Mariya and Aleksandr Dmitriev share a one-bedroom apartment with an odd pet animal – Messi. No not the star himself, but his namesake – a 90lb puma. The Russian couple first spotted Messi at the Saransk Zoo in Penza when he was just eight-months-old and they decided to take a shot and have him.
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Messi was one of three jaguars conceived at the zoo. The other two, Suarez and Neymar, were likewise named after acclaimed players to commend the Russian city facilitating four matches of the World Cup. Messi was offered to the Saransk Zoo when he was just three months old and experienced medical issues. Captivated with the wiped out zoo creature the Dmitriev’s engaged the proprietors and inquired as to whether they could get him.
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Taking the responsibility to take care of Messi was a challenge in many ways. Beyond being a wild animal, the cat needed extra medical attention and care, “‘he was quite weak and demanded a lot of attention,” said Mariya. Even though the couple has nursed the cub back to health, he is still only two-thirds of the size of the average puma.
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However, unlike dog training, this lovable giant was not easy. The couple tried to find a wild animal handler but were not successful. Finally, they found a dog training school he could attend and now responds to about 10 different commands. “He convinced us with his behavior that he’s a full member of our family and that he wouldn’t be doing anything bad apart from some small naughty things. He’s very kind and likes contact. He gets on very well with people,” says Aleksandr.
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Even though the couple only lives in a one-bedroom apartment they have done their best to accommodate their large companion. Such as converting their hallway into Messi’s den – complete with a tree, bamboo walls, and a hiding hole. “He is just an ordinary cat, but a big one. He has all the habits of a cat,” says Aleksandr. As you can imagine some animal and environmental rights activists have objections to the Dmitrievs keeping an exotic animal in their home and believe Messi belongs on a wildlife reserve or in a sanctuary. While others note the danger of living with a wild animal.
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