There’s a certain feeling when you come home from work, or running an errand, and your dog is anxiously waiting at the door, wagging its tail as hard as it possibly can to show you just how excited it is that you are back home. It’s hard not to let the worries of the day wash away when you get a homecoming like that.
But it’s not just dogs. Being a pet parent can sometimes look like a farm, or a zoo, with everything from dogs and cats to more exotic friends like snakes and lizards. We had a few animal lovers tell us about the critters they share their lives with, and you can tell that they are head-over-paws in love with their furry (and scaly) friends.
GEORGE THE CHAMELEON AND LOLA THE PYTHON
Caring for exotic pets is not just a job, it's a lifestyle for Scott Sirianni. He works at Major League Pets in Howell where he looks after more than 100 different reptiles. He has loved taking care of pets since childhood but his passion for reptiles really took off following a childhood trip to Florida, where Scott, 5 years old at the time, spent most of his time catching geckos. He loves and cares for all of the animals he works with and helps to find them happy homes, while in his own home he takes care of nearly 20 pets of his own. These pets span a wide variety including geckos, tarantulas, different types of fish, a scorpion, a cockatiel named Mac, two cats, a chameleon named George, and a python named Lola.
Lola is a beautiful Ball Python who spends her days sunning herself while working on her scaly spotted tan slithering her way to the “Viper Pit Salon” to shed her old skin. At her young age of ten, she spends her days laying around, staring intently, and coiling up around her beloved owner’s neck. She relaxes and ponders, and dreams of her monthly feast of a big fat juicy rat, so carefully placed in her tank.
George is an eligible bachelor who is constantly changing his style, embracing his true colors and looking for the love of his life. He has been known to have a wandering eye for the prettiest Chameleon around. George can be a bit shifty and will try to sneak a kiss with his long sticky tongue that extends to be the entire length of his body. What lucky lady (or fella!) wouldn’t love to spend a night dining on mealworms and crickets with the charmingly adorable George?
LULU BARABAS started her directorial career at NJRep. She currently serves as the Director of FUNraising, the Director of Security, and her most important position, the Director of the Executive Team. After the show, Lulu can be spotted greeting audience members with her infectious pawthusiasm and welcoming spirit. She likes walks in the parks, zoomies, and tummy rubs.
OLIVER PHOX became the Audience Engagement Manager after giving NJRep two-paws-up! He currently spends his free time excavating under his house and holds an advanced degree in bird management. Oliver likes to hide in the bushes outside, sit in woven baskets, and eat strawberries.
PICKLE C IRWIN is kind of a big dill. He serves as NJRep’s Director of Food and Janitorial Services, a position he takes very seriously, and is known to Southern California audiences, having played Toto multiple times. His favorite gig was when he got to star alongside Kermit the Frog in the Lythgoe Family production of Wonderful Winter of Oz. These days, Pickle would just like some snacks, thanks.
MARTY PHOX (Marty’s Paw) Marty was The Phox family’s beloved feline, who passed suddenly at 10 years old from heart disease. This picture of Marty’s paw was taken when he was 6 years old. The rainbow effect was the result of our Swarovski crystals hanging in our bedroom windows. This is a photograph taken with an iPhone.
SKAT HAIGHT is a “Sato”, (Puerto Rican street dog) who was adopted from the SPCA of Eatontown by Anne Haight of Freedom Road Pilates. He is ten years old and has been a dear companion for Anne. His name “Skat”, means sweetheart in the Danish language.
Being a pet parent can sometimes look like a farm, or a zoo.