For months Flat Stella had been begging her mom and dad to bring home a pet. She did not care what type of animal she received as her pet because Flat Stella has an undeniable love for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Flat Stella is happy around any and every type of animal. Flat Stella just longed to have a companion and friend. After months of discussion, Flat Stella’s parents decided to take her to the local pet store. Flat Stella was so excited that she could hardly contain her excitement. When Flat Stella and her parents arrived to the pet store, they were overwhelmed by all of the animals. The store had cats, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and fish. Flat Stella could not decide which animal she wanted to claim as her very own. She held a bunny rabbit and a gerbil. She talked to the birds in their cages, and she watched the fish swim in their tank. Although Flat Stella loved all of the animals, she could not determine which animal she should claim as her pet. Finally, Flat Stella reached the hamster cages.

Flat Stella immediately spotted a hamster in the very back of the cage leaning up against the glass. The hamster looked over at Flat Stella and began to stand up on her back feet. Flat Stella knew that was the hamster she wanted to take home as her pet. Flat Stella undoubtedly knew that the hamster would make the perfect pet. The hamster was small with golden fur and bright eyes. Flat Stella and her parents agreed that this hamster would be Flat Stella’s first pet. Flat Stella was excited to buy all the necessary items for her hamster. Flat Stella picked out a blue cage that contained a green wheel for the hamster to use for running. Then, Flat Stella was able to select hamster food. Flat Stella even selected treats for her hamster to eat on special occasions. After Flat Stella's parents paid for the hamster's necessities, they were able to take the hamster home. On the way home Flat Stella realized, that in the midst of her excitement, she had forgotten to name her hamster. Flat Stella discussed several names with her parents, but she finally decided to name her hamster Ginger. Flat Stella thought Ginger would be the perfect name. When Flat Stella arrived home, she placed Ginger’s cage in the middle of the living room floor. Flat Stella desperately wanted to hold her hamster but she was instructed by the pet store employees that hamsters must be left alone for two days upon entering a new environment. Flat Stella decided to make the most of the two days. She watched Ginger play in her cage, fed her food through the cage opening, and gave her plenty of water to drink.

After the first two days had passed Flat Stella was able to hold Ginger for the first time. At first Ginger was scared and nervous, but Flat Stella softly rubbed Ginger’s fur to calm her fears. Flat Stella realized the enormous amount of responsibility that comes with taking care of a pet. Because this was Flat Stella’s first pet, she had to learn how to properly care for an animal. To take care of Ginger, Flat Stella must make sure to provide her hamster with food and water. She must also change the hamster bedding in Ginger’s cage twice a week. Flat Stella is also expected to hold her hamster at least once every day. Through Flat Stella’s adventure in selecting a pet, she learned a great deal about responsibility. Taking care of an animal is serious business and requires a great deal of patience and time. Flat Stella decided that she liked having full responsibility of her hamster. Flat Stella was able to make a great connection between the responsibility she had over her hamster, and the responsibility she needed in other areas of her life. For example, Flat Stella has resolved to keep her room clean because that is her job and responsibility. Flat Stella has also resolved to do her best and try her hardest on every school assignment. She has decided that she wanted to own her own pet store when she grows up; therefore, she knows it is important to work extremely hard in school. Flat Stella wants to take care of different types of animals. Flat Stella has already created a name for her future pet shop. She created the name “Flat Stella’s Furry Friends.” Flat Stella is determined to research important and beneficial information about hamsters. After researching information about hamsters, Flat Stella has become interested in other types of animals. Flat Stella realizes that there are so many interesting facts to learn about animals. Flat Stella’s love for animals continues to grow, and she continues to love Ginger more every day. Because Flat Stella found Ginger at a Pet Smart store, she spends a lot of time visiting their website in order to learn important information. The attached link leads to the Pet Smart website. This website is useful for learning valuable information about your pet. The website also provides pet owners the opportunity to purchase pet supplies online. The website additionally allows customers to give back to animal charities.  

http://www.petsmart.com/