Pets & the humans who love them

[katsarecool]

I put this thread in the Health section due to the known health benefits for having pets.
Did you know having a pet can actually reduce our risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks and depression?

I would love for this thread to be full of stories about our pets and our love of them. Funny stories all the better.

Ashely, my only female cat. One day I decided to rearrange the books in the shelves and accidentally stacked some heavy ones on the shelf above the bottom shelf. Well I gave it a small hit and they all tumbled down on my foot causing some huge hurt! All of the cats came running to check on me when they heard my yelps of pain.

Frankie was the first responder. He made a circle around me checking for injuries and possible bleeding. Then proceeded to sit by my side with a look of anxiety written on his face. Midnight, the ole guy and leader of the pack walked right up to my face, gave me a couple of sniffs and walked away bored. Ashley so timid and shy and crossed eyed approached me timidly, with her twitching eyeballs bent close to my face to examine me. She then bit me on the tip of my nose and hauled ass in the opposite direction. Still to this day wondering what she had been thinking about and why she felt it necessary to inflict further pain. Later I laughed so hard.

Ok next?

[Cowboi]

I have a mini Dach. Her name is Scout, from the movie To Kill A Mockingbird. She is 9 years old. She has been blind for about 4 years because of cataracts in both eyes. She is my buddy!!! As long as she is at her house you would never know shes blind. Take her out of her element, and she gets very upset, and disoriented.

[katsarecool]

Aw she sounds sweet!!!! Wishing you and Scout many more happy years together...

[Oiler41]

We have five:

Monty, the Eyeore of the family is a recue boy; he is by far the most sensitive and tender-hearted dog I've ever seen. He is a mixed breed of pointer, perhaps lab and maybe something else. He goes out in the driveway every day and brings the newspaper in. He has been agility trained but doesn't do much of that anymore as he is getting up in his years. He is a sweetheart but can sound like a monster if he needs to.

Pinkie Lee, the red-head; She is the herder and also a mixed breed rescue girl. She can cut corners like nobody's business! She doesn't like big trucks, motorcycles or bicycles and can turn into devil dog when she sees them. She is a sweetheart to those she loves. In fair weather, you will find her outside in the backyard keeping watch on everything. Not sure of her mix, but she looks a bit like a Corgi or similar type herding dog.

Lucie, the tough one of the family. Lucie is a Schnauzer rescue dog. She will eat damn near anything including a wide variety of vegetables. She loves to play ball and go for rides in the car. She keeps everyone else in line,,but don't tell Monty that. Lucie has lost a great deal of her hearing, but she knows hand-signals. She is in charge, whether the rest of the family knows it or not.

Miss Daisy, one of the miniature long-haired dachshund sisters. Although she is a mini, she grew almost to the size of a full-sized dachshund. She is by far the most hard-headed one of the lot. She is the hunter and has, unfortunately, already caught a dove in the backyard. Sometimes her food bowl is her life and she will hover over it and growl, even when no other fur child is even close to her. She may be a hoarder, lol.

And finally, Shadow, the other mini dachshund. She is a mini, coming in at about 12 pounds. Her mantra, "I'm tiny and I'm cute,,what's not to love?". She tries to keep up with her larger sibling, but she just isn't as rough and tumble as Miss Daisy is. She likes to be completely covered up when she gets in her bed. She will lay in her bed downstairs and just bite the side of the bed and hold it in her mouth. Not really sure what is up with that.

So, that is our fur kid family! We love them all dearly and they love us. Our life would be less rich if it weren't for all of them. They are a source of fun, love and humor all the time. Sometimes they get grouchy with each other, but at the end of the day we are one big happy family!

Glynn

[christie]

Just call us Schnauzer land...

Max, the 23yr old mini schnauzer. (Yes, twenty-three) who is a crotchety ole fella. Hard of hearing (or ignoring us), only about 6 teeth left, and still plays like the younguns. He never fails to bring me a baby (he leans towards stuffed ducks) and flips over on his back so I can "get belly." I surely love that lil ole man.

Scooter, the 10ish Katrina rescue, also a mini. He is our OTJ boy. He is always very busy from his perch atop the loveseat, keeping watch. He loves to jump up in your lap and give hugs. He takes his front legs and puts them on your chest and presses down. The sweetest boy evah, and because he is so damned cute, his "chatiness" is ok.

Samson, our 6 yr old giant. That's my BOY!!! I love that big ole bear. He is quite a handful at around 120lbs, and the folks in our lil town are always stopping me on walks to ask, "Whut kinda dawg is that?!?!?" He loves to play ball and is very protective of his yard and his peoples. He was also a rescue and while Jess was initially skeptical about such a big dog, I think now Hy secretly puffs up Hys chest in pride as our big ole boy is the king of the world!

Sookie is our 8-9ish giant girl and the latest addition to our pack. She was rescued from an evil place last December and out of the 57 dogs taken from this home, only one of 13 who lived. She weighed 27lbs, fully grown, when she was found in a medium sized crate with an adult shephard who had died, curled around her. Her front teeth are all ground down from trying to chew her way out of the crate, but it hasn't slowed her appetite. I drove around 10 hrs to pick her up and bring her home, and its really been amazing to watch her go from being barely able to walk to wiggle-buttin around the house and running thru the yard with her boys! She has NO idea she is as big as she is, and tries to get in your lap sitting on the couch. She now weighs in at about 79lbs and has really settled in.

In as much work as they are, I can't imagine life without any of them. They are so unique in their personalities and bring us so very much joy!

Yay for schnauzerland!!

[JustJo]

And finally, Shadow, the other mini dachshund. She is a mini, coming in at about 12 pounds. Her mantra, "I'm tiny and I'm cute,,what's not to love?". She tries to keep up with her larger sibling, but she just isn't as rough and tumble as Miss Daisy is. She likes to be completely covered up when she gets in her bed. She will lay in her bed downstairs and just bite the side of the bed and hold it in her mouth. Not really sure what is up with that.



Awww...we have a mini named Shadow too, about the same size. He's my son's dog and has attachment issues. Right now he's sharing a chair with Rooster as he plays his computer games. He sleeps with him too, under the covers, every night....and will persistently wiggle his way under any afghan, blanket, etc. on the couch with you as well.

We also have two cats....Mabel (aka the Princess), a black long-haired beauty with a laser pointer obsession, and Banshee (aka big mouth or brat), who is the loudest meowing cat ever born. He's short haired, sort of butterscotch colored, and has a kink in his tail where it was broken before we got him. He's the king of attitude... and also the only cat I've ever known who's happy to be carried around belly up like a baby. :)

We used to have many more animals before our move to FL...two rabbits, one who died of old age, and the other given to a woman who had other rabbits and did education and petting zoo stuff for kids...a rowdy Collie named Lily, who was given to a friend (she was honestly more dog than we could handle, and the friend and she adore each other....last pic I saw of her was posted on his facebook page, with her in his bed, under the covers, head on his pillow, drooling :giggle: )...and two other cats - Bree, who vanished in NY the day we moved and hasn't been seen by neighbors since, and Soyen, a half Siamese who never was even remotely social, and went over a tall fence as soon as we arrived and is now living wild in several hundred acres of scrub preserve near our old apartment.....we saw him several times and he looks good, but would take off when we tried to get him.

It feels odd to have only 3 critters after having 8....but Scoote and the Rooster are conspiring, and I'm guessing that two more kittens may be headed our way. :)

[suebee]

I've got a whole gaggle of critters. They let me sleep in their bed - or at least one corner of it. Most are rescues of one sort or another. Some from shelters, some I had to pay a ransom for. They've kinda taken over my life. But that's okay. I love each and every one of them, and they seem to tolerate me pretty well too. :)

[cuddlyfemme]

I have 4 cats
Tabitha my 10 year old rescue Tabby
Samantha (Sam) my 9 year old chocolate point Applehead Siamese
Max my 8 year old blue point Applehead Siamese
Goldie my 2 year old Tabby mix (not sure what she's mixed with). I was Goldie's foster mom then adopted her

This is a great idea for a thread! Thanks for starting it

[Legendryder]

I gots Bob. Bob is a punk of the highest order. Bob is a chihuahua, so he is a barking, growling, bed hogging little monster. And my best friend. Punk ass.

[Sparkle]

I have two cats: Romey & Louie; they are ginger toms, they are brothers. They were rescued from a foster home near Boston when they were quite small and quite poorly, they have kitty-herpes. They are about 4.5 years old now. They are very naughty and very loving. They are in good health these days, each weighs nearly 20lbs :|

I have a dog named Cosmo; he is a 75lb Rottweiler/Shar pei mix. He was rescued from a no-kill shelter in Denver. He is about 3.5 years old now. He is very sweet with people, adores babies and toddlers and anyone who will play with him; but has become dog-aggressive/reactive - which is a real shame as it severely limits the amount of time he's allowed to be outside off-leash.

[Rook]

My brother has a "red" Siberian Husky, very smart...sometimes-cough-..At first, I was very worried about how Enik would react towards my Ferrets {They were here first}, my worries were laid to rest when I returned from Dialysis one evening, apparently I forgot to secure their cage..
She was waddling by all proud of carrying one of my Socks, and since He tends to be the ringleader, I was expecting to find him getting ready to pounce her...
I found him...cornering the dog.
That was..a sight to behold...a big ass siberian husky, lookin at me with a "please get him away get him away he's scaring me!!" glance, his front paws kinda taking turns touching the ground gingerly, almost as if he were trying to shoo him away....
I did grab TehToh though {ya never know} and gave 'em all treats, put the "evil twins" back in their dwelling...

Mathilda was a recent addition, she's a Rescue, to the unfamiliar person, she would be difficult to identify and distinguish from the other.
They look like fraternal twins, and when she's pissie she'll resemble him in tantrums.
I gave her the name for 2 reasons, a nod to the movies My relatives love {Matilda*danny devito* + The Professional *Jean Reno*}, and to the Song we kept singing.."Waltzing Mathilda", oddly enough whenever we sang it she'd stare blankly then squirm.
When she wants you to let her go {gently} she'll start "praying", folding her front paws together, pushing outward, squirming like you're torturing her, and yawns..a lot....Which btw, reveals very impressive Fangs..
She sometimes has a naive "duh" glance, but I've learned that's pure unadultered b.s., when she doesnt see im there, I've seen her true colors..She can be a little bully, and she loves wrestling with her toys, and they are HER toys, Tehtoh cant touch 'em...she will literally grab it, and waddle away with it...

Tehtoh, I gave him the name from Nausicaa of the Valley, he lives up to his name, however, I'm the only one in this House he hasn't sunk his Fangs into...yet..
He's also a Rescue..
I'm careful, when he's hyper and playful, I have felt the pinch of his rather sharp ...pointy...big..."Vampire" fangs...
Just a Pinch, though, he knows better.
I do warn anyone and everyone who seems to think they're immune, one of my brothers friends ignored my warning, while they were cleaning her finger, I showed her Tehtohs vet records, and smiled saying "I did warn u"..
Once he knows u, and likes u, he's a big pudgy ball of love..
He tends to be a cautious curious explorer, but..
When he finds something, and he knows{they're smart} he shouldn't have it and I'm approaching {ex: dog kibble, dog squeaky toy}, most of the time, he doesn't run..nah...it looks like he flies off in the opposite direction, which is quite a sight...A large Ferret, runnin' like a bat outta hell, holding on to a toy that is almost as big as him...
Unless I'm in a rush, it always makes me laugh..
When he returns from wherever he stashed his treasure {he rarely eats what he finds}, he has a Smug satisfied strut and a glance that can only mean "fuck you, it's mine !"

