Animal Exchange is Best for Pets

Our family has led a barren existence without a pet. One of my sons is allergic to cats and dogs and we never thought beyond either of these choices. Occasionally different pet ideas were floated by family members with no real consensus. It was time to explore our pet options with an expert, so we visited the Animal Exchange.

Ruth Hanessian has been a knowledgeable shop owner in Rockville for 28 years. Located in the row of stores next to Giant, her shop is filled with everything you could need for a pet. For many years Ruth has been encouraging a cottage industry in local homes to supply her store with birds and small animals. Although Animal Exchange doesn’t sell cats or dogs, it does sell supplies, healthy food, and treats for them.

Even though we have allergies, I thought we might still be able to get a furry friend so we were directed to the back of the store. Although I was glad the mice and rats were in the tanks, the hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and chinchillas looked adorable. My family had been thinking about a rabbit and we found one with dark fur and blue eyes. We each took a turn holding this irresistible pet. However one of my sons was having trouble breathing. Ruth explained about pet allergies. Rabbits can cause asthmatic reactions even if you aren’t allergic to them.

At the Animal Exchange they are not just selling pets, but rather they are matching them to homes with people who want to learn proper pet care and have a good experience as a pet owner. This takes honesty and sound advice. Ruth has both in abundance.

The Animal Exchange specializes in exotic birds and people travel from all over Maryland and beyond to purchase them. The birds form a rainbow of blue, green, yellow, orange, and red as you gaze at cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and cockatoos. The tiny finches are so quick and delightful. Ruth explained that the parrots, and even the parakeets, can learn to talk. It you get only one and spend time interacting with it, you can have an excellent companion. Someday I would like to have a bird fluttering around making cheerful sounds, but with such a selection it will be difficult to decide on just one.

Even though there were betta fish and hermit crabs, I knew that with two boys it was inevitable that we would wind up with a reptile. During our first visit, they held a bearded dragon while we learned about habitat, feeding, heat lamps, and basic care. Some leopard geckos were soon to arrive and we decided we would come back. This resulted in two more visits filled with enough information to know that we would do a good job of taking care of the new baby gecko, which came home with us on Sunday.

Whenever I put my hand in the tank, he comes over and places his hand onto mine like he’s holding it. He’s so cute and has a permanent smile on his face. I’m not really sure how it happened but I’m terribly fond of the little guy. He seems to have a predilection for me and climbs all the way up my arm into my long hair. Besides some fish, this is my first pet too.

He’s perfect for our family and we have Ruth to thank! Stop by with your questions about pets. She’ll help you find just the right one and teach you how to take the best care of it. Now when someone asks about a pet, I say “Go to the Animal Exchange!”