Saturday, March 9, 2013

Fred Russel

The question always arises: what do you get for a child under one?
Books? No.
Clothing? Meh.
Diapers? Too easy.

Toys? Boring.

Guinea Pig? Hells yes!

Well, at least that was the answer early last week in Gjoa Haven.  
Helpful tip: kids under one don't really need guinea pigs as pets.

Needless to say, the grade 8 classroom at Qiqirtaq High School now has a new pet.  Meet Fred Russel!


Why would a bunch of 13 year olds name the class pet Fred Russel when no one in the community has either names? you ask.  Funny story.

The name Fred Russel came about when Kelli let her class vote.  The top three names were: Fred, Russel, and skunk... and when the class was asked to narrow down the field to two names the class dead locked: 7 for Fred and 7 for Russel.  Now Kelli being the creative and brilliant individual that she is gave the class another option: Why can't our pet have both names?  And Fred Russel was born!   


The best part about the guinea pig's name is the pronunciation.  The name is not said as two separate names it is run together by the children into one name: Fredrussel.  

I've never had a guinea pig before the smallest pet in my world having been Buddy the dog so helping with this little thing has been interesting.  But as far as small animals go Fredrussel is AWESOME!  Relaxed, enjoys being petted and held, makes all sorts of hilarious noises and looks like a powder puff.

And the best part - the part that makes my heart sing - is that we're pretty sure Fred Russel is a girl.  

Fred Russel: lady guinea pig.

yeah, buddy!

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