Personally, I think u can tell them apart, if you pay attention..the 2 best ways is to pick them up..
She's "plump" but soft and almost fragile to hold..
He's..heavy, thick and his fur is less plush, and much bigger..
Her head is narrow, like an Arrow, He has a "bull" skull, wide...
That and he'll cuddle you to Death, unless he's bored and see's something he wants to explore...
Her? She'll give u maybe 10...15 seconds of quiet snuggle...
Then the "praying" starts...

Yes, my ferrets throw tantrums.
Yes, they're spoiled rotten..
They also define "party animal"..When theyre happy they Hop around, a lot..sometimes they'll roll and Hop, and pounce each other, and make funny noises{I'm told}..
Sometimes their Tail will "Poof", I make sure it's cuz theyre happy...
Only 2 reasons a tail will poof, very hyper & happy...very scared & pissed off.

For my mother's birthday, I got her 2 peachfaced lovebirds.
Merlin and Ygraine..
I'm still figuring out how she knows their "sex", but, as long as theyre happy, and she's happy, I'm happy...
:sunglass:

[Scorp]

We have 2 tuxedo cats who are siblings. We adopted them 6 years ago from an all volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to control local feral (undomesticated) cat population through Trap-Neuter-return-Maintain (TNRM) programs.

This organization facilitates the adoption of stray and abandoned cats and kittens into responsible permanent homes through their foster care and adoption programs.

All prospective adopters are carefully screened to ensure that they are ready to take on the responsibilities inherent in caring for a cat. This organization asks for a tax-deductible donation for each cat adopted. This donation, which is used to feed and care for other cats in their system, allows them to provide a vet exam, sterilization, and initial vaccinations to the adopted cat.

To begin the process, we needed to fill out the pre adoption application form.

After our adoption form was reviewed, we received a call to come see the kittens and visit with them and we were screened. After careful consideration, we received the call about 4 days later that we got them. We were so excited. We went out and bought all kinds of kitty toys, beds, food, treats, you name it.

The big day came to go pick them up and bring them home. They were so cute and little. They were jumping around and becoming familiar with their surroundings. The rest is history. These are our babies and so much love is given to them and so much is given back to us.

Their picture is in my gallery if you're interested in seeing them.
:ballcat::playingcat:


On another note, most of the time I prefer dealing with animals than most humans.

Best,

-Scorp-

[LipstickLola]

3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses, all 'rescued', all loved beyond measure! :D

[theoddz]

I have two kids, but they don't have fur!!! :frog::frog:

As most folks here know, I have a pair of White's Tree Frogs and I'm totally head over heels in adoration of them!! :awww:

Here's Myra (my big girl) and little Ivan, the songster and daredevil of the two.

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww96/theoddz60/MyraandIvan002.jpg

Who'd have thunk that such simple little lives could hold so much love?? :heartbeat:

~Theo~ :bouquet:.....proud Dad. :winky::heartbeat:

[Lynn]

We have five cats and a dog. All are rescues.

Cupid is our oldest kitty. He's 14, with kidney disease and a chronic peeing problem. We are having some difficulty dealing with this, I admit. Samantha and Zoe are one sibling group, and Mickey and Miley are the other kitty sibs. We love them all. They're an endless source of enjoyment for us. All indoor cats and all from shelters.

Freeway is our old man. He's a 12 year old border collie/lab mix. Looks like a brown border collie with the utter sweetness of a soft lab. He was malnourished and neglected for years by a kindly older person who couldn't take care of him properly. He's a bit old for his time--with diabetes, arthritis, and cataracts with almost full blindness. He doesn't know how to play with toys, but he loves to ride in the car. He doesn't bark, but he smiles a lot and actually answers "yes" (I swear) when we ask if he wants to go for a ride. He still dances like a puppy when he goes in the car or when he is able to get us to let him out by staring at us. :)

[girl_dee]

recently went from a 5 pound chihuaha to a 7 large dog pack..

I sleep well at night... :)

[Glenn]

10 cats
1 Coyote
5 Racoons
Deer-?
Birds-?
1 Possum

[Melissa]

We have 3 cats with all different personalities.

Miz Kitty was willed to Rufus. Her owner died and Rufus got her because her owner knew Rufus was the only person who would not give her away or put her down.

Then we have Jilly. She was a stray that I picked up in the middle of a very icy Nebraska winter. She would come around for food, I would let her in to warm up, but after 10 minutes she would want to leave. Then, one day, she stopped by and at the end of her 10 minute visit instead of heading to the door to leave she took a left into the kitchen, curled up and went to sleep.

Then our last cat is Buddy. He showed up in the backyard one day looking for food. A neighbor had moved and we think they had abandoned him. We fed him for awhile but he was so pitiful and so obviously a former house cat with no outside skills that we took him in. He is now a 20lb monster that we love to death.

Melissa

[Miss Scarlett]

For the past 13 years I have been personal assistant to the little gray cat who showed up on my patio on one of the hottest days of August 1997. I cannot and do not want to imagine my life without her. She is very much her own cat.

I love all animals and if my lifestyle/schedule permitted would definitely have a dog too. Of course I do have a "part-time dog" as in the Shih Tzu my boss brings to work. He is a delight and I love having a dog on my desk or in my lap when working.

I would love to have a raven. They are one of the smartest birds as well as being one of my animal totems.

[Isadora]

We lost four companions in one year. All of them from age. They were our family for many many years. First there was Zeke. Zeke was the elder to everyone else that came and went. He tolerated them all with his usual cat tolerance. He was a black fluffy green eyed cat that was my last connection to Andre. Andre's cat Molly had her very last litter and Zeke was the runt. 16 years of love and devotion he died roaming the countryside he grew up in. He was the only four legged companion that was not rescued. I still miss him. We had Queen Zelda the Persian, Magic and Mic the dumped in the country lab mixes and my rescued bichon the Zigmeister. Ziggy was my lover boy and followed me everywhere and always had to be touching me. I miss him.

Now we have Bert and Ernie. Bert is a sweet butch terrorist and Ernie is a sweet femme bottom. LOL They were rescued as part of the City of Oakland Catch and Release program for stray cats. Momma was caught, had her kittehs, neutered and released back in her neighborhood. Bert and Ernie (or as Toughy calls her Ernestine) are tortoiseshell and diluted calicos. I lub them. We are considering a dog but I am torn between a rescue mastiff and a bichon. Don't laugh. I grew up with a Great Dane named Dede and a Chihuahua named Pixie. Heh. We shall see...

[AtLast]

My 15 year old cat, Luciano is in kidney failure, but doing well, actually. He gets sub-q fluids every other day and is on Rx food. He is still king of the abode (even over my French Bulldog) and keeps the neighborhood in check. Yes, he has slowed down, but is a tough cat! Now he comes in early in the evening to snooze in his heating pad adorned bed under my desk. I have a talk and ear scratch session with him every night on the floor and he purrs the best tunes!

Have another cat, an orange manx (Mario), also a rescue. He is 7 years old. Always been a nervous fellow and very sweet. I have caught him more than once cleaning Luciano's ears under my desk. He knows his big brother doesn't feel well all of the time. Fortunately, Mario loves the dog and they are pretty close. So, when we lose Luciano, he will still have a fur person he loves around.

I lost the last of my Boxers 2 years ago (Valentino) to a brain tumor at age 8 years. Had Boxers for 30 years, some rescused, others, not. I miss him and the breed, but it is best to have a small breed for me now.

That brings me to Ranocchio the Frog Dog!! He is a tiger-brindle French Bulldog and he is 5 years old. Kind of like having a short Boxer, actually. Total clown... with attitude! A great companion and friend!

I'm an introvert and although I do like people in general, I prefer home and quiet and being able to trust my fur kids. My human family is number one on the people scale. I spent my working life in fields directly dealing with people and people problems and education. Unless someone truely loves pets, I'd rather they not even visit me. This is their home, too. I'm done taking care of people in my personal as well as work life. Totally retired! The kid is raised and has his own family and is stable. The rest is for me and responsible, conscious, considerate humans ... and my pets! The only shit I am going to clean up any more is what's in the litter box!

I would like to have another pooch, but right now with my older cat's health needs and expenses, that isn't the thing to do. Probably piss him off, anyway....

[Jude]

I didn't get my first doggy until my children were grown up, out of school and on their own.

It's wonderful. And I don't care whether my Lulu is the brightest or the dumbest in puppy class.

and, I care even less where my dog goes to college or what her grade point average is. Ivy or state school; it's irrelevant. Graduate school: forget it. You don't need it to lick your butt with any sort of proficiency.

Babysitters...No problem. Just toss her in the zip up bag and take her along. Leave her for a couple of hours with a new chew toy and she thrives.

The question of what might appeal to her for dinner is mute. It's gonna be dog food.

The most outrageous act of adolescent rebellion might be an accidental piddle in the kitchen or the insistence on taking "froggie" along on a walk.


Dogs are definitely easier to raise than children and often far more gracious and appreciative than people.

Not having any more kids. Just shih tzus!!

[Jude]

You said:
Yes, my ferrets throw tantrums.
Yes, they're spoiled rotten..
They also define "party animal"..When theyre happy they Hop around, a lot..sometimes they'll roll and Hop, and pounce each other, and make funny noises{I'm told}..
Sometimes their Tail will "Poof", I make sure it's cuz theyre happy...
Only 2 reasons a tail will poof, very hyper & happy...very scared & pissed off.

______________________
Curious. My adult daughter has two ferrets which are not really house trained. She claims they are, of course, but any available corner appears to be a "toilet" and she just places a kitty litter box in all four corners of their room. They miss it as often as hitting the spot. Just wondering if you've had a different experience and actually have house trained ferrets in tow. They've had ferrets forever and have actually had to always have an entire room adapted as "the ferret room" because they choose not to cage them. I enjoy playing with them -- at HER house. :mohawk:

Judith

[SimpleAlaskanBoy]

We have cats...six of them.

Moxie was mine, adopted her from a shelter in Alaska once I got my first apartment & she's been with me ever since. Brown tabby, with gorgeous green eyes and the Queen of the Bedroom.
Romeo is daisy's..orange tabby that is just "one of the girls" and brother to Cricket.
Cricket is the Momma of the brood, eternally kitten sized and a spaz pro. She's also Zilla's Mom.
Zilla, aka Catzilla....sweet, "special" twenty lb, polydactl cat. Don't mess with her though, she's got lightning quick reflexes.
Gidget is a year old kitten of a barn cat that daisy adopted for me before I moved here to help me get over the loss of my other cat, Belly. She plays fetch & currently enjoys following the newest kitten around, grooming her and playing with her. Which leads me to Linnea, our 10 week old tabby kitten with amber eyes. She was adopted from a rescue group while they were at a local pet store, it seems that Linnea and her siblings were dropped there previously because they knew the rescue organization would be there. I approved her adoption because daisy really wanted her, and it was her birthday. She is still growing into her meow and has Daddy wrapped around her little paw. She's also into everything!

