SIOUX CITY | Alec Teska was playing peek-a-boo with a fancy bearded dragon at Sioux City's PetSmart.
"I'd like to get another pet but I doubt my mom would let me get a lizard," said the 10-year-old.
Having already seen the movie "Finding Dory," Alec said he's considered getting a regal blue tang, the same breed of fish as the movie's titular character.
And he's even considered purchasing a clown fish like Dory's animated friend, Nemo.
"Nemo is more of a saltwater fish," Greg Salmon explained to Alec. "That means we don't sell them here."
As PetSmart's store leader, Salmon said it's very common for movies or TV shows to influence the purchase of pets.
"That can be a very positive thing," he said. "Children can see all of the positives associated with pet ownership."
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Still, there have been some drawbacks.
Even though PetSmart doesn't sell dogs, Salmon recalls stories surrounding 1996's "101 Dalmatians."
"While there are many exceptions, dalmatians don't do well in families with small children," he said. "They're great dogs but not for all kinds of families."
If you ask Tiffanie Wichman, a corgi-Jack Russell mix is the perfect type of dog. Then again, she might be biased.
A PetSmart dog trainer, Wichman is mom to a corgi-Jack Russell named Banjo.
"Banjo had passed through a few owners before he got to me," Wichman said. "That's OK because we bonded as soon as we met."
Wichman uses Banjo in many of her obedience classes.
"Banjo's a bit of a ham," Wichman said. "He loves to show off."
And when he's not stealing the spotlight during Wichman's classes, Banjo likes to watch movies with his master.
"Maybe it's because I'm an animal lover, I've always been drawn to movies featuring animals," Wichman said, listing off 2009's "Hotel for Dogs" and 1993's "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" as recent favorites.
"I think I can top that," Salmon interjected. "I tear up whenever I see (1957's) 'Old Yeller.'"
"'Old Yeller?' I love that movie," Wichman said, nodding her head in agreement. "It's so sad."
Both Salmon and Wichman said they're anxious to see "The Secret Life of Pets," a recently-released 3-D animated movie featuring the voices of comic Louie C.K., among other actors.
"You can see PetSmart is also keen on 'The Secret Life of Pets,'" Salmon said, pointing to several displays boasting images and scenes from the movie. "It looks like it will be a good one."
Prospective pet-buyer Alec Teska couldn't help but overhear the discussion.
Although he'd still like to bring home a fancy bearded dragon, Alec figured a more conventional dog or cat might be an easier sell to his family.
"Hey, I like dogs and cats, too," he said with a shrug.
