Cold-blooded critters make good pets, too - #lakewoodnews

They may look completely different, but a bearded dragon lizard reminds Dillon Lanigan of a dog.

"It's a pretty amazing bond people form with their reptiles and amphibians," said Lanigan, manager of the Northglenn Scales 'N Tails. "Reptiles imprint on you --; if you get them young enough --; and the affection that can exist is almost doglike."

Although it might surprise those with no experience, people who love exotic pets --; like frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles --; know these animals can make some of the most engaging pets for people of all ages.

"We have several customers who are past 70 years old and have had snakes for years," Lanigan said. "We have all ages, and all walks of life, who come through our shop."

Because pet shops that specialize in exotic animals aren't as common as ones who cater to traditional furry friends, stores like Scales 'N Tails, which also has locations in Lakewood and Englewood, Arvada's Feeder Frenzy and Parker Exotic Pets become hubs for a culture.

On any given Saturday, novices walk into Feeder Frenzy with questions about their first pet as experienced reptile owners pick up their weekly food supply. And then there's the regular customers who stop by to visit. Perhaps they want to talk about how their pet is doing, see the new arrivals or hear what co-owners Jack Nelson and Dave Meidinger are working on.

"We take an old-school approach to our shop, almost like a barbershop," Meidinger said. "We want to ensure people are comfortable here and not afraid to ask questions."

There are plenty of misconceptions about amphibians and reptiles, and education is one of these shops' best services to their customers, the owners said. Lanigan, Meidinger and Nelson all have extensive experience and gladly share their expertise.

"Between the two of us, we've dealt with all kinds of species," Nelson said, referring to Meidinger. "We also work very closely with Homeward Bound Veterinary hospital, so if people have sick animals, they can help."

Before any animal is brought into Parker Exotic Pets, owner Jennifer Nystrom and manager Hanna Stroh do a lot of research to make sure they fully understand how to care for the animals and can share that information with customers.

"It's important to us we know how to provide excellent care," Stroh said. "We're doing research all the time to stay up on the latest information."

Since most amphibians and reptiles require glass tanks, heating lamps and specific foods, Scales 'N Tails and Feeder Frenzy are cautious about to whom they sell their animals.

"Things like increases in electrical bills and feed costs add up quite quickly," Lanigan said. "Certain animals are just not for everybody, and people need to be smart about deciding if they should own these kinds of pets."

The Foothills Animal Shelter often becomes the home for these pets, after they've been surrendered by their owners.

"We get pets from people who just weren't ready for whatever the animal needs to thrive," said Jessi Burns, marketing and communications manager with the shelter. "We've been trying to get the word out more about our 'critter corner' area, and the animals in need of a home there."

One of the best ways to ensure a household is ready for an exotic pet is to do a lot of research, Burns said, and to talk to people who have experience keeping these animals as pets.

"Make sure everyone in the house is on board with taking care of the animal," she said. "So often children get these animals, but when they lose interest, the parents don't want to take care of the pet either."

There are so many varieties of reptiles and amphibians, and that's one of the things that makes them such great pets, Stroh said.

"It's so exciting to see all the different personalities these animals have, even within the same species," she said. " Depending on how much time you want to spend on the animal, there are a lot of options."

Reptiles and amphibians can be great pets for children, if taught properly, Burns said. A key lesson is how to be responsible and care for another living thing, a sentiment borne out by the experiences of those at Scales 'N Tails and Feeder Frenzy.

"I love helping people get their first animal, and setting them up to be healthy," Nelson said. "My favorite part is when they come back with a healthy, grown animal that is doing well."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Cold-blooded-critters-make-good-pets-too,235085