Of course...if anyone asks...we just have 4. ;)
~SAB

[AtLast]

I didn't get my first doggy until my children were grown up, out of school and on their own.

It's wonderful. And I don't care whether my Lulu is the brightest or the dumbest in puppy class.

and, I care even less where my dog goes to college or what her grade point average is. Ivy or state school; it's irrelevant. Graduate school: forget it. You don't need it to lick your butt with any sort of proficiency.

Babysitters...No problem. Just toss her in the zip up bag and take her along. Leave her for a couple of hours with a new chew toy and she thrives.

The question of what might appeal to her for dinner is mute. It's gonna be dog food.

The most outrageous act of adolescent rebellion might be an accidental piddle in the kitchen or the insistence on taking "froggie" along on a walk.


Dogs are definitely easier to raise than children and often far more gracious and appreciative than people.

Not having any more kids. Just shih tzus!!

TOUCHE!! But at least kids are kids! Love my grand kids. It's the adults stuck in adolescence that make me nuts! And believe me, this occurs at any adult age! Not talking about customary passages through human development. May 20 year olds have more sense than some 50 year olds I know.

But, give me my fur kids!

[DapperButch]

Just call us Schnauzer land...

Max, the 23yr old mini schnauzer. (Yes, twenty-three) who is a crotchety ole fella. Hard of hearing (or ignoring us), only about 6 teeth left, and still plays like the younguns. He never fails to bring me a baby (he leans towards stuffed ducks) and flips over on his back so I can "get belly." I surely love that lil ole man.



23? Wow! I've got to ask, what brand of dog food do you give him/gave him most of his life?

[Gemme]

Can't do the poll, as I have none currently.

In the past, I've had up to 8 rescue cats at once and two dogs at once. My last dogs were Brodie and Gidget, a miniature Irish Setter and a miniature Shih Tzu. My last cats were Moby and Willow Anastacia and the 8 I mentioned were: Oreo, her kittens Picasso, Wolfgang, and Tigger and another set of siblings we rescued: Arizona, Zen, Nikki the Narcoleptic Kitty, and Virtue.

I tend to be a cat person but Organic is allergic, so no pets for us now. Maybe a beta when we move to a bigger place. My first beta was named Alpha Beta. Ha!

[Jude]

TOUCHE!! But at least kids are kids! Love my grand kids. It's the adults stuck in adolescence that make me nuts! And believe me, this occurs at any adult age! Not talking about customary passages through human development. May 20 year olds have more sense than some 50 year olds I know.

But, give me my fur kids!
_____________________

Interesting. Of course grandchildren are a delight. Can enjoy them thoroughly and then send them home to their parents and crawl in bed and watch a good movie uninterrupted.

I have been noticing that this generation of "kids" is very different than their parents, and in a positive way. Perhaps it is just because I'm the grandparent, but I sense more maturity, more sensitivity, stronger conscience. Speaking for myself, of course, but our kids were more selfish. Wouldn't it be lovely if the "me generation" is something of the past.

To keep this in the puppy thread. Adding an addendum that my doggy is universally charming, deeply spiritual and considerate and I spare no opportunity to tell my kids that she's been far easier (and less costly) to raise than they were. (And that her estate will be somewhat more substantial than their own for that reason alone.)

[lipstixgal]

I have two very spoiled dogs so spoiled that one cries all the time about something or the other, either water or go outside to pee or poop or just something. But I love them I have no kids to love on so they are my everything!!

[betenoire]

I have four cats. In order of when they moved in, they are:

Clyde (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114525&l=9fd5e96cbb&id=100000478885840) and Charlotte (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114546&l=77bfc764dc&id=100000478885840) - I got them when I was living in Vancouver in 2002. The woman who lived in the townhouse next to where I worked got evicted and left many of her pets behind. We never got the actual numbers because we couldn't catch them all - but both cats and dogs in her house were up in the double-digits. They were both around 2.5-3 months old, so I took them both and a friend of mine took their mother. I wasn't in a position to take on an adult at that time because I still had Mo (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114534&l=48b00e6e88&id=100000478885840) at that time (he has since passed away) who was also a rescue and was aggressive with other adult cats, but I knew him to be friendly with kittens (for some reason.)

Clyde is gigantic, weighing in at nearly 20 pounds. He's not FAT however, he's just huge. I have never seen such large feet on a cat, and he is incredibly long. He chirps rather than meows, so I suspect that he is part Maine Coon. He is VERY talkative and a real lover - seriously. He loves love.

Charlotte is a diva. She has a naturally snotty voice (for a cat) and if you pet her she will often groom the area that you had pet afterward - I think she thinks I am dirty. She ignores me all day, but once I am in bed she asks to snuggle. She likes to be held like a teddy bear until I fall asleep.

Eliot (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=506328&l=24b4726f0f&id=100000478885840) is the only cat I have ever had who wasn't rescued from somewhere. A friend of mine (who lived in Michigan at that time) had a cat who had kittens and she posted the pictures on facebook - it was all over from there. I MADE Nick take me to Michigan to pick Eliot up once he was old enough. He is Clyde's best friend, and still (although he is nearly 3 years old now) tries to nurse on Clyde's belly. He likes foil balls, is very tolerant of my desire to put hats on him, and usually lays across my lap when I am on the computer.

Elphaba (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=365840&l=8ed2187491&id=100000478885840) is just over 3 years old and has been with me for 2 years now. The woman who used to have her had a nasty habit of going out of town for WEEKS at a time and leaving Elphaba locked out on the balcony. It was summertime and hot and she had no food and water (aside from the food and water I would climb up on a chair to give to her) and there was so much feces on that balcony that you could smell it from quite a distance away. One night I decided that feeding her wasn't good enough - so I got up on the balcony and "stole" her. She was really thin and scared and sickly, so I got her to the vet and got her healthy and kept her. She is still not quite over her "I don't know when I will be fed next" impulse and breaks into my garbage can on occasion - but I forgive her. She's very friendly and no matter what I am doing or where in the apartment I am, she is always right by my side.

[atomiczombie]

My black lab mix of 13 years, Beaker, died in early August. His picture is in my gallery. I got him as a puppy from the Animal Rescue Foundation and he almost made it to 14. We had to tearfully let go of him when his spinal arthritis made him paralyzed and incontinent in his hind quarters. I miss him every day.

We adopted Popeye in late September from the Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization. He is now 6 months old! His pic is in my gallery as well. He is a german shepherd/terrier/lab? mix and cute as a button. He is a love bug and thinks he is a lap dog. He is very much a puppy and chews on everything, so he has TONS of toys and bones and chewy rawhides so he wont chew the furniture and stuff. He is a joy in our lives and a bit of a rascal. I just love dogs. :)

I like cats too, but I am allergic. :(

[betenoire]

My black lab mix of 13 years, Beaker, died in early August. His picture is in my gallery. I got him as a puppy from the Animal Rescue Foundation and he almost made it to 14. We had to tearfully let go of him when his spinal arthritis made him paralyzed and incontinent in his hind quarters. I miss him every day.

I'm so sorry about Beaker. People who aren't animal lovers really don't get how our pets are our FAMILY and it's just as traumatic to lose a hairy member of the family as it is to lose the 2-legged kind.

You did got by him, I promise. :)

[katsarecool]

What a great way to get to know people by asking about their pets? I have enjoyed reading every single post! I applaud all the rescuers here. Awesome!

I have five cats now. That is the limit. Though I do feed the three other cats that visit me daily. Two have homes and the male is abandoned, so sweet but it took several months of feeding and talking to him before he would allow me to pet him. I wish I could find him a good home. I feel so sorry for him out in the elements. He had a cut on the back of his ear that took a year to heal up. I did apply antibiotic ointment but it kept on being ripped open in cat fights. I wish I had the money to take him to the vet and have him neutered. And a home too but not with me.

My first cat in many years is Midnight; a solid black American short-haired guy with Siamese features. I rescued him from my son who is autistic. He was physically abusing Midnight and despite the many years of gentle loving from me he is instantly defensive with others. He has bit so many people now I just warn them away. A few months ago he suddenly became ill and lost a great deal of weight. He was put on a special diet and has recoved but slowly. He was a weekend away from being put down! On Monday his appetite came back. He has the loudest purr I have ever heard. He is 12.

Then came Ashley who I bought for my grand-daughter who was 3 at the time. Well Ava began hitting Ashley in the face, it got so bad that Ashley finally mauled Ava in the face. So I took her instead of them taking her to the pound. She is a stuck up cat who prefers to be alone; a hymalaian (sp?) mix with large blue eyes and long luxurious fur. She does have a relationship with the other cats but on her terms and she is known to cuff the boys when they misbehave. She is also 12.

Then Frankie came to live here. An ex was trying to bribe me back together with her by gifting Frankie at five weeks old; another solid black short haired boy. I did keep the cat but sent the ex on down the road. Frankie is the lover of the family; he grooms everyone including me. All the other cats approach him with head lowered and butting him in the chest for their grooming. I have never seen Frankie in the five years I have had him be grumpy. He has such a sweet personality; beautiful with longish shiney hair. He weights 22 lbs despite being so tiny when he came to live here. He does not like to be picked up but he loves to cuddle in his fashion. He is my favorite and will be six on Dec. 3rd.

Chico, another rescue. The woman next door let Chico and his twin brother roam the neighborhood at four weeks old. I took Chico home with me. He is a red and white American shorthaired boy. He is not very big, with short orange ears, stocky but not fat. When someone knocks on the front door; Chico jumps up on the tall speaker, parts the curtains and looks outside to see who has come to visit him. He is another sweet boy, very affectionate and he is a devoted lap kitty.

Mimi is the last of the brood. Another rescue. My neighbor moved away and left him here last winter. She came back several times to get more things, she was being evicted. Each time I reminded her about Mimi. Meanwhile I am feeding him and worrying about him being outside in the cold. Last Christmas Eve it was very very cold and I brought him in the house where he has been ever since. It took four months to get him calmed down and accepting of the fact that he is indoor for life. He is a huge talker! Sometimes I wish he would shut up. He talks to me. He talks to all the other cats. He talks to the cats wandering around outside. He is very loving and just loves to lay in my arms for hours sleeping. In fact that is about the only time he does sleep is when I am lying down. I have thought to find a good home for him but to be honest I cannot part with him now. Even if he is very demanding. He will get right into my face with a huge meowwww. I look over to check to make sure there is food, water and the litterbox cleaned. He wants to be picked up and held like a baby boy!

I do so love the pet family and they comfort me and it is like they are my best friends.

