The prairie dog, MARON (2002- 2009)

MARON (マロン） was the name of my prairie dog. I kept her as a pet at my one-room flat, which is close to Shoinjinjamae- station on Setagaya- line. 

MARON was born in America.  She is an irregular animal in Japan, and imports and exports are banned currently. 

Why I got her? I wanted to have a pet then. Did not want a cat or a dog, but hoped it was larger than a squirrel. Rabbits were also attractive though, prairie dogs were more friendly. They were popular as new rare pets in those days. 

Especially, their shape is unique. I loved it the most. Adorable!

My friends described it as a potato or a pear. Yes, really is!

She loved rubbing her cheek with my finger. She could grub my fingers as prairie dog's fingers and nails are long and sharp. She often grubbed my one finger for the massage. 

Her favourite foods were lettuce, watermelon, corn, nuts, and so on. The main food should be grass, but she did not prefer it to other delicious foods.

We slept together in my bed every night. She lived for seven years and died in my arms peacefully. After her death, I decided that I would never have any pets since then. 

I still loving MARON. 

MARON stands on my bed.

Now you gonna say, why do I have to keep a cat?

There is a great reason. You may cry if you knew that. I will tell you another day.