Updated: 01/26/2009 3:27 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Art Barron

BARRON: I'm being invaded by Guinea Pigs!

Although I love pets, I don't like the clean-up, the smell, the floating fur, and fur balls that accumulate and so on.

So as a single Dad, I said no pets. It's a bit overwhelming as it is cleaning up after teenagers!  My Daughter asked and I said no to a rodent as a pet.

Guess what? during the holidays her boyfriend decides to get her a guinea pig... then another one so the first one doesn't get lonely. I can't be a scrooge right? They are kind a cute afterall, and she was so excited to have them.

Where are they kept? Her room. And it didn't take long to notice they can create a mess. They are kept on a cardboard platform with an enclosed fence. What I didn't want was to be the rodent caretaker, and I am to certain extent.

Not really that bad. But as a Father, there are some new rules, and added chores on her house worksheet. She must make sure everything is neat and clean. No rodent smells... I simply won't have it.

Get this... these guinea pigs can get rather large. Hey, just as long as she takes care of them I can live with that.

So, what began as dread of thinking about the care and clean-up, is turning into a lesson of responsibility. I think this will be good for her to care for her pets, nurture them, and keep everything clean. I just hope she doesn't get any other ideas, like taking a liking to snakes. That's where I draw the line. No reptiles at the barron residence thank you very much!