[katsarecool]

My black lab mix of 13 years, Beaker, died in early August. His picture is in my gallery. I got him as a puppy from the Animal Rescue Foundation and he almost made it to 14. We had to tearfully let go of him when his spinal arthritis made him paralyzed and incontinent in his hind quarters. I miss him every day.

We adopted Popeye in late September from the Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization. He is now 6 months old! His pic is in my gallery as well. He is a german shepherd/terrier/lab? mix and cute as a button. He is a love bug and thinks he is a lap dog. He is very much a puppy and chews on everything, so he has TONS of toys and bones and chewy rawhides so he wont chew the furniture and stuff. He is a joy in our lives and a bit of a rascal. I just love dogs. :)

I like cats too, but I am allergic. :(I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Beaker!!! I know you did what is best for him!!!

I just returned from the vet for my daughter's cat Jeffrey. Beth noticed a nickle size wound on her hindquarters this afternoon. So I went with her to the clinic with Jeffery on my lap. She is still there and will come back home around 8 pm. She required sedation to stitch up the wound which turned out not to be an animal bite. I have been talking to my daughter for almost four years to keep Jeffrey inside permanently. This is not the first trip to the emergency room for this sweet girl calico who has the softest fur in the world. She will be coming home on antibiotics, pain medication and one of those halo thingies. Beth finally said Jeffery will now be indoors. The vet bill was $300! This cat got sick from something outside last year and the vet bill then was over $500! Roaming free outside is not a safe place for our pets.About the name Jeffrey; Beth was told it was a boy kitten when she adopted Jeffrey. And Beth did not know how to sex a cat. I finally had to break it to her that the cat is a girl. :)

[1PlayfulFemme]

Most who know me know of our "We rescue all animals" plaque that hangs in the Universe. We currently have 13 cats and two insane boxer puppies (who aren't puppies at 3, but when they were babies, they were the youngest of the 5 dogs we had at the time - the rest of whom died of happy old age!!)

Our babies are truly our babies. It doesn't seem as though I will be able to carry a human baby, so we love and cherish our furbabies. They are spoiled to the point of ridiculousness, tho my wife and I would both deny that. ;) (But it's her fault! *G*)

We recently lost my number one kitty. His liver failed and he developed lymphoma. On the opposite side of that, his brother was diagnosed 6 years ago with bone cancer and is in remission and you would never know he was sick. Proof that things happen in their time, not ours. I will never feel the same without Moo - to some, that's an odd statement. He died minutes after being born and my partner at the time brought him back to life. I was at work and came home to a perfect pinkish and black tuxedo kitten. His attitude was bigger than him then, and it never shrunk! :)

I love all my babies, but he was my "F" word. (We try not to say it outloud in the house...too many ears). We have a lady (I'm being nice - very, very nice) who lives across the street who raises feral cats. She feeds them, but won't get them fixed claiming "They aren't mine." Yet she can touch half of them and feeds them all. They were her mothers (who passed a few years ago) and she refuses to claim them. So, we end up rescuing the babies who are born with respiratory diseases and other horrifying issues. Two of our most recent babies have only one eye a piece (opposite sides) yet you'd never know it!

We've lost several that we were trying to save. There are some sicknesses that all the time in the world and treatments can't fix. But, I believe in that old story about the starfish...we try to make a difference to "that one" as often as we can. :)

Our babies, oldest to youngest:

Cats:
Little One 12 - we didnt name him
Spike 11 - he hissed within days of being born, and then cuddled right against me
Princess 11 - she is...very much so, a princess
Sage (We assume he is close to 8) - named for his wisdom
Chance 7 - he was found in a dumpster when he was a few days old
Vegas 7 - named by a friend of ours
Kachina 7 - her name means 'Sacred Dancer', but we call her Chi Chi
Brianna 7 - her nickname is Bree Bree
Becca 7 - her name is Rebecca, but she would NEVER answer to that!!
and my newest baby cats...
Nina 1 1/2 - My one eyed wonder, she's a tough lil girl!
Max 1 1/2 - My other one eyed wonder..he's a love!!
Sampson 1 1/2 - Named for his strength as was
Hercules 1 1/2 :)

When my baby babies were brought in, they were about 2 weeks old. Sampson & Hercules were the biggest at 1 lb and 1 lb 2 oz. Nina was 6 oz. and Max was only 4 oz...and somehow, my babies pulled through against the odds!! Sampson is now the smallest at 8 lbs, Nina and Max weigh 14 and 15 respectively, and Hercules weighs in at 19 lbs. :) Fat & Sassy...just the way I like em! :)

Our puppies are 3. They are Hannah and Hunter. Hannah had a perfect "H" on her chest when she was a baby, thus came their names.

We have had so many fun times with our babies!! Too many funny stories to tell!! I'll keep peeking in! I love this thread! :)

[SimpleAlaskanBoy]

I forgot to mention our outdoor feral, named Roo. He actually looks a lot like Moxie, and is very vocal. I feed him twice a day and he likes to sleep under our sycamore tree. He currently has something wrong with his rear paw and hops around on three legs, but other than that it does not seem to bother him. If we had a Trap & Neuter program locally and we could pay for it, I would but I found out the closest one is almost an hour away.
He used to sleep and eat in the garage, but he doesn't want to go in it anymore, even though we keep one of the doors cracked. Other cats use it now to stay warm. I am thinking of getting a cheap wood doghouse for Roo so at least I can keep his food dry and he's got someplace to go to stay dry and maybe get warm for a bit. He won't let us pet him but he gets within a foot of us while we are feeding him before he gives a look that says "Go away I am hungry!"
I've also seen a tabby cat with a lot of white in our yard and a skinny Siamese. I wish I could let them all in the house...:(
please spay & neuter!
~SAB

[Gemme]

I have four cats. In order of when they moved in, they are:

Clyde (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114525&l=9fd5e96cbb&id=100000478885840) and Charlotte (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114546&l=77bfc764dc&id=100000478885840) - I got them when I was living in Vancouver in 2002. The woman who lived in the townhouse next to where I worked got evicted and left many of her pets behind. We never got the actual numbers because we couldn't catch them all - but both cats and dogs in her house were up in the double-digits. They were both around 2.5-3 months old, so I took them both and a friend of mine took their mother. I wasn't in a position to take on an adult at that time because I still had Mo (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=114534&l=48b00e6e88&id=100000478885840) at that time (he has since passed away) who was also a rescue and was aggressive with other adult cats, but I knew him to be friendly with kittens (for some reason.)

Clyde is gigantic, weighing in at nearly 20 pounds. He's not FAT however, he's just huge. I have never seen such large feet on a cat, and he is incredibly long. He chirps rather than meows, so I suspect that he is part Maine Coon. He is VERY talkative and a real lover - seriously. He loves love.

Charlotte is a diva. She has a naturally snotty voice (for a cat) and if you pet her she will often groom the area that you had pet afterward - I think she thinks I am dirty. She ignores me all day, but once I am in bed she asks to snuggle. She likes to be held like a teddy bear until I fall asleep.

Eliot (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=506328&l=24b4726f0f&id=100000478885840) is the only cat I have ever had who wasn't rescued from somewhere. A friend of mine (who lived in Michigan at that time) had a cat who had kittens and she posted the pictures on facebook - it was all over from there. I MADE Nick take me to Michigan to pick Eliot up once he was old enough. He is Clyde's best friend, and still (although he is nearly 3 years old now) tries to nurse on Clyde's belly. He likes foil balls, is very tolerant of my desire to put hats on him, and usually lays across my lap when I am on the computer.

Elphaba (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=365840&l=8ed2187491&id=100000478885840) is just over 3 years old and has been with me for 2 years now. The woman who used to have her had a nasty habit of going out of town for WEEKS at a time and leaving Elphaba locked out on the balcony. It was summertime and hot and she had no food and water (aside from the food and water I would climb up on a chair to give to her) and there was so much feces on that balcony that you could smell it from quite a distance away. One night I decided that feeding her wasn't good enough - so I got up on the balcony and "stole" her. She was really thin and scared and sickly, so I got her to the vet and got her healthy and kept her. She is still not quite over her "I don't know when I will be fed next" impulse and breaks into my garbage can on occasion - but I forgive her. She's very friendly and no matter what I am doing or where in the apartment I am, she is always right by my side.

All of your cats match their names! So many times, I see animals and their people say, "Oh, his name is Snotrocket!" and I just think "But he looks like a Charlie, not a Snotrocket!"

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Beaker!!! I know you did what is best for him!!!

I just returned from the vet for my daughter's cat Jeffrey. Beth noticed a nickle size wound on her hindquarters this afternoon. So I went with her to the clinic with Jeffery on my lap. She is still there and will come back home around 8 pm. She required sedation to stitch up the wound which turned out not to be an animal bite. I have been talking to my daughter for almost four years to keep Jeffrey inside permanently. This is not the first trip to the emergency room for this sweet girl calico who has the softest fur in the world. She will be coming home on antibiotics, pain medication and one of those halo thingies. Beth finally said Jeffery will now be indoors. The vet bill was $300! This cat got sick from something outside last year and the vet bill then was over $500! Roaming free outside is not a safe place for our pets.About the name Jeffrey; Beth was told it was a boy kitten when she adopted Jeffrey. And Beth did not know how to sex a cat. I finally had to break it to her that the cat is a girl. :)

I think it's lovely that you and your family don't abide by the gender police concerning the naming of your pets. Mimi for a boy and Jeffrey for a girl is fantastic!

[Blade]

I have and have had all kinds and get them in all sorts of different ways. Rescue, purchase, breed for them, trade for them. Ya never know what I'll come home with next or how I will acquire it. E I E I OOOOOOOOO :fastdraq:

[Lady Pamela]

All 5 of my animals right now are rescued animals.

Angel is 17 (Cat)
Belle my most recent rescue (cat) Still healing her from a tramatic assault and stavation..but shes doing better
Samantha (Rat) She is still having issues as well.
Ekock (boy bird) & Halo (girl bird...doing great * Peach face and black nose love birds *

YES THEY ARE ALL MY BABIES AND PART OF THE FAMILY.

[katsarecool]

So many stories here of abused animals! It makes me sad. But it makes me happy that so many have found good loving homes.

The neighbors kid me about being the Cat Woman and often come to me asking advice about their cats. Several of the former neighbors moved out leaving their just barely kitten to fend for themselves; males intact and females not spayed and so hungry and scared. If I could get away with bitch slapping these women who abandoned all the cats I would slap em good!

When I get up and outside; at least three cats come running over to my house and walk up the sidewalk.

Update on Jeffery; she is home safe and sound with her halo and meds. Sleeping mostly. If my daughter lets her out again I will be pissed off!

I love this thread and all your furr babies! Oh and the babies without furr some are even a bit slimy!

[Mtn]

I have the delightful July, chi pom mix that Sassy rescued...my constant companion, and the best dog I ever met....

[katsarecool]

Hello Mtn, welcome to the Planet and to this thread. Hello July!!!!

