School pets

[Catherine]

I know reptiles are being used as class pets these days. It works out if someone takes responsibility and makes sure the reptile has what it needs. Often they don't get handled enough in the right way and you end up with a reptile that is no good as a pet and no one wants him.

I don't handle my reptiles all the time, but I am there with them and interact with them all the time. They have formed bonds with me. That is what is missing for a classroom reptile. It doesn't bond with anyone and has a certain amount of insecurity. It can work, but only if people work on making it work.

Little animals like hamsters are sometimes okay, but it can also be overwhelming for them. Maybe schools need the equivalent of a therapy dog for schools. Someone with a specially trained dog could visit the school regularly and give the children a pet experience.