People and their Pets A look into the intimate relationships of college students whose lives have been changed by letting something scaly, small, and a bit slimy into their busy world.
Owners: Juniors Melissa Berg and Jenni Petsinger
Story by Jessica Bock
Photos by James Brockpahler
A really good memory was when: Bud was finally given a name. After months of swimming around with names such as Garth and Wop, Bud was finally given an identity he could really get excited about. And although it is true that the name Bud does have something to do with the beer, they do consider him a good buddy as well.
2.jpg) Junior Melissa Berg stands next to her favorite finned friend--her goldfish Bud. |
Why every college student should consider getting a pet: This goldfish really brightens your day just looking at him swimming around his bowl without a care in the world, the proud owners say. Sometimes they're even jealous of him.
Owner: Kristin Schatt
The pet: Geico, a Gecko lizard
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Junior Kristin Schatt loves coming home to her pet gecko, that she named Geico.
It all started when: Kristin personally picked him out last October from a pet store.
A really good memory was when: Kristin says he is always making her laugh and reminding her how small his brain actually is. "He's always doing stupid things," she says. One time he got very confused when his dinner (a worm) was put in a different dish than where it usually was. He didn't know what to do. Good thing Kristin was there to help.
But once. . . he almost got lost. Kristin panicked and looked everywhere, but she eventually found him - under his water dish in the aquarium.
Why every college student should consider getting a pet: It's somebody to come home to, Kristin says. He has his own personality and it's fun to take care of him. They have a special relationship.
Owner: Leah Thorsen
The pet: Wilcox, a bug-eyed fish
It all started when: Her last fish, Timmy, died after being left in an apartment without heat for four days. But Timmy and Wilcox were part of a large family - they were preceded by the 20 -30 fish Leah has owned.
A really good memory was when: Wilcox learned a trick. He can push around a floating ball in his bowl. "It's so cute," Leah said.
But once. . . Leah thought one of her fish would like some warmer water in his bowl because it was really cold. As it turned out, that fish had to settle for whatever temperature the toilet water was when he was flushed to the great beyond.