[oblivia]

We have a wonderful cat, Balor, who is now just over 11 years old and a really fun and entertaining Green Cheek Conure, Jasper, who is really chatty and who we spend a lot of time with. Both are very much members of the family, right along with Sparx, me, and the man-children.

[Jude]

I'm curious. Does anyone here believe that four footed life is as valuable as the two legged variety? If you could save an unknown human being or a strange cat or dog about to be hit by a car (but not both), which would you snatch out of harm's way?

Anyone a vegan or vegetarian solely because of a reverence for all sentient beings? (Anyone eat only freely fallen fruit so as to avoid causing pain to the tree or bush?)

I love animals and, truthfully, I'd try to rescue the human first -- well, perhaps with the exception of a couple of individuals that I know, but I digress.....

[katsarecool]

I'm curious. Does anyone here believe that four footed life is as valuable as the two legged variety? If you could save an unknown human being or a strange cat or dog about to be hit by a car (but not both), which would you snatch out of harm's way?

Anyone a vegan or vegetarian solely because of a reverence for all sentient beings? (Anyone eat only freely fallen fruit so as to avoid causing pain to the tree or bush?)

I love animals and, truthfully, I'd try to rescue the human first -- well, perhaps with the exception of a couple of individuals that I know, but I digress.....

I would rescue humans first with exceptions of course. And children trump everyone!

[Glenn]

[QUOTE=Jude;222649]I'm curious. Does anyone here believe that four footed life is as valuable as the two legged variety? If you could save an unknown human being or a strange cat or dog about to be hit by a car (but not both), which would you snatch out of harm's way?

I don't know about the unknown situation here, but I would snatch my furkid out of harms way before I would my Ex. *pops popcorn*

[christie]

23? Wow! I've got to ask, what brand of dog food do you give him/gave him most of his life?

In as much as its gonna make ppl cringe, all our pups favor cheap stuff. Store brand of the "Kibbles & Bits".

Max will pick thru and find the "white bites" (I have no idea what flavor they are) while Scooter has this really silly game of taking one piece at a time, running to the LR to eat it and then going back for another piece. It takes him hours to eat one meal.

Since Max has lost most of his teeth, we have added more of the soft, burger looking food. We call it "sprinkles" and you haven't seen excitement until you see him doing his lil sprinkle dance when he hears the cellophane wrapper.

We have tried most of the expensive, "healthier" foods and well, our dogs just don't like them. Taste of the Wild, Science Diet, Royal Canin... might as well been Alpo. Gravy Train is one of their favs, but with schnauzer beards, it was nixed pretty quickly because they LOVE to use the back of Jess' pants legs to wipe their beards! LOL

If you really wanna know the secret, Jess is probably a better authority. We lost our black lab, Shelby, just a year ago, and she was 19. Jess knows how to grow 'em old!

[NJFemmie]

We have two cats, Ember and Max. Both are tabbies - Ember is an orange classic and Max is a gray mackerel. Ember is (or was) the alpha of the house until we brought Max home, who from day one, attempts to claim alpha authority. Some days Ember's in charge and other days it seems like Max is -- so maybe they've come to some sort of alpha schedule. *shrug* It's pretty amusing. We brought Max home from an animal shelter shortly after my second cat of 17 years passed away in April.

Our cats are our kids. They're spoiled and sometimes rotten little buggers, but we couldn't imagine not having a fur baby in the house. I used to have dogs when I was growing up - but we don't have the time nor the inclination to care for dogs. I am an animal lover of all kinds though (warm blooded, thankyouverymuch).

To answer Jude's question about which one I would save -- it would be a hard call honestly - but naturally I would lean toward the human. If I could save both, I would sure as hell damn try. :)

[shadows papa]

We have 3 dogs in our Pack and all are adoptions/rescues. Shadow came from the Metro Nashville dog pound,Brando came from a Wal-Mart parking lot and Bailey came from a family whose children had no concept of being kind to a dog. They are all such unique canine spirits and we LOVE them as unconditionally as they love us. I can't imagine a world or a life without dogs in it. The few times in my life I have not had a dog at my side,I have always been a surrogate dog Uncle to my friends' dogs. There is nothing quite like the joy they show EVERY time they see you! The rest of the world may have no use for you at times,but your dogs always think you are the greatest thing since bacon!

[WolfyOne]

12 rescue cats here because my old town was overpopulated with ferals and all fixed
Due to a break up and relocation, some desparately need homes
I can't keep them all and my ex can't keep any where she'll be going
Sadly and I hate to say it, but if they don't find homes, the ex will put them in a shelter
It hurts me to think about it and makes me weepy
I think they'd have better luck being homeless again than in a shelter
I can't afford to care for all of them or even be able to find a rental to accept so many

[katsarecool]

That is sad Wolfy!!! I wish I could help you out there. Is there a no kill shelter? I would rather move, take them with me and then let them out and they could come for food and stuff! Much better than a shelter I agree.

Jeffrey ripped out all but 3 of the staples despite the cone!!!!!! I advised Beth to buy some six inch wide gause and wrap her up like a mummy from armpits to the hips. That should keep her occupied till the wound begins to heal. Thankfully she is on antibiotics. She is going to have one hell of a scar!!! As long as it is clean she should be ok. Beth is not taking her back until it is time to remove those three remaining staples. It is too costly! The wound is right on her left hip closer to her belly than her back. Anyone have any other ideas? We would be greatful!

[DapperButch]

In as much as its gonna make ppl cringe, all our pups favor cheap stuff. Store brand of the "Kibbles & Bits".

Max will pick thru and find the "white bites" (I have no idea what flavor they are) while Scooter has this really silly game of taking one piece at a time, running to the LR to eat it and then going back for another piece. It takes him hours to eat one meal.

Since Max has lost most of his teeth, we have added more of the soft, burger looking food. We call it "sprinkles" and you haven't seen excitement until you see him doing his lil sprinkle dance when he hears the cellophane wrapper.

We have tried most of the expensive, "healthier" foods and well, our dogs just don't like them. Taste of the Wild, Science Diet, Royal Canin... might as well been Alpo. Gravy Train is one of their favs, but with schnauzer beards, it was nixed pretty quickly because they LOVE to use the back of Jess' pants legs to wipe their beards! LOL

If you really wanna know the secret, Jess is probably a better authority. We lost our black lab, Shelby, just a year ago, and she was 19. Jess knows how to grow 'em old!


Well, of course they like the cheap, processed stuff....just like us humans...tastes much better! :D

So, Jess, what is the secret, if not food? Exercise? Or is it just lots of love?

Thanks for the responses.

[WolfyOne]

That is sad Wolfy!!! I wish I could help you out there. Is there a no kill shelter? I would rather move, take them with me and then let them out and they could come for food and stuff! Much better than a shelter I agree.

Jeffrey ripped out all but 3 of the staples despite the cone!!!!!! I advised Beth to buy some six inch wide gause and wrap her up like a mummy from armpits to the hips. That should keep her occupied till the wound begins to heal. Thankfully she is on antibiotics. She is going to have one hell of a scar!!! As long as it is clean she should be ok. Beth is not taking her back until it is time to remove those three remaining staples. It is too costly! The wound is right on her left hip closer to her belly than her back. Anyone have any other ideas? We would be greatful!


Make sure you clip those back nails every couple days because the tips get sharp again that quickly. The gauze sound like a good idea, but use tape after that. Oh and try half a Benadryl a day because the ripping out may be due to itching from the healing process. Like allergies that make them scratch, Benadryl stops that and will slow him down some. I have a country vet that is more interested in helping animal owners than getting rich, so she's showed us a lot of easy inexpensive fixes with our rescues.

[christie]

Make sure you clip those back nails every couple days because the tips get sharp again that quickly. The gauze sound like a good idea, but use tape after that. Oh and try half a Benadryl a day because the ripping out may be due to itching from the healing process. Like allergies that make them scratch, Benadryl stops that and will slow him down some. I have a country vet that is more interested in helping animal owners than getting rich, so she's showed us a lot of easy inexpensive fixes with our rescues.

Here's a list of common household meds and the dosages for cats and dogs.

http://www.diamondpaws.com/health/drugs.htm

We do give our pups OTC benadryl and it works like a charm!

[katsarecool]

Thanks Wolfy and Christie!!!

[Rook]

First off, I do apologize for not answering sooner, I wasn't aware there was a question for me...

Curious. My adult daughter has two ferrets which are not really house trained. She claims they are, of course, but any available corner appears to be a "toilet" and she just places a kitty litter box in all four corners of their room. They miss it as often as hitting the spot. Just wondering if you've had a different experience and actually have house trained ferrets in tow. They've had ferrets forever and have actually had to always have an entire room adapted as "the ferret room" because they choose not to cage them. I enjoy playing with them -- at HER house.

Judith

I've had very different experience...
Ferrets are litterbox trainable, but..You have to be determined and patient.It's not that they don't grasp the concept, it's more on the "Well, since I'm here, and my potty spot's over there...", like a kid going thru potty-training {toilet's too far, and i have a diaper}
Your daughters mistake, no offense, is placing a litterbox in all those corners..
The moment they "miss", that spot is marked as 'toilet', I would recommend immediately cleaning, and a slight scrub with a good dish soap + apple cider vinegar.
My ferrets are "housetrained", but, from time to time when they're free-roaming, I have to catch 'em before they do their business, and park 'em in the Cage.
Healthy ferrets do give very visible signs that they're gonna poop/pee...
Pay attention, watch for the following
- Ferret finds random corner, sniffs corner, hangs around corner, gets skittish, walks briefly away + stops and walks backward, raises tail, takes position of a posing ballerina, semi-squat with tail out of way, all prim and proper-
I usually catch 'em when they start walking backward, yeah, they'll scowl, after all, they wanna poop and return to playing.
Once in the cage, after they get over the temporary pissed off mode, they run to their box..

On the food part, I do agree...
My ferrets are given a decent mix of premium Ferret food, and treats...And no, it's not just pat myself on the back..The food I give them meets their dietary needs of protein, fat, etc...
But, I have to shoo them away from the dogs bowl if it's still on the ground when they're free-roaming..
From time to time, I'll take 'em both back to their Cage while lecturing them
"I give u the best food on the market, and u want that greasy truck stop cheeseburger version of animal food..U hungry? Go eat your own food" and I leave them in until they finish pickin their food...
Doesn't work much...
They still hunt for the Pedigree....

I used to feed my dog Innova EVO RM, and Natural Balance Ultra Premium, my brother feeds his dog whatever he can grab that won't destroy his wallet that week.
Usually it's Pedigree...Sometimes it's Ol'Roy...
And it does baffle me...
-"You're telling me that dog gets "sick" from a food that is geared towards sensitive stomach canines....and he's fine with Ol'Roy?"
-"Yup"....

My cat also got the Feline version of Innova + Natural Balance...
But then, I suppose if the animal copes better with supermarket foods, then, by all means, give 'em their yummies.

I'm a Pescetarian, mostly because I do need animal protein...
Otherwise, I'd be Vegan for humanitarian reasons..
I don't eat "free-fallen" fruit mostly because when a Fruit falls, it's likely to be Rotten, or with bugs...
I *do* eat "Organic"...

