Recently we took a big step and bought our first classroom pet. Since we’re homeschoolers, I guess any pet is technically a classroom pet, but since this one is confined to a terrarium, he stays in our school room all the time (unlike the cat, who mostly just comes in to stalk birds out the window). We’re now the proud owners of Leo, a juvenile leopard gecko! Since we’ve only had cats before, this is a step out of our comfort zone, but I think it’s going to be a good experience for the whole family.
It’s a science lesson. Before a couple of weeks ago I could have written everything I knew about geckos on a 3×5 index card and still had enough room left over to copy the Preamble, maybe more than once. My husband and son came back from the pet store loaded up with pamphlets, though, and we’ve headed to the internet a few times for specific questions, too. Hopefully, the book we requested on leopard geckos will be on our library’s hold shelf soon and we will know just about everything we need to know.
It’s a chance to take on more responsibilities. Well, I don’t know that I need more responsibility, but Leo is making my kids more aware of their responsibilities as pet owners. Our cat, Boris (who will be 12 Sunday, and yes, I’m the kind of person that celebrates her cat’s birthday), is very vocal if his needs (and desires) aren’t met but he doesn’t have to follow a strict schedule. If you leave the house for a day and make sure he has food and water, he may not like it, but he’ll be fine. Leo, on the other hand, is much more high-maintenance, but he can’t remind you if you forget. He has to be fed at certain intervals and have his lights switched out at approximately the same time each morning and evening. The temperature and humidity in his habitat have to be kept at certain levels. I’m not sure what happens if you neglect him in some way and I definitely don’t want to find out, so we’re all working to take good care of him.
It’s out of our comfort zone. I like cats. I’ve had them for most of my life. I get them. Reptiles? Not so much. They’re not cuddly and they run for their lives when you try to scoop them up to clean their habitat. Sometimes, though, it’s good to step out and try something new!
It’s fun! I’m kind of embarrassed to admit how cute I think this gecko is, but it’s true. After a week and a half I think I know his expressions and I’m positive I know what he’s thinking. My kids and I frequently end up standing at the bookcase with our faces right next to the glass watching Leo climb all over, jump, and show off his best stretches. We’ve had such a good time seeing him explore his new home!
If you’re looking for a new way to liven up your day, a class pet just might do it!
