When is the last time you were at a pet store? Not a giant, chain type pet store, but a local, family owned, sells all kinds of animals kind of pet store? I don't think I had ever been in one, not until today.
Sam and I needed to pick up small aquarium nets (to be explained later) so I looked into pet stores in Madison. This store jumped out at me because they host classes, preschool story times and said they had a wide variety of animals. I was intrigued; story time at a pet store, really?
So we went. We found the nets (yeah!) and got to see a lot of cool animals. (sorry the camera took a break today)
BUT if you are like me these places (even zoos) make me a little sad and weary because I always wonder how the animals are obtained. Am I supporting illegal practices or cruelty to animals by purchasing something? How far do these animals have to travel and be stressed before they make it to the store? I always wonder but never ask. Today, I got the nerve and asked!
Animart is a LOCAL pet store. All their puppies and kittens come from rescue services, breeders or adoption agencies within the Madison area! I got a chance to actually talk in depth with the "bird guy" who told me all about how he obtains each of his birds. It was fascinating. I did not know there are bird breeders. Again they use very local breeders, except animals that need rescueing or come from animal rescue socities. I thought this was great. He was actually a bit embarrassed to admit that a few of his birds that he had at the time were from somewhere in Minnesota (he told me where exactly but I don't remember), that is not even that far away. I was very impressed.
Anyway, we had a great time checking out the two puppies they had, lots of small fun colored birds, lots of fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, crabs and lizards. Sam and Avery both loved it. I don't know that I have seen Avery get so excited she refused to sit in the cart but instead kept demanding to be lifted up to see what was in the aquariums and cages. I loved it.
Not a field trip we will probably do very often because I am a softy and those puppies were really cute. I don't want another pet in this house but if we go there too many more times I just know I will end up bringing something home!
But a great time was had today to avoid the cold and still get out of the house!
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The Nitty Gritty!
So what did we need those nets for? Well, you can't have a pond birthday party and not give out small aquarium nets as a part of the gift bag for all the guests! Yes that is right, Sam is having a pond themed birthday party and each child will get to take their own pond net home (along with a few other things I have yet to find).
Sam was so excited we had to buy a big one for her to try out right away. But of course what does a child with a big net want to do when she gets home? Go to the creek and go fishing! We got home from the store and she was determined to catch a fish in the creek. I didn't have the heart to discourage her so we went. She got cold and disappointed after only a few minutes. But I was glad to see her trying and assurred her we would try again when it got warmer outside. I cannot wait for the first time she actually catches something on her own this year! That excitement will be amazing!!
we don't have any small run pet stores anymore I do remember going to one in high school that sold wallaby's yep you read right. I feel in love with those little baby wallabys and was so sad when they were gone. Still hope and pray they went to a right home.
our turtles are outgrowing their habitat, so we need to go to a pet store soon
Posted by: butterfly wishes and wonderland dreams | 02/25/2011 at 07:35 PM
We just have the PetSmarts of the world by us, but my girls love seeing the fish, hamsters, birds and cats just the same. :)
Posted by: liz | 02/26/2011 at 07:32 AM