise— ise— e an nd he her fa her ffavorite favo avo v ririte ite 10. Good girl!: bathing beauty deserves praise—and ttreat—after reat— eat— —aaffteer al aalll th this is!! An And d wi with th suc uch h a ha happ ppyy en endi ing n , nnext ext ttime imee sh im shee ma mayy ﬁnd that tha hat bath baath h this! such happy ending, ttime ime iisn’t sn’t’t soo b sn ad. bad.

ChinCHILLA out

with a Unique Pet

Madison

Maggie Mae

Lucinda & Ray Kerns

Michelle Foutch

By SYDNEY MOORE St. Joseph News-Press

Max

Jon & Emily Morrison

Max

Vance & Dana Plowman

Give your pet the respect & loyalty after death that they gave you in life. • Special urns available with engraving

• Communal Cremation • Individual Cremation P • Caring, Professional Staff Drop • Pet Drop-Off & Pick-Up

75031607

(816) 449-5751 771 NW Mays Rd., Maysville, MO 64469

cell: (816) 223-7047

Furry companions can come in all shapes, sizes and breeds, and often lead to out-of-the-norm options for pets. The typical dog and cat selections are branching out to include breeds you may have never heard of, such as a Jack-A-Ranian ( Jack Russell and Pomeranian mix) or the Minskin (Munchkin and Sphynx mix), but if “typical” isn’t your style, you may be in the market for an unusual, yet domesticated pet. Jessica Phillippe of St. Joseph strayed from the norm when searching for her pet. Ms. Phillippe has been the proud owner of Caecilius, her pet chinchilla, for nearly two years. “I always wanted one, and I finally saved up the money,” Phillippe says. “I searched all over for one I had a connection with.” According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), chinchillas are highly social and in the wild, live in groups of 100 or more of their kind. Because of their social nature, owning one chinchilla as a pet takes a dedicated person who is willing to spend a lot of time caring for the animal. Phillippe says Caecilius is a very personable animal and always wants attention, but is worth the amount of maintenance that goes into caring for him. A large part of caring for chinchillas is their environment. As very active rodents, they need space to run, jump and play, but should also be contained to avoid damage by chewing on things they shouldn’t. The RSPCA advises to

have a large enough cage to provide plenty of space for playing, and also giving your pet wooden or rope toys to chew on. They should also have a hay-filled nest to rest in, and access to clean, fine sand or “chinchilla dust” to bathe in daily. The dust baths keep their fur in good condition, and is one of the fun things about having this unusual companion. “Caecilius LOVES to take dust baths,” she says. “It’s extremely cute.” Although misconceptions may lead people to believe a rodent as a pet isn’t nearly as entertaining as a dog or cat, Phillippe disagrees. “He’s extremely smart and curious. He will do a lot of tricks for raisins like walking, holding small paper signs and even jumping,” she says. “He dances, and when roaming free, he loves to wall surf.” While chinchillas make great pets for someone with lots of time and willingness to care for them, they are said to be better pets for older children and adults, due to amount of care needed, and their fragile stature. “Chinchillas cannot be picked up by the belly, and have to be picked up by the base of tail because they have extremely fragile ribs,” Phillippe says. “They also have a very distinct personality, and it can be hard to gain their trust.” Unlike most rodents, chinchillas have a lifespan of 10-20 years, making them a great option for anyone looking for an “outside of the cage” kind of companion. St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 9

Mew and Petunia Sagan and Winsor

Olive

Ali & Jakob

Milez

Mr. Fluffy

Cathy Hurst

Olive

Jason & Destiny Michael

1. Homemade Catnip Yarn Balls Transform glue, catnip, yarn, and Styrofoam balls into irresistible homemade cat toys.

Ali & Jakob

“Where Pride of Workmanship Comes First” Owners: Mike & Mary Brown We’ll get your car back in purrrrfect condition!

3. Feather Cat Pounce Toy Make felt “feathers”—add a little bell and it is music to their ears.

10 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014

Oscar, Phoebi, and Olive

AUTOBODY, INC.

2. Homemade Toilet Paper Roll Cat Toy Save the tubes from your toilet paper rolls, and you can make anything from a cool sphere to a treat rattle.

SP4517

Oscar

Ken Smith

Easy DIY cat toys you can make with items around your house.

4. Cardboard Cat Palace Take your cat’s love of a good cardboard box to the next level.

Carolyn Chilcote

Ali & Jakob

Homemade Cat Toys

Mr. Fluffy

Carolyn Chilcote

1611 Frederick

5. Practically Free Homemade Mouse Toy Download an adorable mouse template, break out the cardboard and scissors, and voila! Hours of feline entertainment.

