Story by Dana Aguilar Layout by Grace Culbertson
Midnight Manning
Leo Wellendorf
Tiger Manning
Taz Manning
Saying goodbye to their furry friends
The phrase ‘a man’s best friend’ is most commonly associated with dogs. However, household pets are increasingly varied within hundreds of species. Waukee High School students house a variety of these pets, from hedgehogs to birds. “I think it builds a different type of relationship rather than just like humans. I guess it’s different because animals speak in a different way,” explained senior Taylor Manning. Manning is one of the individuals who is fortunate enough to have not one, not two, but four different types of animals in her home. “They don’t come up to you and [say] ‘hey what’s up.’ You can tell when they come up and wag at the door that they miss you and stuff like that. I think it’s neat how they communicate that way,” Manning finished. Her family includes a dog, two cats, three birds, and a turtle. As great as having these companions can be, pet owners have to be prepared to deal with complications. “Well he is about thirteen years old now--he’s a dog--his name is Ferrence and he got diabetes about four year’s back and from the insulin, he’s blind now,” explained senior Emilie Wilson. “He’s still happy. He runs into things every once in awhile, but he’s a happy dog,” she concluded. Ferrence has learned how to navigate his way around the house by memorizing the layout. He is considered a family pet and will be staying at home with the senior’s parents. To seniors who are debating the fate of their pets, Manning advises the following. “Keep the best interest of the pet in mind. You may want to take him with you and keep him in a cramped dorm but you have to think about what’s best of the pet.” Wilson plans on keeping touch with her pooch by visiting whenever she has a break from her studies at Iowa State University. When students leave for college, parents and guardians typically keep the family pet at home. However, some are able to accompany their owner on the journey to a new home. “Hedgehogs don’t have too much of a lifespan so if he’s still trucking along I might find a way to bring him with me, or my aunt would really love him for her classroom,” Junior Bailey Wellendorf explained. Her hedgehog is named Leo, who is about three years old. July will mark the one year anniversary of this dynamic duo. “I love unique pets, and despite him being a huge grouch he is a lot of fun to interact with. Again once he warms up to you he can be really funny and loving. I think the moment that really stands out to me is when he first came out of his “shell” and showed his face while I was holding him,” she shared. Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, or tarantula, as your high school career comes to a close, make sure to appreciate your pets.
Ferrence Wilson
Cinnamon Manning
Thor Crush Manning
Coconut Manning
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