One of the advantages of living in Phoenix is that it doesn't get too cold even in winter. Of course, in summer, it's so hot outside that it's scary to go out.

We have a red-eared slider living in our home.

It's called a Red-Eared Slider in English because it has a red stripe behind its eyes.

Actually, my kids have been begging to get a dog for several years.

But since I work, I tend to leave the house during the day, so having a dog is realistically difficult.

These days, the cost of dog hotels is no joke. In Phoenix, it usually costs around $40 to $75 per day, and at places with good facilities, it can exceed $100.

When we return from Korea with the kids, it typically costs at least a thousand dollars, and just traveling within the U.S. can easily run into several hundred dollars.

So these days, friends who have dogs are worried about hotel costs every time they travel.

But leaving a dog alone at home for several days isn't an option, and asking someone we know for help is also tough.

What about cats? Honestly, I don't really like cats, so I didn't consider them.

So, we chose a turtle instead.

At first, I was worried that the kids might get bored, but surprisingly, they really enjoy it.

They sit in front of the aquarium and watch the turtle swim, and during feeding time, they fight over who gets to feed it.

What's even more interesting is that the turtle seems to recognize people.

When I approach the aquarium, it swims up vigorously, waving its front legs in the water.

The same goes for when the kids get close. Of course, I don't know if it's greeting us or asking for food, but it's still quite cute.

The biggest expense in raising the turtle was setting up the aquarium initially.

Red-eared sliders can grow to 20 to 30 cm as adults, so it's difficult to keep them in a small aquarium.

If you want to set up a large aquarium with a powerful external filter, basking area, and UVB lighting, you should expect to spend around $300 even if you buy used equipment.

But I struck gold on Craigslist.

Someone was selling their aquarium because they were moving, and they offered a large aquarium and filter system that originally cost around $500 for just $100.

I contacted them right away and picked it up.

After cleaning it thoroughly and checking for leaks, I installed the filter and added the necessary lighting. I've been using it very well since then.

The filter works great, so maintenance is easier than I expected. I change some of the water about once a week and clean the filter regularly.

The cost of food is also much lower compared to dogs or cats. It costs less than $10 a month.

However, you can't just keep a turtle any way you want. Clean water, sufficient space, appropriate temperature, UVB lighting, and a basking area are essential.

While winters in Phoenix are mild, it doesn't always guarantee the temperature needed for turtles kept indoors.

In summer, you have to be careful that the aquarium doesn't get too hot.

But it fits well into our family life since we don't have to walk it every day, and it doesn't bark or shed fur.

Most importantly, the kids love it, so I'm satisfied. When they come home from school, they check the aquarium first and talk to the turtle.

I've heard that red-eared sliders can live for over 20 to 30 years with proper care.

After the kids go to college and become independent, this little guy might still be swimming around in our home.

Of course, that also means it's an animal that requires long-term responsibility.

Sometimes when I see the turtle resting with its legs stretched out on a rock, I never expected that the $100 used aquarium would become the most popular spot in our home.

While it can't be as affectionate as a dog, it's still a lovely pet for the kids.

If you're considering a pet, think about it. The way it begs for food is really cute.