There is a new trend-setting pet on the rise, and it isnt a pup for your hobo bag. While it isn’t the coziest little critter, it’s still cute. Allow me to introduce you to the hedgehog. Sure, most people probably conger up some mental image of a cross-breed of Sonic and a porcupine, but hedgies are a growing fad.

Think you might make a good hedge-mama? There are a few things you might want to know before you start picking out tiny little outfits (or leashes, or whatever.)

The basics: Hedgehogs are rumored to be great pets, they require no walks, live happily without a companion, and don’t need constant attention. While their prickly exteriors do not look very cuddly, their spikes feel more like a toothbrush than thousands of needles. Their life expectancy is anywhere from 3 to 8 years. The little critters prefer a warmer climate, that means if your place falls below 75-80 degrees your hedgie will get cold, (easily fixed by puting a heating pad under half the cage.) Read More »

I love dogs. When I see a dog across the street or around the corner, I try to cross the street or take a shortcut so I can pet it and play with it. Nothing gives me the everything-will-be-okay feeling more than a wet nose, a big doggy grin, and a wagging tail.

I respect anyone who goes out of their way to help any animal in need, but the person taking that extra step for the pup everyone else overlooked just makes me feel happy about the world.

So, you can imagine the disgusting squeal of adoration my poor roommate had to endure when I stumbled on this article.

Katherine Hawkins is only eight years old. She’s not an especially social little girl, but she loooves dogs. And like any good little kid, she begged and pleaded until her parents eventually caved in. They decided to go the more dog-friendly route and rescue a dog – a Golden Retriever, specifically – from an organization called, unsurprisingly, Adopt-A-Golden.

The pup Katherine chose was Rocky. He was an 18-month-old ball of fluff, all wags and happiness. But there was a problem; Rocky had been injured in a car crash, and his leg had never healed right. Vet bills being outrageous, as they usually are, the organization needed to raise $2200 for Rocky’s surgery. Most other families would have passed Rocky by with that kind of price tag, but Katherine was in love. So she proceeded to something about it. A lot of something. Read More »

Let’s face it; life when you’re in school can be lonely, whether you’re on or off campus. It can be hard, coming back to an empty dorm room or apartment. It can be especially hard when you’re someone like me, who always has an animal around when you’re at home. What’s a pet lover to do?

No fear; Olua is here with five of her favorite small-space-safe pets. I have owned or currently own all of these critters, so you’re getting stuff straight from the source here. I’ll lay out the setup, cost, and some of the infinite wisdom I’ve gained dealing with these little critters.

1. Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish): These are probably the most low-maintaince, toughest pets you could ever own, and come in about every gorgeous color of the rainbow. They’re easy to care for; all you need is a tank a MINIMUM of one gallon (contrary to popular belief, bettas don’t like living in small containers and enjoy having space to spread out their fins) and some fish food. I recommend Hikari’s Betta Bio-Gold.

You don’t need a filter, because bettas aren’t crazy about moving water, but you will need to change the water about once a week. Never ever use water straight from the faucet, since it has chlorine and that will give you a very dead fish. Collect water in a gallon bottle and keep open and it to the side, refilling it every time you change the water. A week is enough time for the chlorine to safely evaporate.

Females can be kept together, but males will fight like Britney cornered by paparazzi. Take good care of your fishy and he could be with you from four to five years. Tank and food included, these guys will run you a very affordable $20 – maybe a little more if you want to give them some decorations. BettaTalk is a great site run by an awesome girl who will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about bettas. Read More »

Antidepressants are supposed to make us happier—but are they actually doing the opposite? According to researcher Helen Fisher, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and other antidepressants may alter brain chemistry in a way that zaps desire to find a mate and dulls the euphoria felt when people fall in love—a process that Fisher calls “temporary insanity.”

I’m sure anyone who’s been in love would not hesitate to agree with that description. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if many people on antidepressants began them after the breakup. I can’t help but wonder…since the prescription of anti-depressants has more than doubled in the past 30 years, perhaps we should be asking what came first—the chicken or the egg? Read More »

So, you’re getting ready to move out onto your own. Either you’re starting college, setting-up shop in off-campus housing, or beginning your “adult life” somewhere far away from the safety of your parents’ basement.

And you know what would go great with this newfound individuality? A pet. Right?

Something fluffy and cuddly that will always be there when you get home and love you unconditionally, something to keep you company on those long nights when no one calls and all you’ve got is the Food Network to keep you from plummeting into a chasm of mind-numbing boredom.

Something small, cute, simple.

Not to sound like your mom, but it ain’t as simple as you think.

I learned a very expensive lesson this week; having a pet isn’t easy. Especially when they get sick. Read More »

The other day, I witnessed a horrifying event. I was at a pre - finals party, and despite tests and papers looming over everyone’s heads, the spirit was high — literally.

There were about 20 people there, including a precious chihuahua I’ll call Tony. Tony, although several years old, retained his puppyesque glow at a whopping four pounds. Since I didn’t know very many people at the party, Tony and I became fast friends, playing tug - of - war in a corner and waiting for my ride to want to leave.

Until… Tony’s owner stumbled over, scooped him up, put her mouth on his, and blew. Smoke. Into the little chihuahua. She gave Tony back to me, but he was a goner. He slumped over on the floor, catatonic — I guess he was transfixed by the awesome jams. “Yeah, Tony!” Everyone laughed. Read More »