The K-4 class had a chance of a life time, to see and touch some of the various creatures of this world when Prehistoric Pets visited the campus on Sept. 25.

            Although there were several who were excited to see the interesting animals, many of the students screamed out of fright each time John Walchers, representative from Prehistoric Pets, pulled out a new reptile.

            As Walchers put away the bull frog, that many said was slimy, Kaylee Nguyen, K-4, told her classmate Lydia Vo, “Close your eyes, Lydia. Lydia, close your eyes!”

            Walchers then pulled out a baby turtle named Squirt that was favored by most of the students. Colin Chu, K-4, said that the turtle was “cute.”

            Walchers proceeded to take out various snakes. Kyle Ton, K-4, began to cry because he said the snakes scared him, while Chu was excited to touch and hold the different reptiles.

            When asked why he didn’t want to touch the snake, Benny Nguyen, K-4, said, “No, I don’t want to. Im scared.”  Classmate, Belle Ngo, shared her fear when one of the snakes was pulled out. She said, “Crocodile eat me!”

            The last animal shown was a huge boa constrictor. Walchers picked out a number of students to hold this creature. K-4 teachers, Mrs. Lois Bloom and Mrs. Lorie Adams shared in the excitement as well.

            Mrs. Bloom was very comfortable with the snake and even put it around her neck while Mrs. Adams ran to the end to hold its tail. Mrs. Adams replied when asked if she was scared, “Can you tell? I just don’t want it to poop on me or anything.”

            The Prehistoric Pets representative has been interested in reptiles since the age of five when he began to catch snakes and lizards in his backyard in Texas. Although Walchers appreciates the fascinating animals he finds that his “greatest joy is working with the kids and seeing them laughing and smiling, not screaming.”            

            Prehistoric Pets has been in business since 1988 then known as Pet Country. Jay Brewer and his wife Becky changed the name of their store in 1991 when expansion of their business was necessary. Their store is now 5,000 square feet. The Brewers’ goal is for their customers to feel as if they have entered a zoo.