Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Newest Pet In Town

I have seen my fair share of interesting family companions while working here at Best Friends. From our Pot Bellied Pig friend who got daily nature walks, to our monkey who got a playtime. Then there was the sugar gliders, chinchillas, rats, (yes, they are family too), and the tarantula named Vicki who is currently boarding in my office. Everything/everyone deserves to be loved by someone!
Check out this latest article I read in a recent edition to Chicagoland Tails Magazine. There goes the neighborhood dog park! LOL...


Pygmy goats the latest pet craze

By By Sarah Hyde
Chicagoans are getting creative with their companion animals. Dogs and cats are out, and pygmy goats are in. Not only are pygmies pretty darn cute, but ranging from only 17 to 23 inches, they fit the ideal size for a household pet. The tiny goats are also valued for their milk, intelligence, and good-tempered personality.
According to the National Pygmy Goat Association’s website, “The pygmy goat is an asset in a wide variety of settings and can adapt to virtually all climates.”
Pygmies sell for $100 to $300. Keeping a goat as a pet is legal in Chicago if the guardian doesn't sell the animal’s milk or cheese.
Although pygmies do make suitable companion animals, they require more resources than the average dog or cat. They need ample space to roam, prefer to live in a herd, and must have a specialized veterinarian.
While many are excited about pygmies being the new “it” pet, others are skeptical. They are concerned that pygmies will become a fad animal whose allure will wear off and eventually overpopulate shelters.

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