Students at our school have pets from all around the world. When most people think of pets, they think furry and cute. Cute is different for everyone.

   Sophomores Allie Mathos and Jake Lingenfelter each have a very exotic family member. Mathos owns a ball python named Thor, while Lingenfelter owns a Dumpy Tree frog named Lily. Each pet has their own individual quirks.  

 Both animals are normally from South America.

   South America is composed of several tropical climates and terrains. Which leads to several different animal types and breeds from all over the continent.

  The Dumpy Tree frog is from new Zealand. New Zealand is home to several different species of animals too. New Zealand is home to the world’s largest bird, [which is now extinct] the Moa. Lingenfelter said that the Dumpy Tree frog is from New Zealand.

   Students also own typical animals, like dogs, cats and fish. Farm animals are even considered common in Kansas.

  Sophomore Lauren Corbin owns a dairy cow named Milly. Dairy cows produce dairy products such as milk.

  “The farm seems to keep the animals happy,” Corbin said. “Apples from their apple tree make Milly the happiest.”

      Corbin owns other farm animals as well, like chickens that allowed to run around the farm during the daytime.

   While there are those who own unusual pets, there are students at our school who have no pets at all.

   These students see the benefits of having pets, and they value the friendships they have with their pets. Freshman Conner Wade doesn’t have a pet, but wishes he did.

   “When you go away, it gives you something to look forward to when you get back,” Freshman Wade said.