More than just pets: Pines Charter’s students bond with theirs

Sophia Zernicki, Staff Writer

March 27, 2026

Sophomore Ella Hernandez lies down in the grass with her pet tortoise, Dots. Dots, a red-footed tortoise, has a favorite treat that Hernandez often gives him: a hibiscus flower. (Donated by: Ella Hernandez)

Sophomore Ella Hernandez owns a red-footed tortoise named Dots and has owned him since 2016. Every day when she gets home, Hernandez makes sure to feed Dots his usual meals. These meals usually consist of vegetables, fruits, and especially lettuce.

Sometimes she even allows Dots to have his favorite sweet treat, a hibiscus flower. Hernandez enjoys this part of her day and feels it is her time to wind down after a long, stressful day at school.

The most memorable thing about Dots for Hernandez is the day she got him. It was the day after Hurricane Irma, and he seemed ‘displaced.’

The Hernandez family rescued the tortoise and later realized he wasn’t just a regular turtle crossing the road; he was a tortoise with special needs.

Since she wasn’t accustomed to having any pets, it was exciting for her and her brother to welcome Dots into their family.

Hernandez explains the biggest misconception of owning her tortoise: that “people often confuse turtles and tortoises because they look similar but in reality have many differences and unique characteristics.

Most people get confused when I explain that he lives in my yard, and they misunderstand by thinking that turtles live in water while tortoises live on land.”

The biggest obstacle to owning Dots for Hernandez is that he is cold-blooded, and keeping him outside when the temperature drops to 50 degrees or lower isn't the healthiest option.

The solution they usually lean towards is to keep him outside, but with a heated lamp during the winter months to keep him in his natural habitat while staying warm.

Although it is hard for him and his owners, the multiple tub cleanings a day are all worth it in the end, providing the family with a comforting presence.

Sophomore Jaysleen Richards poses next to her pet parrot, Peetee. While Peetee is a memorable and beloved pet to Richards, she often will bite when upset. (Donated by: Jaysleen Richards)

Although Dots provides Hernandez with a sense of calm, sophomore Jaysleen Richards’s parrot Peetee, on the other hand, has created memorable moments, such as flying to her table and eating her food.

Richards’s favorite memory of Peetee is when she fell asleep, and he fell asleep right next to her to keep her company.

Richards describes owning a pet as a responsibility, having to put their needs on a pedestal. Most pets may be comforting when one is upset, but it is crucial to also understand the basic concept of not crossing boundaries.

Richards avoids Peetee’s presence when she is upset, since he sometimes bites.

She explains, “People usually misunderstand the fact that people aren’t having a conversation, but essentially, he’s mocking their words. The hardest part about owning a parrot is making sure to leave time to spend and bond together to make sure he never feels lonely and is entertained at all times.”

Sophomore Emma Mendez’s rescued cat Chubbs. (Donated by: Emma Mendez)

Emma Mendez, a sophomore, gave her rescued cat a second chance at a loving home at the beginning of her freshman year.

She found him living under her uncle’s car bumper with his mom and two other siblings and ended up naming him Chubbs.

A fun fact about Chubbs is that he has six fingers on both of his front paws. Mendez decided to keep her cat because she believed that she could give him a better life at home rather than in a shelter.

“My dog reacted completely fine and treats the other respectfully. My cat treats her as his elder. The simple things are my favorite memories, like relaxing and playing with Chubbs,” says Mendez.

Sophomore Sasha Gonzalez holds up her pet ferret, Ekko. Ekko, a member of Gonzalez’s home for just over a year, is endlessly playful. (Donated by: Sasha Gonzalez)

Sophomore Sasha Gonzalez owns a ferret, introducing a playful, energetic dynamic into her life. Gonzalez’s ferret’s name is Ekko, and she has owned him for a little over a year as of now.

Owning Ekko has made Gonzalez realize the responsibility it takes to care for an animal, especially one that requires more attention than others do.

Despite the hassle, she describes him as a fun animal to be around, and coming home every day to see him play is special to her.

It was love at first sight with Ekko and Gonzalez, connecting them in a surreal way, and she knew she had to have him as her best friend.

Ekko had silly moments, like when she took him to the park on a hot summer day, and when they came back, he ran to the shower, waiting for his owner to turn the water on to refresh.

Whether it’s the presence of a scaled tortoise, a mocking parrot, a rescued cat, or a playful ferret, each pet brings their own unique comforting presence to their owners.

It is clear that the bond between pets and their owners is irreplaceable and that small moments are one-of-a-kind.

“I can’t even pick a favorite memory with him, because then I would be forced to make every day my favorite. However, I really enjoy when my friends come over and play with him because he’s so friendly. The laughter and the “aw’s” that fill up the room are what make these moments my favorite,” Gonzalez explains.

About the Contributors

Sophia Zernicki, Staff Writer

Hii Jags, I’m Sophia (Sophi)! I’m a sophomore and this is my first year in the CHAT as a staff writer. I’m overly excited to begin my journey here and be a part of the community. I’m thrilled to use my love for writing to create stories for the school newspaper. If you ever feel the need to contact me, you can reach me through [email protected], or on Instagram @sophiazernicki1

Justin Betancourt, Graphics Editor

Hey! I’m Justin, the CHAT’s Graphic Editor! This is my 2nd year as graphic editor and my 3rd year in the CHAT. When I’m not designing graphics for the newspaper, I love to draw, play guitar, woodwork, hangout with my friends and professionally design graphics for clients in my free time! I’m looking forward to contributing my all this year! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]

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More than just pets: Pines Charter’s students bond with theirs

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