The Pudu. So… I was looking for exotic places for them to visit, it was hard to top the Venezualian tepuis, but I eventually read about Madre De Dios and decided on that. Then I began researching animals native mainly to Chile. When I found out about the Pudu, how could I resist.
Also, comparing her on an inflatable giraffe to Theodoric leading the Goths, still cracks me up.
Ever since I first saw them in a wildlife preserve, I’ve thought that a pudu seems like it would make a great housepet; I mean, some people have *dozens* of dogs, and pudus are smaller than a lot of dogs (this Pudu seems almost smaller than Blake). Wouldn’t it be surreal for your guests to suddenly have a small herd of deer pass by?
I read somewhere (can’t guarantee that it’s true) that pudus can climb trees, which would also be a surreal sight to come across: the Cheshire Pudu.
I further read (can’t guarantee that it’s true) that they supposedly bark like dogs when threatened OSLT (in contrast to the Cheshire Cat, who IIRC barks when he’s happy). So picture it: You walk into somebody’s house, and there’s a deer perched on the back of the couch, barking at you. There’s a moment for ya.
Small, cute, novelty value, what’s not to like? Many pets get by on just small and cute. :-)
However, their natural diet probably contains vital nutrients or whatever that might be difficult to reproduce commercially (this is sometimes a problem with pets who are of a “non-domesticated” species); I’m guessing they can’t live solely on LETTUCE LETTUCE LETTUCE LETTUCE LETTUCE. Plus the species name itself puts the animal at a slight disadvantage…
Venezuelan. The demonym for “Venezuela” is “Venezuelan”