Pet-owners have an unbreakable compassion for their pets. Even the usual pets have something unique about them that make them compatible with their owners, such as Yasmine Goss-Guzman, Nick Anaya, Elva Sanchez, and their bonds with their dogs, but the unusual pets have interesting qualities as well, such as Vivian Garcia’s bird. These students have incredibly close bonds with their animals.

Some have traditional household pets such as cats and dogs that they keep indoors. These pets are trained and have grown so close to the family that they are now treated like family.

Senior Yasmine Goss-Guzman owns a golden retriever named Paris. The dog has become so close to Goss-Guzman that she considers her more of a friend than a pet.

“My dog is my best friend,” Goss-Guzman said, “she comforts me when I need comforting the most. She’s my therapist.”

While there are dogs like Paris, which are instantly amiable and sweet, there are also dogs that can be intimidating and look slightly scary.

Junior Nick Anaya, owner of a large German-Shepard named Dodger, that comes of as a defensive guard dog but Anaya says that is just a misconception.

“My dog barks the instant he sees a stranger,” Anaya says, “but he just needs a minute to warm up. He’s really like a puppy.”

Others have many pets that they take care of but find it equally enjoyable as having one even though it is harder to maintain more than one pet.

Junior Elva Sanchez and her family own a whole family of huskies; the mom and dad are Roxy and Balto and their son and daughter are Chance and Queen.

“Having my dogs are a hassle,” Sanchez said, “but they are my important family members and they’re there to cheer me up.”

While many students like Goss-Guzman and Anaya have the traditional cat or dog pet, some have a unique species as a pet. Others own some other species of animals such as hamsters, turtles or birds.

Junior Vivian Garcia owns a feisty colorful bird named Newton that has only one working wing. Although the bird cannot fly it has the attitude of a one who can.

“Newton can’t fly but he still tries,” Garcia said. “He always tries to fight with my dogs even though he’s so small.”

Students all around DHS have relationships with their pets that mirror best friends or even family. These bonds are so close that the students would not be the same without their furry (or bald, or feathery, or wet) companions.