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Harness Buddy

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

Harness Buddy
Fennec foxes not supposed to be pets?????????????????

For those of you who "think" that, where do you get your information from? I've had my Fennec for a year now and he's 100% litter trained and the most loving pet I've ever had in my entire life. He's my little buddy. I rub his ears which he loves and he curls up in my lap and takes naps. I take him for walks on his harness and also to pet stores to buy him toys which he loves to throw in the air and catch. There are of course things he does not particularly enjoy, which I refrain from doing. Although they cannot be considered "domesticated", you can absolutely make it so they feel as at home as in Africa. I'm just having a hard time understanding why some people on this site feel the need to ridicule someone for considering them as pets. So please, enlighten me.

Fennecs and other fox breeds are considered an exotic pet, not a domestic, so when people are critical about someone owning one, they often lump owning one of these in with owning other exotics. They are probably criticizing you the same way I criticize people who post question on here like "how can I get a pet tiger?"

Some exotics, when cared for properly, can make interesting (and even very affectionate) pets. I know many people who own and breed exotics - both native and non-native species. Our 4-H club had kids showing Peruvian cavies at fair a couple of years ago. A friend of mine breeds several native species and I often help with educational presentations. Half the battle of exotic pets is educating people about how to care for them.

I know several fennec breeder from various shows and auctions, and I've always liked these little guys - but I don't believe just anyone should own one. Special consideration needs to be taken for diet, exercise, vet needs and such, and not everyone who wants to own one is responsible or caring enough to make sure that animal is going to have a long and healthy life.

I see no need to criticize you for you choice of pet - I got my first ferret back in 1981 - and at the time, they were considered an exotic! Now they're a very mainstream pet.

There are some species of animals that, although not domestic, can be kept as pets without causing them undue stress or reducing their quality of life. It's not like you're keeping big cats and advocating everyone should own a pet lion. Don't sweat the criticism if you are a responsible exotic owner.