Pets! Cats, Dogs, and Chickens?
January 13, 2022
Pets hold a special place in their owner’s heart. They help out with a lot of things whether that’s assisting in normal duties or offering you emotional support.“ Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home,” says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (Davis, Jeanie Lerche. “What Are the Health Benefits of Owning a Pet.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets. )Furry companions can sense whenever their owner is sad or upset and give their owners attention and make them laugh.
A survey was sent out to the whole school and 46 responses were recorded. Many teachers and students responded to the survey. 37 of the survey takers at least have a dog, if not another pet, 1 person has a turtle, 2 people have chickens and 1 person has an axolotl. There was a variety of answers like people having hamsters, and birds to dogs who are emotional support dogs and dogs named after the hit cartoon Charlie Brown.
Everyone has many special moments and favorite things about their pets. Natalie Charlton( School Counselor) said she loves how excited her pets are to see her. Presley Streblo (Senior) stated they’re always there when she needs someone. Morgan Bricker(Newspaper and Journalism advisor) responded ,“ We love to take Lucy and Sally on hikes and adventures. One of the funniest memories is when we took them on the paddle boats at Tomlinson Run.” Kendall Drobish (Junior) shared that she loves to play with her dogs.
About 47% of the surveyed celebrate their dogs birthday. Arwen DeNunzio (Sophomore) said she celebrates her pets birthdays with a Fourth of July cake. Carrie Gillette(Special Ed teacher) stated,“ Yes! With special treats.”
Pets can make their owners crack up laughing with they things they do. Andrew Manteau(Sophomore) reveals his cats like boxes more than people. Harry Olenick (Us Studies and Contemporary Studies teacher) says his dog likes to rip the ears off of his toys and he also likes bananas. Deanna Williams(Biology and Forensic Science teacher) states that her chickens beg for treats and her rabbits play fetch. Taylor Haught (Senior) responded how her cats like to sit in the bathtub and drink out of the sink. Tanner Finsley (Junior) responded his dogs like to bark all at once. Leila Schwer (Sophomore) remarks, “ it feels like there’s a cat in every room”. This may be no exaggeration seeing as she has 5 cats.
A lot of people give their pets nicknames. Such as Rocket Man (Baylei Mills- Senior), Taco( Hailee Anderson- Freshman), Myles (Julie Alatis- Co- Teacher) Mr. T( Kianna Luevano – Sophomore) Hodge Podge, Daisykins/Ears (Mary Ciszek – Spanish teacher), Budman, Bus Bus, and Kooky( Cathy Barnabei- Anatomy and Biology teacher).
It seems like everyone really enjoys their pets and loves them dearly. Pets definitely make your life more lively and exciting. So give your pets a few extra pets and hugs to appreciate them for all the things they help with, such as elderly with Alzheimer’s.
