Blended pet family gets along well
Published: 1/19/2013 2:36 PM
Last Modified: 1/28/2013 3:01 PM
Mo the bearded dragon started out the size of a green bean. 
Mindy Iness and Sally Collins have five dogs, one hairless cat and a bearded dragon.
Their pets include Sunny the poodle, Randi and Sadie the Chihuahuas, Roxie the pug/Pekingese mix, Macy the Maltese, Ren Thomas the hairless cat, and bearded dragon Mo.
Here, Iness tells us more about the pets, whom they consider their children.
1. How long have you had each of your pets?
We are a blended family. Roxie and Sadie have been with me nine years. They were "rescues." Sally came with Sunny and Ren Thomas. Sunny came as a puppy and is now 11. Ren T was adopted at age 7 and is now also 11. Macy was given to us as a puppy that came from a breeder mill rescue, and Randi came to us last Christmas as a rescue.
Mo was bought from a friend when he was just about the size of a green bean!
2. Do you have a favorite? Why?
Parents can't play favorites! But Macy is our little charmer.
3. Is it hard to keep so many animals? How do you manage?
It has its challenges, but they each bring something so special to our lives. Sally works a half mile from home and is able to come home at lunch, and we have friends and family that baby-sit when needed.
4. What made you decide to keep so many?
We can't say no?
5. Whose job is it to take care of them?
We share in the responsibilities. We say, "It takes a village."
6. Do they all get along?
Like every family, they have their little squabbles, but overall they get along amazingly well (although Sunny would really like to taste Mo!). And Ren uses each of them from time to time for a personal heat source.
7. Do you have a favorite pet or animal organization?
Wild Heart Ranch is our personal favorite, but we support and follow most of the area rescue groups.
Written by
Nour Habib
Scene Writer