[Jude]

Rook, thanks much for all the ferret information. I'll pass it on to my daughter, but doubt she's going to make the effort. That's why, adorable as they are, they're not invited to my house :-)

I'm with you on the veggies. Admittedly, have convinced myself that chicken grows in cellophane packages. Gave up the red meat long ago.

Thanks again for your ferret info.
Judith

[Jude]

Rook, thanks much for all the ferret information. I'll pass it on to my daughter, but doubt she's going to make the effort. That's why, adorable as they are, they're not invited to my house :-)

I'm with you on the veggies. Admittedly, have convinced myself that chicken grows in cellophane packages. Gave up the red meat long ago.

Thanks again for your ferret info.
Judith

[lipstixgal]

Two dogs here one very special needs with Cushing syndrome so its out to pee every hour on the hour which can be annoying but what can you do?? But I love them to death and wouldn't trade it for nothing, would like to adopt a cat but don't want to upset the apple cart so to speak...

[Jude]

Something brought to my attention yesterday. Thought I'd post it here and see if anyone from down on the farm has the authentic scoop on this one....

All of the chicken we buy in the supermarket is from female chickens? Right? When the eggs hatch, do they routinely kill all the new male baby chicks that are going to grow up to be roosters and keep just a couple for fertilization?

Know capons are very fancy male emasculated roosters that are supposed to be extremely succulent and wildly expensive. Trying to envision someone taking the time to do a vasectomy on a young rooster.

Now, what about bulls? Red meat eaters buy hamburger and it's always from a cow, isn't it? Never saw a package of cellophane wrapped bull. So, do all baby male cows become veal at birth, except those kept on hand for their seed?

Anyone with first hand farm knowledge???

No idea about sheep, but now I'm wondering if lamb chops are all little boys and cheaper mutton is the mama.

[Liam]

Something brought to my attention yesterday. Thought I'd post it here and see if anyone from down on the farm has the authentic scoop on this one....

All of the chicken we buy in the supermarket is from female chickens? Right? When the eggs hatch, do they routinely kill all the new male baby chicks that are going to grow up to be roosters and keep just a couple for fertilization?

Know capons are very fancy male emasculated roosters that are supposed to be extremely succulent and wildly expensive. Trying to envision someone taking the time to do a vasectomy on a young rooster.

Now, what about bulls? Red meat eaters buy hamburger and it's always from a cow, isn't it? Never saw a package of cellophane wrapped bull. So, do all baby male cows become veal at birth, except those kept on hand for their seed?

Anyone with first hand farm knowledge???

No idea about sheep, but now I'm wondering if lamb chops are all little boys and cheaper mutton is the mama.

I grew up on a farm, we didn't castrate any roosters, however when they were of a certain age, and not required for their procreative abilities, we butchered them and ate them. Hens that were poor layers or not needed were also butchered. Old hens were butchered and they were not fryers but stewers. I don't know how the big corporate chicken outfits handle this. Most of the beef sold in stores comes from steers, bulls that were castrated at an early age, and raised specifically for the table. The meat from old bulls and old cows is quite often mixed with into hamburger from younger animals. Cows are usually kept as baby making machines, one bull can easily service 500 cows. The demand for veal is minute compared to the productivity of the beef industry. Sheep is similar to the beef industry; mutton is an older ewe, comparable to a stewing hen.

We didn't name something, we intended to eat.

[Darth Denkay]

I share my home with 4 cats and 1 dog.

Jeoffry. Black and white male, my first animal companion as an adult. A friend of mine's cat had kittens, Jeoffry being one of them. He was born April 16, 1995 - I picked him out of the litter when he was less than 24 hours old. I've known him his whole life. While I love them all, Jeoffry is the one I am most bonded with. He's been an important part of my life post undergraduate school. He's been with me through every single significant decision and relationship since 1995. He's my rock. I recently finished my dissertation, and he is included in the dedication. Almost three years ago he was diagnosed with early cardiac disease, but I am happy to report that it does not seem to be progressing at all. It's not uncommon for cats to have cardiac conditions that they live with for many years, and never end up seriously impacting their lives. Hopefully this is the case with Jeoffry.

Midnight. Black female, came along about a year after Jeoffry. She was rescued from a vet clinic. She's my acrobat - I don't think there's a surface in the house she hasn't sat on. She is hyperthyroid and in kidney failure. She takes meds for the thyroid and is on rx food for the kidneys. Recently we decreased her medication dose and that seems to have given her a new lease on life. It complicated balancing the two diseases but for now we've got it. She's my sweetheart.

Booger Bear. Gray striped, came along a year after Midnight, rescued from an emergency animal clinic when she was maybe four weeks old. Recent bloodwork shows all systems are go, which is a good thing, because I don't know that I could give her any sort of regular medication. I used to work at a vet clinic, and while I was there, we never saw a cat I couldn't medicate. I handled all the difficult ones and kept a perfect record. So of course it's one of my own cats who I can't.

Nimbus. He's the youngster of the group, about a year and a half now. My other cats are close in age and I didn't want to risk losing them quickly and being left without a cat companion, so that's why he entered the fold. He and Jeoffry play some, and he plays with the dog. He can be a little bully, then turn around and be the biggest lover in the world. I was a little nervous bringing in a youngun, but he's been great.

Norah. Jack Russell Terrier. 6 years old now, was a rescue of sorts. She lived with friends of a friend of a friend who decided to get rid of her when they had a baby. She would have gone to the shelter, but my friend knew I was looking to take in a small dog, and when I saw a picture of her I knew she was the one. She has anxiety issues, but has come a long way with medication and behavioral interventions. I still crate her when I'm not home, but she has really come a long way. She goes to doggy day care two days a week and does phenomenally. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago at her annual check-up a heart murmur was detected. Next month I'm going to have a dental done on her, and while she's knocked out we'll do an EKG and get chest films to try and get an idea of what's going on. So far she's completely asymptomatic. Unfortunately heart murmurs are generally worse in dogs than in cats, but they can often be managed with meds. I think she intentionally developed the murmur so she could be more like Jeoffry.

[lipstixgal]

I share my home with 4 cats and 1 dog.

Jeoffry. Black and white male, my first animal companion as an adult. A friend of mine's cat had kittens, Jeoffry being one of them. He was born April 16, 1995 - I picked him out of the litter when he was less than 24 hours old. I've known him his whole life. While I love them all, Jeoffry is the one I am most bonded with. He's been an important part of my life post undergraduate school. He's been with me through every single significant decision and relationship since 1995. He's my rock. I recently finished my dissertation, and he is included in the dedication. Almost three years ago he was diagnosed with early cardiac disease, but I am happy to report that it does not seem to be progressing at all. It's not uncommon for cats to have cardiac conditions that they live with for many years, and never end up seriously impacting their lives. Hopefully this is the case with Jeoffry.

Midnight. Black female, came along about a year after Jeoffry. She was rescued from a vet clinic. She's my acrobat - I don't think there's a surface in the house she hasn't sat on. She is hyperthyroid and in kidney failure. She takes meds for the thyroid and is on rx food for the kidneys. Recently we decreased her medication dose and that seems to have given her a new lease on life. It complicated balancing the two diseases but for now we've got it. She's my sweetheart.

Booger Bear. Gray striped, came along a year after Midnight, rescued from an emergency animal clinic when she was maybe four weeks old. Recent bloodwork shows all systems are go, which is a good thing, because I don't know that I could give her any sort of regular medication. I used to work at a vet clinic, and while I was there, we never saw a cat I couldn't medicate. I handled all the difficult ones and kept a perfect record. So of course it's one of my own cats who I can't.

Nimbus. He's the youngster of the group, about a year and a half now. My other cats are close in age and I didn't want to risk losing them quickly and being left without a cat companion, so that's why he entered the fold. He and Jeoffry play some, and he plays with the dog. He can be a little bully, then turn around and be the biggest lover in the world. I was a little nervous bringing in a youngun, but he's been great.

Norah. Jack Russell Terrier. 6 years old now, was a rescue of sorts. She lived with friends of a friend of a friend who decided to get rid of her when they had a baby. She would have gone to the shelter, but my friend knew I was looking to take in a small dog, and when I saw a picture of her I knew she was the one. She has anxiety issues, but has come a long way with medication and behavioral interventions. I still crate her when I'm not home, but she has really come a long way. She goes to doggy day care two days a week and does phenomenally. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago at her annual check-up a heart murmur was detected. Next month I'm going to have a dental done on her, and while she's knocked out we'll do an EKG and get chest films to try and get an idea of what's going on. So far she's completely asymptomatic. Unfortunately heart murmurs are generally worse in dogs than in cats, but they can often be managed with meds. I think she intentionally developed the murmur so she could be more like Jeoffry.

All of your pets sound so lovely. I too have a Jack and is not well with hypothyroidism and Cushings Syndrome an endocrine disorder so I have to medicate on a daily basis too but good luck with your cats and dog too. My dog doesn't like it when I leave for too long a period so doggie day care would be an option for me!!

[Rook]

I used to have a pet rooster...
I was a kid, though...
He was an Easter gift {dyed purple}, nowadays I know that's a rather cruel action, but, to kids from poor residences, it's the closest to Nintendo.
After he molted the last of the Dye, he turned out quite "handsome"...
Beautiful tail feathers, my neighbors kept sayin' I should train him for cockfighting and get some money out of it..
At the time, I didn't even know how that was done, my closest neighbor, Cheo, would give tips...
"keep him away from other roosters, don't breed him, feed him well until the day before..and always use long spurs"
I got my first taste at 13, I managed to win 6 bets in a row..after the 6th, my so-called bookie said 'no more, they'll think she's got insider information'
Sooo, I sat ringside, and saw how they fought...
When the round was done, I think I turned green from nausea at the thought of my pet being the Loser {They think it's humaine to snap the Loser's neck}.
I did ask on the way to the car what was the end result..
My neighbor shrugged and said "Probably a good stew the next evening"
I thought of that while they tried on some rather sharp spurs for "Don Quixote", and I told 'em to take it off, when he started squawking and making a fuss...
They did protest and I waved it off with "he's my rooster, go away"
yeah, I would walk him -smirk-
Small cushioned string to his leg, i let him strut while I bought candy from an elderly neighborhood lady...
Eventually, landlord said to get rid of him, something about Policy and city codes.
My uncle said he had a farm that could use a Rooster.
I was young, not stupid...
I would visit, and ask for him, and they'd stutter..
"he's busy....there's a cute hen he likes, let's not disturb"
-snort-
For quite some time I didnt talk to them..
Recently he asked "you're still mad at me over that damn rooster?"

I think this is the closest possible pic resembling him..Quixote's "Crown" was a bit more prominent :vigil:
http://images01.olx.com.ec/ui/1/94/84/8999084_19.jpg

[Gemme]

I'm curious. Does anyone here believe that four footed life is as valuable as the two legged variety? If you could save an unknown human being or a strange cat or dog about to be hit by a car (but not both), which would you snatch out of harm's way?