279-6406 SINCE 1958 Purr 75031553

Pink Loyd

Vance & Dana Plowman

Piper

Pippa

Bo & Michelle Limle

Brad Moutray

Pippa

Brad Moutray

“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.”

― Sydney Jeanne Seward Plush

Carolyn Chilcote

Plush

Carolyn Chilcote

JADE Pet Grooming Just Another Dog Enterprise Over 25 Years Experience Ov - $5 Toenail Trims Full Service Serv Pet Salon • Baths & Grooming Exotic Animal Services Guinea Pigs Pig • Hamsters • Gerbils • Rats • Rabbits Ferrett • Potbelly Pigs • Reptiles • Birds Ferrets

Steve Archer Agency (816) 364-2311

816-752-2973 803 S. Belt Hwy., Ste. B St. Joseph, MO 64507

Jessica Wright

75031556

75032072

1502 S. Belt Hwy. St. Joseph, MO 64507 sarcher@farmersagent.com

Owner/Professional Groomer

Hours Of Operation: Tues-Fri 7:30-Close & Sat 8-Close Find us at facebook.com/JADEPETGROOMIMG

St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 11

Princess Victoria aka Vicki

Purrl

Leon E Melkowski

Brad Moutray

Red

Remington

Judy VanVickle

Ranger & Oliver Jill Swindler

Rigor Mortis

Nikki Olt

Vance & Dana Plowman

Homemade Dog Toys

Rocky

Amos Donaldson

est. 1990

2. Create a Cardboard Box Dog Toy- Any small, clean cardboard box can be used as a dog toy. Old cereal boxes, boxes from Hamburger Helper, etc. Cut a few, one-inch holes in the box, spread a bit of peanut butter inside and tape closed. Small dogs will spend lots of time trying to lick out the peanut butter, pushing the box all over the room to do so. It’s best to use this dog toy in an easy to clean up area.

Darnell y e l s e W . r D

3111 N. Belt 33 (816) 232-42 re • Veterinary Ca • Surgery • Boarding • Grooming

3. Carrot and Sock Dog Toy - Take an old, washed sock, snap a plump carrot in half, then put the carrot pieces into the sock. Tie the top of the sock in a knot and let your puppy play with it. Dogs love to chew on these and best of all these toys are nearly free and very environmentally friendly. 4. Make a Bottle Dog Toy - Simply choose a bottle of the appropriate size for your dog. Remove the lid, rings, and any labels from the bottle, then smash it ﬂat. Take a jean pant leg or other piece of fabric, put the bottle inside and sew the fabric up around it.

SP4488

Jill Swindler

Green Hills Animal Hospital

1. A Fun Fleece Braid- Use leftover fleece from an old blanket. Cut fleece into three strips, tie the ends into a knot, then braid the fleece pieces together. Tie off the other ends, and you have a fast and fun dog toy.

5. Make a Tire Toy for Strong Dogs - Dogs with extremely strong jaws need toys that will stand up to a lot of abuse. Either get a wheel barrel tire or some other small tire from the hardware store or use an old one from around the house. Tie a rope through the tire, then hang it from a tree at the dog’s head level. Once your dog gets used to playing with the tire you may want to raise it a bit to make it even more fun. Make sure you dog does not chew pieces oﬀ of the tire, if she ingests them it could make her sick.

12 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014

Ranger & Oliver

Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30, Sat. 8:00-Noon

www.ghanimalhosp.com 75031542

Rusty

Salem

Neal & Carlene Makawski

Vance & Dana Plowman

Sonny

Tara & Boomer

Warren & Betty Harris

Slinky

Terry Jordan

Teddy

Debra Galliani

Gina Fox

Tribute to a Best Friend Sunlight streams through window pane onto a spot on the floor... then I remember, it’s where you used to lie, but now you are no more.

