Two of the questions most commonly asked by the uninitiated are "why a prairie dog?" and "what makes them such good pets?".
Those of us lucky enough to have shared our lives with these creatures know the answer. We feel such a bond, so much love, such mutual understanding that life without a PD is simply unthinkable.
More than any other animal, life in a prairie dog town mirrors human community living. Their recognition and love of family members, hugging and kissing each other as a means of greeting, is heartwarming. Most pd activity is so easily interpreted that even one unfamiliar with pds can easily understand what they are thinking.
When a pd is introduced into your home you become his family. He becomes totally dependent upon you for his very survival. In repayment you will receive total loyalty and love for the lifetime of the animal. Nothing will ever be more willing to share life's ups and downs than your pint sized new family member. In addition, you will have a pet who does not need to be walked, is quite willing to be housetrained and makes virtually no noise.
Prairie dogs are very tidy creatures. They prefer their quarters to be clean and will spend considerable time on their personal hygiene. A properly cared for pd has virtually no odor, although an un neutered male during breeding season can be a bit breath taking.
Pds are so intelligent behaviorists have yet to devise tests to determine just how bright they are. Your pet will come when called and understand many words and phrases. More importantly, he will probably teach you how to understand "PD language". They will help you clean house, sort your laundry, train the cat and thoroughly reorganize your life.
There is a down side to pd ownership. If you are one of those fad conscious pet owners, interested mainly in showing off for your friends — do yourself a favor. Pick a different pet. Your new prairie dog will not appreciate being the centerpiece for your ego. He will probably bite your friends. Exotic animal is a term that conjures up visions of 'I'm special. I don't keep a common dog or cat.' . The mystery and magic of caring for a "special needs" pet will wear off quickly. As a responsible pet owner you must examine your motives for purchase before you buy. Remember "exotic animal" means—"a wild animal kept in a domestic situation" and is an apt definition.
You never truly own a wild animal. It may own your heart, it may be a member of the family, you may love it and give it the best of care. However, the pd must willingly choose you as a member of its family. It can never be anything other than a prairie dog. In the wild, money has no meaning. Don't expect the baby to get all grateful because you bought and paid for it. Rather, think of the trip home with your new baby as the beginning of a wonderful sharing experience for both of you. Compromises will be made on both sides, but in the end, I think you will find they have all been worth it.
If you are the parent of an overindulged seven year old child, STOP right now! Pds are not to replace guinea pigs or rabbits. You can not allow your child to keep the pd in solitary confinement in his or her room. These animals will go insane from neglect, always with tragic consequences.
Did your sofa cost more than a new car? How many irreplaceable hand woven throw pillows do you own? Pd accidents can and do happen. An unsupervised prairie dog is an awesome instrument of destruction. Pds naturally feel the need to modify their world, digging, mowing down obstacles, constantly moving dirt about. It takes time for the little fellow to learn the rules. In the meantime chair legs and throw rugs may suffer. Pd proofing a home takes time and usually compromises are necessary. If your possessions are top priority perhaps a prairie dog is not for you.
How loyal are you? Pds frequently live ten to twelve years in captivity. They bond to their owners so strongly that they will love you above life itself. A prairie dog will fling itself on a pit bull in your defense.
Sadly, if you get tired of the pd you may find your pet unwilling to accept a new family. It has accepted YOU as its family and wants no other. Please do not start something you can not finish.
Parents, what will happen when your children go to college? Are you willing to care for the pd? It can not live in the college dorm. What happens if your pd hates your new husband, wife, or significant other?
Please, think first - buy later. There is nothing sadder (or more preventable) than a neurotic prairie dog that has been passed from home to home.
Before you purchase a pd pup be sure you can afford the extra expenses that go with pet ownership. Good veterinary care may involve more than just spaying or neutering. What about emergencies? Also, a proper cage (roomy and safe), toys and accessories can really put a dent in the household budget. Plan ahead so that neither you nor your pet suffer.
After reading these cautions, if your family decides a pd is for you, get ready for years of pleasure. I guarantee life will never be the same! On the other hand, after reading about the downside, if you feel a pd is not exactly the answer to your prayer, good for you! Mature decisions regarding pet ownership are to be commended.
Disposing of an animal because it has become inconvenient to care for is becoming the rule rather than the exception in America today. The heck with your loss of money, what about the animal? When you purchase a pet you are saying “I will care for this creature. I will make sure it is fed, kept clean, safely housed and I will love it for as long as it lives”. That is a commitment. If you cannot make a lifetime commitment to care for and love your pd, walk on by. Let someone else take the little bundle of love and laughter home. Someone who will truly cherish the pd for what it is. A living, breathing creature, not a whim.