Owning exotic animals can seem like a thrilling experience, but it’s important to understand that it comes with great responsibility. As a pet owner, it’s not just about showering them with love, time, and money. You also need to be well-informed about the species, how to care for them, and what they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Sarah Thompson learned all of this when, two years ago, she became the proud pet parent to two adorable prairie dogs. When given the opportunity, she eagerly took it, knowing that these animals wouldn’t survive on their own in the wild. Her first step was finding a vet for them, followed by researching everything she could about their needs and care.
On May 25, 2021, Sarah posted her first TikTok video featuring one of her prairie dogs. She had named her two furry companions Pablo and Pedro. Much like any new pet parent, Sarah quickly began to understand what it took to care for them. She discovered that baby prairie dogs, like Pablo and Pedro at the time, tend to nibble a lot and require frequent feeding.
Although their name might suggest otherwise, prairie dogs aren’t actually dogs. They are small, chubby rodents belonging to the squirrel family. Known for their social nature, they live in large, complex burrow systems called colonies or towns. One of the unique things about prairie dogs is their distinct warning sounds, which resemble a bark or chirp. Sarah, however, prefers to call the sounds Pablo and Pedro make “yahoos” because they sound just like tiny ‘yahoos’ when they call out.
In her effort to keep them happy, Sarah found that placing their cage in the middle of the house was helpful. Prairie dogs thrive on social interaction, so this way, Pablo and Pedro could always hear and see the family. They love being around people, so much so that when let out, they roam around the house freely, often burrowing into Sarah’s laundry baskets. Many times, Sarah and her family would find the two sleeping snugly underneath a pile of clothes.
One of the cutest things Sarah has noticed is how attached Pablo has become to her. He follows her everywhere, and it’s gotten to the point where he hinders her from completing tasks, earning them the nickname “productivity suckers” from her family. It’s easy to see why; they’re irresistibly adorable, chunky, and sweet!
Who would’ve thought that prairie dogs could be so affectionate? According to Sarah, Pedro and Pablo are the most loving animals she’s ever encountered. They crave attention and aren’t satisfied with just lying next to her—they demand pets and affection. If Sarah stops petting them, they’ll look up at her as if to say, “Mom, why did you stop?”
These abusers are facing numerous charges of animal abuse, but we must also ensure they never own or interact with pets again and receive counseling for their twisted psychological states.
However, despite their charm, Sarah is quick to point out that prairie dogs require a lot of attention and care. They need exercise, a good diet, and opportunities to play outdoors. While they might seem like the perfect pets—cuddly, fluffy, and smart—Sarah advises that they aren’t suitable for everyone. It takes plenty of patience, understanding, and commitment to care for these sweet, social animals.