From loyal pups to exotic snakes, Sion students and faculty share stories about their beloved pets.
Gary Adams, music director, has a vast family of pets. Adams has two dogs, Ellie and Ringo, and three cats, Squeak, Finn, and Fann. In addition, he raises a rooster and several chickens.
“I love the loyalty the dogs and cats show you constantly.” Adams said, “The chickens give us wonderful fresh eggs, which is a big-time culinary gift. They fairly stand up in the skillet!”
Adams said that one of the chickens and the rooster are Polish with copious head feathers.
Another teacher who shares a love for pets is theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian, especially towards her dog, Tucker. Haghirian said, “He’s the cutest dog in the world.”
But it is not just the faculty who have strong bonds with their furry friends. Junior Kitty Tankard has a Gecko lizard named Kiki. She is 9 years old but could live up to 25 years. Her dad surprised her with Kiki because he has always loved lizards.
Tankard says she was terrified of her lizard and did not warm up to it until recently.
“I used to be scared of her and wouldn’t ever hold her for the longest time,” Tankard said. “Her scales creeped me out.”
Tankard said she has grown to love her scaly pet now. Their friendship has grown over the years and she views her scaly lizard as sweet, nice, and loves to be held.
Senior Lauren Ruiz has three pets: a corn snake named Muchu, a boxer named Libby, and a turtle named Verne. Many people would be scared to own a snake, but Lauren shows no fear in her beloved Muchu.
“I like what an unconventional pet it makes. Many people are terrified of them, but I always found snakes fascinating.” Ruiz said. “Mine is a pretty copper and rust color, too, so he’s fun to hold and look at.
Junior Ariana Fotouhi might not have an exotic pet, but her pet goldfish Justin does odd things.
“Justin has repeatedly jumped out of the tank. We have had to rescue him when he flips around on my desk,” Fotouhi said.
A person’s pet can say a lot about who they are. From a spastic goldfish to a giant lizard, students and teachers share a common love of their pets.