Anyone a vegan or vegetarian solely because of a reverence for all sentient beings? (Anyone eat only freely fallen fruit so as to avoid causing pain to the tree or bush?)

I love animals and, truthfully, I'd try to rescue the human first -- well, perhaps with the exception of a couple of individuals that I know, but I digress.....

If the human wasn't hearing impaired and facing away from me, I'd go for him or her. If they could hear me, then the words, "Get out of the way!" or "Car!" or whatever should do the trick while I went for the animal.

Nope and nope.

[Jude]

I grew up on a farm, we didn't castrate any roosters, however when they were of a certain age, and not required for their procreative abilities, we butchered them and ate them. Hens that were poor layers or not needed were also butchered. Old hens were butchered and they were not fryers but stewers. I don't know how the big corporate chicken outfits handle this. Most of the beef sold in stores comes from steers, bulls that were castrated at an early age, and raised specifically for the table. The meat from old bulls and old cows is quite often mixed with into hamburger from younger animals. Cows are usually kept as baby making machines, one bull can easily service 500 cows. The demand for veal is minute compared to the productivity of the beef industry. Sheep is similar to the beef industry; mutton is an older ewe, comparable to a stewing hen.

We didn't name something, we intended to eat.
___________________

Thanks Liam. Going to pass this one on to my daughter who has recently announced her intention to become a "vegan" (no milk products or eggs). She heard that all the baby boy chicks were slaughtered upon hatching and didn't want to be a participant in the massacre.

Just hearing about old bull and cow being mixed in with young ground meat kind of diminishes any lingering fondness for the old fashioned hamburger.

Whole different life on the farm. Imagine not naming your critters because they're going to end up on the dinner plate! When I've been overseas in third world countries, I've never become accustomed to the casual practice of selling chickens on the road - chopping off their heads at the "check out".

Moving closer and closer back to 100% vegetarian myself.

Thanks, Liam, for the info. Any more stories down on the farm? :mohawk:

[AtLast]

I really want birds and tropical again. My cats are the problem with birds. but, my silly dog loves to watch both fish and turtles (sometimes birds) at the pet store. I put him up on a cart so he can see them and he just stares quietly following the fish in the tank.

When I am out at the bay with him during shore bird feeding, he is a little conservationist. Sits next to me just watching them. never tries to after them and is quiet. Maybe he is meditating.... pretty zen little guy.

[AtLast]

Can't do the poll, as I have none currently.

In the past, I've had up to 8 rescue cats at once and two dogs at once. My last dogs were Brodie and Gidget, a miniature Irish Setter and a miniature Shih Tzu. My last cats were Moby and Willow Anastacia and the 8 I mentioned were: Oreo, her kittens Picasso, Wolfgang, and Tigger and another set of siblings we rescued: Arizona, Zen, Nikki the Narcoleptic Kitty, and Virtue.

I tend to be a cat person but Organic is allergic, so no pets for us now. Maybe a beta when we move to a bigger place. My first beta was named Alpha Beta. Ha!

Let's all send Gemme some pets!

[sylvie]

we currently have a cat, Gibson (all black long haired) - he's lazy and cuddly and the sweetest lil guy ever!

and 2 hamsters, heh... my daughter has one hamster named Jersey which is a vicious little thing, it hisses and hates people (dont blame her sometimes lol) and then we have Petey which is my son's hamster.. he's twice the size of Jersey and so friendly and cuddly..

we adopted Gibson from the animal shelter as an adult cat.. though the kittens were absolutely sweet, it broke my heart that these adult cats had been there for what seemed like forever and quite possibly were being put down soon :-( if i could have adopted them all, i would have...
Gibson jumped right in my arms and rubbed my nose with his, i knew he was the one.. when i brought him home, he walked out of his crate and laid down, that was that.. he was home.. LOL..

i used to have a shepherd dog, named Teiko for 19 years.. she was my very best friend in my teen years, right up until she had to be put down.. she lived a long wonderful life and i miss her every day , every single day!! i've never been able to get a dog since losing her...

[DapperButch]

Hi, Folks. When looking for an old web site I wanted to post up here yesterday (which I never found), I came across some information about Natura Brand Food I think others may be interested in.

Natura Food makes Innova, Evo, California Natural, and Karma (I think that is it?), brand dog foods. In June 2010, they were sold to Proctor and Gamble.

Natura Foods has been known for their high quality dog foods for a long time.

Proctor and Gamble has a history of buying dog foods (Eukanuba, for example) and dropping the quality of the ingredients substantially. They also have a history of testing foods on their animals in not so great conditions.

Law does not require them to change the ingredients on their dog food bags for up to 6 months after changing the ingredients (and evidently, they have a history of doing this).

Subsequently, if you use any of the Natura products, you may want to consider changing, and unfortunately you cannot wait until you see the ingredient list change.

After a couple of hours of research, I have decided to change to Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck/Salmon/or Chicken.

Just an FYI for those who may use Natura products.

:dog:

[LipstickLola]

I had a rescue horse with Cushings, put him to sleep a year ago last Monday, it really sucks, he was an awesome animal and had been a former buggy horse for the Amish.

One of my dogs, a Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) was going to be put down by his breeder because his ears flopped, he is now mine, cutest little booger EVER!

Thank you DapperButch for the info on the dog food :)

[Bard]

Two Cats one whose is 15 Jasmine and now a 9 week old kitten Juliet and rounding out the clan is Skyler a beautiful 6 year old Mare who is a rescue a through-bread quarter horse cross they all bring a lot of love to the daily grind called life:fastdraq:

[AtLast]

I want to scream! Today is one of those days that I absolutely prefer my fur-kids to people!! Time for a long dog walk to work out my aggravation with humans of the idiotic and self-serving variety!!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

:fastdraq:

[Glenn]

I Prefer furkids over humans has been holding a solid third on the planet poll.


I want to scream! Today is one of those days that I absolutely prefer my fur-kids to people!! Time for a long dog walk to work out my aggravation with humans of the idiotic and self-serving variety!!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

:fastdraq:

[Arwen]

In order of age:

Flynn, half Maine Coon cat weighing in at 14.5 lbs. Able to slap both dogs in one sitting.

Nayru, rescue Basenji weighing in at 23.2 but working on that weight issue. Able to scream a high C when she thinks you might have stepped near her toes.

Batman, found failed foster chiweenie weighing in at 9.5 lbs. Can lick the tan right off you.

Flynn is 11. Nayru is 3-4 and Batman is around 6 months old.

Click the link in my sig and support B.R.A.T, the foster group I got my pretty Miss Nayru from. You can see pics in the gallery as well.

Go Team Rescue! Love seeing the high percentage of rescues.

[AtLast]

UGH! Just found out the pet sitter I use that stays at my home with the fur-kids is returning to Argentina. I was checking on some time I will need her for here for a surgery coming up. And I so want to make the ReUnion in the Fall and this woman is someone I really trust. Whenever I have had her take care of them, I am not certain they want to stay with me or go with her when I return!

So, I have to line up some interviews after getting some possibles. Damn! Celia has been so great and I am just a worrier when I leave them. My older cat needs needs medical stuff done, too. He's doing really well, so I have no sense of losing him before then. But, I don't want him too upset with being sick. Yet, stressing him further with boarding just doesn't feel right. He is better off at home.

Oh well, just need to get going on my hunt for someone new. I'll see if my vet has some names. Will check on my niece, perhaps. And I will be able to check someone out on a shorter term with the surgery and will only be across the Bay in SF for a few days in the hospital. Probably have to have the person come for a few days afterwards for help anyway- then I can see how everyone responds to her or him. That would feel better before taking off for at least a week in the fall.

Frog Dog got a new ball today and was one happy silly boy throwing it all over at the dog park. Totally was cracking me up. He did victory laps squeaking it as he was "killing" it.

I want to get on the Frenchie Rescue list, but right now, another pet is just not the thing to do.. phooey! I want a little companion for Frog Dog that will keep him in line! Female Frenchies tend to be bossy and that is what he needs!

[Jesse]

Sharing my home and life is the sweetest, handsomest little Cattle Dog/ Mix His name is Bear, but I also call him Monkey Butt because he is! <grin> Bear turned two on Halloween and is my pride and joy. :) This little guy really does attract the ladies when we are out and about...but to him, not me! :|

Here is a link to his pic...
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2103&ppuser=1312 (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2103&ppuser=1312)

Jesse

[Gemme]

Let's all send Gemme some pets!

Aw, thanks, ALH! But we don't have the time, space or patience to work with any pets right now. Maybe in the future. :)

[SF_Boi]

I have three girls, 1.) a Jack Russell (Coogee), 2.) a Basset/ Beagle mix (Uluru) and 3.) a Baby Basset Hound (Didgi). Coogee is from MA, she my little fluffy girl, Uluru was rescued from a 7 day kill in the Central Valley of CA and Didgi is my show dog! I've been showing/ tracking/ hunting her for the last three months and she's doing very well. I can honestly say that Uluru is the most incredible dog I have ever had. She's been with me for a year (10.04.2009), she's the most faithful and loving dog. She's always at my side, she protects me, and she always does as I tell her to do such as all the necessary comands to protect her. I can't imagine my life without the girls. They are all so different, yet there's a common threat of love that runs through all of them.

[Arwen]

I have three girls, 1.) a Jack Russell (Coogee), 2.) a Basset/ Beagle mix (Uluru) and 3.) a Baby Basset Hound (Didgi). Coogee is from MA, she my little fluffy girl, Uluru was rescued from a 7 day kill in the Central Valley of CA and Didgi is my show dog! I've been showing/ tracking/ hunting her for the last three months and she's doing very well. I can honestly say that Uluru is the most incredible dog I have ever had. She's been with me for a year (10.04.2009), she's the most faithful and loving dog. She's always at my side, she protects me, and she always does as I tell her to do such as all the necessary comands to protect her. I can't imagine my life without the girls. They are all so different, yet there's a common threat of love that runs through all of them.

How many points/legs does Didgi have? I used to show Basenjis waaaay back in the day. Pictures? :)

[AtLast]

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

[LipstickLola]

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

Some dogs are prone to this, and so your vet may be teaching you to express his anal gland on a regular basis to keep this from happening again.
Good luck to Frog Dog, feel better!

[katsarecool]

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

Frog Dog, get well soon!!!!

[silentshout]

My cat got rescued by a dumpster. She's a Siamese Linx-point. Very talkative and social. For such reasons she makes a fantastic alarm clock.

[DapperButch]

I just realized that I never mentioned what I had in terms of pets, which I think is a thread rule. :hangloose:

One pet.

A dog.

A shortie Jack Russell (Parson Russell). Often they are called English or Irish Jack Russells.

Or what the Amercian Kennel Club calls them - Russell Terriers.

Currently they fall under the Foundation Stock Service (miscellaneous class) of the AKC and are not yet an official "breed".

Pretty much they are the Jack Russells that you know and love and are of the shorter variety.

My guy is five years old and he is perfect.

And trans.

