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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Lifestyle Writer
One thing we all know is that dogs are man’s best friend. And whoever said diamonds are only girl’s best friends, he or she hasn’t seen how animals as pets are taking over.
When acclaimed and multi-platinum award-winning designer Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel Brand died last month fashion buffs mourned.
They cried. To them this could be the death of the popular brand and who would then inherit such wealth and continue the legacy
But then, his pet also got serious attention.
Yes, the cat named Choupette.
Lagerfeld had his most loved pet which he moved around with and it lived a fabulous life.
The white cat reportedly inherited about $195 million of Chanel’s fortune.
According to French magazine “Le Figaro,” Lagerfeld said in a past conversation that Choupette was an “heiress.”
“If something happens to me, the person who will take care of her will not be in misery,” he said in a 2015 interview.
Choupette is famous for living a lavish lifestyle, with Lagerfeld referring to her as a “full time job” and hiring maids dedicated to caring for her.
She has 235 000 Instagram followers.
When it comes to being a true animal lover, no matter how expensive an animal might be, you still contemplate getting one for yourself.
Animals are loyal, they are great companions and the best stress busters.
A jump, a lick and a cuddle is all you need and the world really does seem like a better place.
Celebrities, musicians and business people love to pamper their pets.
From snakes, goats and donkeys, to the more traditional cats and dogs, to a backyard farm, it shows that people nowadays enjoy the companion of pets.
Saturday Lifestyle decided to trace those weird and normal pets from different people and how they treat them.
You may have heard that dogs, cats, birds or horses are expensive.
While it’s true that there is an investment involved with pet-care, it’s best to understand the details of the pet-care expenses.
On the other hand, you may think that pets don’t cost much at all.
But the cost of owning a pet is about more than just the expense of food.
“Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to budget for a dog before getting one, leading to trouble down the road,” said Cheryl Last a veterinary officer in Borrowdale.
Model Hillary Makaya said she likes fish more, not as a dish or meal, but as pets.
“Fish are quiet. You never have to worry about a barking or squawking fish upsetting the neighbours or waking a sleeping baby. They come in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes and stunning colours.
“Fish don’t need to be walked and they don’t require a litter box. They are very clean pets that don’t need to be groomed or have their teeth brushed,” she said.
She said she spends about $200 to keep her four gold fish named Diamond, Shine, Glow and Star.
“I make sure every time I wake up they are my first friends to communicate before touching my mobile phone,” she said.
Other people love to hike with their dogs or curl up with their cat at night.
Some take their passion for creatures into the hobby realm.
While one might not consider his or her pet parakeet to be exotic, the term “exotic pets” is loose, typically referring to a pet that is not a cat or dog.
Australian based teenagers Jacob Jurain 16, of New Paltz, has two Australian white tree frogs, Etsel and Ester citing his lifelong love of frogs.
Spending $300 a year in vet bills and $65 a year in crickets out of his own pockets, he said he is mindful to keep his hands very clean and moist whenever handling them.
“They have big eyes and look like they are always smiling,” he said.
Jurain’s brother, Bradley Jurain, 13, has two hedgehogs, Cassia and Pepper.
The hedgehogs run him $150 a year for food and litter changes.
Bradley Jurain handles the hedgehogs daily to keep them socialised.
“They let me give them kisses and they are so cute,” he said.
Businesswoman Zodwa Mtunzi, said she owns seven dogs and makes it a point that she daily gives them attention.
“ I love my seven pets. I play with them. My favorite is Sparkle. Their names are Danger, Ranger, Tom Lily and Whisper. They are like small babies as they listen to everything I say. One thing I like about my pets is the attention they give,” she said.
She said they spend about 50kgs of mealie- meal every week including 20kgs of beef.
Farmer and entreprenuer Ephraim Guvamombe had a different case to share as his pet is a goat.
Yes, surprised!
In our culture it is rare to have a goat as a pet considering with hard economic situations, you end up having the pet as your meal or selling it.
Guvamombe said he took the goat after its mother had died while giving birth and it has been part of their family.
“I fed the goat with milk because it was now an orphan. I bath, feed and play with the goat. It is like my child. I named it Joel. One factor that many people don’t know is that the goat doesn’t even know other goats and I stay with it in Hatfield. It may sound weird to our friends and family but that is what it is,” he said.
He said the goat sleeps in the house and enjoys watching television.
Jah Prayzah’s manager Keen Mushapaidze said his dog has the power to sense his whereabouts just a mile away.
“I own a big dog called Chelsea which is feared in my area. I have not really kept receipts to the last cent but between $100-$150 is my budget for the month. The dog stays at home in a nice caged kennel though I have never locked the cage before. People at home tell me she can sense that I am coming home from a mile away as it starts to fidget around at the gate sometimes. I have not seen or been able to confirm this as I have to be the one coming home,” he said.
However, pets give people endless happiness and unconditional love. It is incredibly rewarding to own small companion animals, but to give them the best care and attention, you also need to remember that owning a pet is a privilege and not a necessity or right.
Online Reporter