While most people come home to a dog or cat each day after school, some students are greeted by far less ordinary creatures.

Senior Miriam Goldman said she has two female chinchillas, named Shy and Scamper. When Goldman named them as a child, she had a reason for each name.

“Scamper got her name because she doesn’t sit still very much and is really hard to catch; she is also the skinnier one,” Goldman said. “Shy is a lot bigger and calmer. She never bites, and is not afraid of people which is a bit ironic considering her name.”

The chinchillas, which Goldman received in second grade, are now eleven years old. They have thrived in their home and are even classified as obese.

“We got them because they were my favorite animal and I made a report for my mom to convince her they were the best pets,” Goldman said. “Now, both are considered obese according to our obscure rodent vet.”

Freshman Margaret Moran also experienced the fun of having an unusual pet. Unfortunately, this past March, her hedgehog Camille passed away, but not before Moran compiled many great experiences with her pet.

“My last memory was trying to teach her how to swim,” Moran said. “Unfortunately she never learned too well. She was never injured of course, but it was hilarious seeing her try to swim around the bathtub.”

Because of his concern for his neighbors, senior Jacob Smyth has four hens. Hens, unlike roosters, don’t make a great deal of noise.

“When we first got them the guy selling them said they were $2.75,” Smyth said. “I thought he meant 275 dollars. I was surprised by how expensive they were. I even thanked my mom, but she laughed and told me they were only 2 dollars and 75 cents.”

To someone who has an ordinary pet, chickens seem very unique, but they are definitely worth the money.

“We got chickens because they produce free eggs and they’re quiet and easy pets to care for,” Smyth said.

Freshman Cloe Frank has two bearded dragons, one boy and one girl. The boy is named Scott, and the girl, Earnie, was named because Frank thought Earnie was a boy.

“We actually didn’t know that Earnie was a girl until about a year after we got them and she started having babies,” Frank said.