Teddy

Gina Fox

Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound... then I remember, it’s where your paws would joyously abound. A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill, then I remember, it can’t be yours...your golden voice is still. But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall, and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall. I’ll wrap these treasured memories in a blanket of my love, and keep them for my best friend until we meet above. -Author Unknown

Teddy

Stacey & Larry Brown

St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 13

75032077

Jon & Emily Morrison

Toby

Jim & Elaine Bowers

Winston

Winston Nikki Olt

Vance & Dana Plowman

In Memory of Ace

In Memory of Andy

In Memory of Bud

In Memory of Campbell

Jon Morrison

Michelle Foutch

Nikki Olt

Zoumer

Jim & Elaine Bowers

“Until you’ve loved an animal, a part of your soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France In Memory of Fraser Gloria Graves

14 Pet Paparazzi September 21, 2014

In Memory of Max Gary & Barb Wampler

In Memory of Miss Scarlett (Mama) Vance & Dana Plowman

The GOOD, the BAD and the BOTTOM LINE Dog WHY IT’S GOOD A dog will play with you and love you more than any pet we mention here. WHY IT’S BAD It takes a lot of time and energy to care for one. Dogs bark. Some people are allergic. NEEDS Dogs, especially large ones, need room to run around. Everyday you’ll need to: feed your dog twice, walk it at least once, and let it outside four or five times to poop or pee. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed regularly, and most dogs must be bathed every month or so. If you take a trip, you’ll have to bring your dog along or board it at a kennel. COST There’s a wide price range, from a free mutt at an animal shelter to more than $500 for a purebred dog. You’ll also need to buy a license, collar and leash, and take the dog to a vet for shots and spaying or neutering, so it can’t have puppies. Annual cost: $225 to $1,150, depending on how much food it eats. BOTTOM LINE If you’re energetic, this may be the pet for you. But puppies need a lot of attention.

Cat WHY IT’S GOOD A cat can keep you company while you read or watch TV. Many even prove quite playful, plus they purr when they’re happy. WHY IT’S BAD Nearly all cats are more aloof than dogs. That means they don’t always come when you call them or play with you when you want. Some people are allergic. NEEDS Cats must be fed daily. You don’t need to let them outside to poop, since they use a litter box. But you do need to scoop the litter box out daily and clean it weekly. Long-haired cats need to be brushed regularly. You’ll probably need help clipping your cat’s nails. If you must travel, your cat can look after itself for a couple of days, as long as it has plenty of food and water. Don’t forget spaying or neutering. COST From free, for a shelter cat, to $75 to $500 for a purebred; annual cost: $300 to $400, depending on types of food and litter. BOTTOM LINE Not as much work as a dog but still a furry buddy who can curl up on your lap.

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Bird WHY IT’S GOOD Beautiful to look at, and relatively easy to care for. Some can be taught to talk or whistle. Birds are active during the daytime, so they won’t make a racket that keeps you up at night. WHY IT’S BAD Not as playful as other pets. Many birds like to throw their seed, making an extra mess for you to clean. NEEDS You’ll need to give your parakeet food and water daily, and clean the cage weekly. You’ll need to clip your bird’s wings to keep it from flying away if you let it out of its cage. COST Initial cost: $90 ($20 for a parakeet, $70 for a cage and equipment); annual cost: about $40 to $50. BOTTOM LINE Although not cuddly like cats or dogs, birds are colorful, enjoy being around humans and are fun to watch.

Rodent WHY IT’S GOOD Rodents such as hamsters, gerbils and mice are playful, friendly, curious and cute. And you don’t need a big house or back yard. WHY IT’S BAD They’re small, and you can’t play with them as much as with a dog or cat. Also, most sleep during the day and are awake at night. NEEDS You need to check their food and water every day. The soft bedding in their cage needs to be changed every week or so. COST $52 ($7 for a short-haired hamster, $45 for cage and equipment); annual cost: $30 to $50 BOTTOM LINE A good pet if you don’t have much room or money but still want something warm to hold.

Fish WHY IT’S GOOD A small aquarium takes up very little space, making fish perfect for apartments or small rooms. Fish also come in lots of sizes, shapes and colors, and they don’t take a lot of work. WHY IT’S BAD Let’s face it, it’s a fish. There aren’t many ways you can play with a fish. Plus, they don’t live long. NEEDS You’ll need to spend several hours setting up your aquarium with a good filtration system, the right type of water and suitable decorations. Plan on a few minutes daily feeding the fish, and at least half an hour a week changing some of the water. COST Initial cost: $136 ($120 for a freshwater, 10-gallon tank set; $16 for a half-dozen community fish, such as neon tetras or mollies); annual cost: $5 to $20. BOTTOM LINE Fish are beautiful and fun to watch. Once you’ve bought the tank, this can be the most inexpensive pet on this list.

A Rock WHY IT’S GOOD Requires no work. You don’t need your parent’s permission to get one. Makes nice paperweight. WHY IT’S BAD Just sits there. NEEDS None! COST Free. Look by the side of the road. BOTTOM LINE Kinda pathetic, but may-be you’ll feel better if you paint eyes on it. St. Joseph News-Press September 21, 2014 15

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