Free Pets

This is something I've wanted to talk about for a while now (ever since we got Rex) and never seems to get around to it. So here it is..... Free Pets are not ever free!

This may seem to be common sense but when we are faced with that cute little puppy, cuddly kitten, or adorable turtle I think its something we forget.

We adopted Rex the Turtle who when his owner couldn't keep him and he was going to be disposed of. Now this same owner had two other turtles that was adopted by someone else and they took the tank that they were in. Well in the face of this handsome little fellow we lost our common sense and said well he's free we'll take him and give him a good home. And we did he has a great tank fit for a growing turtle, two lights one for heat and one for sunlight (they need it to keep their shells strong) a log which he loves to sun himself on and a super filter to keep his home clean. (we bought this separate as the one the kit came with wasn't very good) This lovely turtle home cost us about $170..... That isn't including the super filter that we got on sale at 50% off for $100. Now when we when shopping we decided we wanted to make sure we didn't have to get another home because he out grew his first house and I know some people who will shell out $30 - $50 for a small tank then get the lights and other stuff and later have to buy a larger tank. We didn't want to do that. So we opted for the kit with the large tank. Now this isn't even talking about the extra water and electric added to our bills.

Now don't think we regret it he is a wonderful pet who is fun to watch and he even enjoys being petted once he decides you picking him up doesn't mean he is going to be eaten LOL.

Of course this lack of common sense goes for any "Free pet" you might think of. That box of puppies out in front of the local super market just waiting to go home with you is going to cost you. There is not just the food but vet bill, food and water bowls, a bed, leash, and collar, name tag and depending on where you live registration fees. Cats need those things too (well except the registration fees ).

Please don't think I'm trying to dissuade you from getting one of these lovable friends.... I can't imagine life without pets to keep me company. But make sure you remember what your are getting into.

Pets Help with the Chores

Our pets are wonderful additions to our family they even help out with our chores

You've seen Boots and Fitz help answer E-mails but have you seen

Fitz helping with the laundry? Or...

Cricket Helping with the Vacuuming?

Ok Rex can't help with the chores but these are cute

This is Rex taking a nap he is sleeping on his log with his head in the water resting on the fake plant in his tank.

And finally a decent shot of DA TA TA TA................SUPER TURTLE!

and just in case you can't see his legs in the first pic here is a close up LOL

Some Cute Pictures and a Word of Warning!

A rare quiet moment with Fitz and Spot

(usually its Spot attacking Fitz)

Ok I know these aren't the best shots of Rex but he is very camera shy!

I've been trying to get a good shot of him in his Super Turtle pose but when ever he sees me coming with the camera he dives into the water. I took these shots across the room using the Zoom.

Some new Additions to the Family Menagerie. Since the Frogs haven't come in we got these colorful fish to fill the tank. We've got an order of tadpoles coming in with a local store and when they come in these will go to the tank in my sons room.

Ok now for the word of warning. If you get snails for your tank and they lay eggs you may want to think twice about having them hatch. The tank in the picture above is NOT dirty those are all snails. While the big ones crawled up the side of the tank and laid their eggs when they are little apparently they lay them on plant leaves the filter where every. Now we have hundreds of snails (no I"m not exaggerating).
It may seem mean but right now I'm really glad the turtle likes to eat snails!