Claire MacIntosh has a unique pet. Meet William, the female Pulchripes tarantula who is nine years old. She was called William when just a tiny spiderling, but when she matured at four years old it was clear he was a she, but the name stuck and is now a talking point for all that meet her.
Pets are a part of the family, and the paper’s footprint has a multitude of homes that are filled with more love, entertainment, and companionship because of the animals that live in them.
Here we feature some of our furry and feathered friends that add something special to their owner’s lives.
Selma Balikci travels all over with Coco on her shoulder.
Up first is Coco, a 24-year-old African Grey parrot who is adored by her family and pet brother, a dog called Romeo.
She was first loved by Selma Balikci’s grandfather, her father, and now lives with her, her husband, and two boys, Emmanuel Norman and Winton Groenewald. “The boys adore her and play with her all the time in and around the house and garden,” said Balikci.
Coco plays outside in the garden with Winton Groenewald and Emmanuel Norman.Anita Da Silva-Brand also shares a photo of her beloved horse called Queen Annabelle.Anita Da Silva-Brand adores her guinea pig, seen here wrapped up warmly as the ‘Easter Bunny’.Coco is a gorgeous bird who is much loved and adored by her family.
She eats what the family does, but her favourite foods are chicken wings and drumsticks, steaks, and sweet corn. Apart from feasting, her next loves are long baths and playing with water which she gets to do often.
Marietjie Roithmayr rescued ‘Princess Blackie’ who is a cross-German shepherd and sausage dog and was lucky enough to end up in a loving and happy home. Her ears are always like this, with the one sticking up which adds to her charm.Jaclyn Kiki Hartman is the proud owner of Ace who was rescued from Border Collie Rescue SA. He is seen here dressed up for one of her many festive walks over the holidays in and around Fairland, Berario, and Northcliff. He always picks up sticks along the way and loves it when people come to say hello.Rheta Goosen has a unique pet in Blommetjie, a Fennec fox, which is the smallest of the species and has large ears that they use to dissipate heat and listen for underground prey. Goosen says they are omnivores, so eat meat as well as fruit and vegetables, and are burrowers who can dig up to 6m per night.Marisa Di Terlizzi shares a photo of her two dogs who are rescues and sisters, Lily and Layla. They constantly mirror each other and bring much joy to all they meet.
African Grey parrots are big talkers and highly intelligent birds who can live long lives when not in the wild where their average lifespan would normally be about 25 years.
Andrea Hancke Ferreira owns Bailey who is adored by her family and seen here wrapped up warmly in a knitted blanket.Yolande Woolford adores her boy Mufasa who is a cross-Pekingese and Jack Russel. She says he has the most incredible personality and is always sticking out his tongue which looks cute,Tracey Joy Christie adopted Sheldon and Mackey from Dogtown South Africa in 2016 and has enjoyed every moment with the adorable pair.Klarissa Harmse sent us a photo of her three hairless cats, Yoda, Diesel, and Cleo.
Enjoy reading about some of the other unique and adorable animals who live with our readers.