:dog:

[scootebaby]

my sweetie Jo posted about our small zoo already,and im proud to say we just added a 7-8 week old kitten to the mix...white paws,bluish eyes,greyish color and we call him "Grayson"...i have one more kitten to get once the owners get it cleaned up for us. solid white which Rooster wants to call sodium chloride-Salt for short............yeah that was my reaction to....lol....but we will see if we cant compromise

[Mtn]

Today I kept thinking I heard my pup "crying" in the way she has been known to do sometimes, but I'd go in and see and she was fine, then I discovered one of her new squeaky toys sounds JUST like that, silly me, and makes sense why she was looking at me like WHAT????

[ravfem]

Kiba turned 2 in August. His mom is an American Pit Bull Terrier (Old Family Red Nose) and his dad is assumed to be some other sort of terrier, probably schnauzer, because Kiba has a beard. A gray one. Between his beard and his laid back disposition, people assume he's an old man.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4804299482_375a136388.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4839209859_f3dfb18e98.jpg

We spotted him at an adoption drive when he was 6 months old. He wasn't allowed inside the building with the other dogs because he is a bullie mix.

He was sitting quietly, watching everyone. Took 2 weeks from that day til he got to come home, due to the rescue organization's very good, intense adoption process. She had pics of his mom & his 11 litter-mates at their first home; mom was chained outside, skin & bones. The rescue woman talked the owner into giving her all of them.

i tried desperately to get my house mate to adopt his mom, but she put her foot down at one.

Kiba is the easiest dog to train i've ever had (i grew up with dogs, he's my first Bullie). i love him dearly.

And i want a cat so bad i can't stand it! i keep telling Rlin i'm gonna steal one of hers (Rufus) because he obviously loves me & wants to come home with me. :cheesy:

[Rockinonahigh]

I have two fur kids hear,one is a rescue,her name is Diva.When I got her she had been found by a friend of mine on a cold rainy march night near frezing to death in the garbage dump not far from her house.Any way she took her home but her bigger fur kids didnt get alone with Diva at all so she called me then brouhgt her to me and said happy bday..it was my bday but I shure didnt expect a new family member.She looke at me..I looked at her soooo we both desided to give it a try.Now she is well fed and very healthy,has learned how to play with toys and do some tricks.Yes, she is well loved and spoiled to no end.Then comes Rowdy, who has he napolian complex,she is jack russel minipoodle mix...long story about this...seams like momma went to visit her bf so all was suposed to be a done deal when she got back.But the folks also had a mini poodle who was intrested in the lady j russel show dog,when the pups were born they were really cute russelpoos..all looks more poodle than JR.Being I didnt want Diva to be an only child I went to see the pups,Rowdy picked me out of the bunch so to speak and has been my protector,guard dog and best friend to the Diva.Yep,they are both spoiled to no end.Nither weighs over 15 pounds but anyone hearing them would think other wise.

[Miss Scarlett]

Walked in the door tonight to discover my cat's favorite mouse just inside the front door. Called the cat and as usual she did not respond. Went into the bedroom and turned on the light - there she was, curled up on the bed giving me this "Huh?" look and was very disoriented for a few minutes - you could see she was trying to wake up. It was soooooooooo cute!

Then I got the "look"...you know, the one that only a cat can deliver.

[perfekly_flawed]

Starting with the diva-dog on the left and then going clock-wise:

Coco Joi, 10-year old Rat Terrier that I got as an 8-week old puppy when I lived in Virginia. She is the most devoted dog I've ever known. She's a bit of a cover hog but a complete lovebug so it's okay with me! Oh, and she's butch...

Leo, 10 year old DSH rescued from a camp ground by my ex when she was very tiny. She's been horribly overweight for years and despite numerous attempts at different diet, forced exercise (as if)... she just stays HUGE. She's quiet and loving and one of those cats who'd sit in your lap for 5 hour stretches if you'd let her. Oh, and she's the object of Coco's butch affections... no, seriously!

Bobby, 7 year old tuxedo boy (the ONLY boy in the roost now that my son is out on his own) who is absolutely the best cat I've ever had the privledge of sharing a house with. When *I* sneeze, no matter where he is in the house, he always meows VERY loudly ... it's the only time you hear that particular tone from him and he only does it for ME.

Ruby, 3 year old rescue kitty - found clinging to a fence in the rain by someone who then brought her in to a friend of mine who is a vet... After being bottle fed til she could be weaned, she joined our family.

Since I've recently gone thru a break up, and chose to move to a small condo, I currently have Coco and my ex has our 3 cats and I have open/liberal visitation. I miss them... horribly!


http://www.desqtopofficesolutions.com/misc/myfurbabies.jpg

[Sachita]

wow how cool to see so many people adopting and rescuing.

I have less dogs then normal losing two older dogs this year but still have 3 dogs, 4 cats, a pig and birds. I don't count my chickens as pets.

[katsarecool]

I love this!!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=114114455267172&oid=142298075184&comments

[Gemme]

I love this!!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=114114455267172&oid=142298075184&comments

I had a cat that'd do that but not for that long. Too cute!

[katsarecool]

This one is so funny!!!

YouTube - Dramatic Cat

[Rook]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii214/amor_en_silencio_77/angel_ferret.jpg

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to reflect on the countless Blessings of your precious Pets unquestionable Devotions. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without their presence.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii214/amor_en_silencio_77/CTM.jpg

[Leigh]

Got two cats, a girl Muffy & a boy Tigger :)

[Gentle Tiger]

I love this!!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=114114455267172&oid=142298075184&comments

Ditto. The very first cat I ever had would do this. But I never could see what SHE saw. lol Thanks for sharing the video.

[justkim]

Missing my purr-kids today... I still have my chi's but I miss the affection from my cats... Well, they aren't mine any more but none the less I miss them...

[Soft*Silver]

please send prayers for a newfoundland mix I am working on trying to get rescued out of a high kill shelter in Bulls Head Az before they kill her. Her time is VERY limited. A team of dedicated newf lovers are working together but the right conditions have to fall in place...

let this be a CHristmas miracle....

[katsarecool]

This is hilarious!!!! YouTube - "America's Funniest Home Videos" Animal Clips

[Gemme]

This is hilarious!!!! YouTube - "America's Funniest Home Videos" Animal Clips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i479N2ei8Us)

I loved Chester! :)

[katsarecool]

That little peeing dog is hysterical!!! Peed forever and forever and was very creative too!! I almost peed my pants!!!

[diamondrose]

I thought the dog fighting to not go in the bathroom was hillarious!

[Rockinonahigh]

My fur kids figure out the bathroon a long time ago...hey, if I can do my buisness in it so can they...better than on my wood floors.

[katsarecool]

Oh no! Bad furr babies! LOL

[lipstixgal]

The whole video was funny but the dog that peed the longest was the funniest!! Chester gotta love em..

[katsarecool]

Another great video for animal lovers. A video made by cats!!!

YouTube - Cat Diaries: The First Ever Movie Filmed by Cats!

[Rook]

I'm officially changing my Ferrets names....

Don Tehtoh Houdini

Doña Mathilda de Houdini

Don Primogen Puck de Houdini y Copperfield...

I swear:seeingstars:

[deb_U_taunt]

All rescues:

We have a 7 yr old collie mix named Gracie. She is my baby. She is a sock thief and you have to keep an eye on her in the am or you have to grab a new pair of socks. She also sings. She is the sweetest, loving dog and very loyal to me.

We have Joker, who is a 3 yr old German Shorthair mix and lives up to his name. He always has a smile on his face, he will tease the other dogs, he is smart in the way he will play stupid, he loves kids, other dogs, but cats not so much. If a dog or cat makes any noise on TV, he is out the dog door making sure it isn't in his yard.

Then 1 yr old Princess, my partner brought her home a few months ago from a bad situation. She is a chi-jack mix. A bundle of energy already ruling the house. She follows Joker to try and beat him to whatever he might be into.

Our house has lots of love.

[Soft*Silver]

I have a disposable chihuahua named Bartock. Someone got him and then decided she wanted a poodle so he had to go. He is the bestest little dog. I am not a little dog person. I like my big drooling newfies. And yes, I will be getting one or two..once their last litter of pups are weaned. The breeder is retiring two of her bitches and I have my choice. I dont know yet what I can afford. my monthly income is still new to me so I am glad to have time to figure that out.

I have Mr Smitty the one eyed limping kitty who is now 14 years old. I took in a stray cat Cat Face the Bold and Beautiful, who cost me an arm and a leg in vet bills. Her owner moved and threw her out to fend for herself. She is older than Smitty so I knew she wouldnt last.

I have a black Tom, now neutered, who was a rescue, and his buddy who will be neutered that was a different neighbor's throw away. They are both outside cats. Shadow and Precious are their names.

I keep company with a horse. Lovely girl. I would like to own one...we shall see.

I have a parakeet who was a give away because the woman got a cat and didnt want a bird too. She had had the bird for seven years and never liked it. He is amazed I talk to him. Lovely little guy. His name is jakie

Right now Smitty and Cat Face are on my #$#@ list. They keep knocking over their food bowl. bad bad cats. and Bartock has learned to eat their poop. Damn him.... this just happened today. So now I have to get creative.

I am getting two chickens but shh...dont tell anyone. I am not suppose to have chickens in the city....

[Daktari]

I'd like to introduce you to Her Royal Greyness the Woodipotimus
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/scoobs63/2081662266_072a2c819a.jpg

She's my first pet and probably will be my only pet in life. She's a 12yr old Russian Blue who came to live with us a couple of months after my Ma died in 1999. The story of how she came to us is too long to type out but suffice to say she picked me out when we went to visit the owner of her Mum who told us that Pudding (her first given name) was old enough to come home with us. Upon taking her to the vet I found out that Woolly wasn't old enough to be separated from her mum and had come to us at roughly a month old.

The Puppster has many names and answers to them all. She also has songs written about her, as did Bunzalus Bunzelius - the first cat to come into my life, she was 5yrs old, a few months before little kitten Wooders did. The deal was in event of divorce that Bunz belonged to my ex and Woodley belonged to me. Bunito Neetfeeto now lives with my exes ex. I miss her even though she's not lived with me for 3yrs or so.

Typical of the breed Spudders barely has a voice and didn't learn to meow/squeak until she was almost 5yrs old. She doesn't 'talk' often so when she does I'm convinced she's shouting at me.

I am very happy staff to the Woodipots, she allows me to rent a small square of the bed from her at a peppercorn rent.

Our bone of contention is her diet. I refuse to give her canned cat meat anymore and haven't done for several years. She's a dreadful glutton and cat meat makes her even lazier, fat and an irritating beggar. She has decent quality cat biscuits designed to be a main diet rather than a complement to cat meat.

The Wuppert and I are a package. She travels with me when I go away from home for more than a few days. She's been lots of places on trains, coaches and cars. She's not a particular happy visitor but grins and bears it.

She is very much my fur-baby.

[cane]

[QUOTE=Incubus;376207][COLOR="DarkGreen"]I'd like to introduce you to Her Royal Greyness the Woodipotimus
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/scoobs63/2081662266_072a2c819a.jpg

Weird... that looks exactly like my mother-in-laws cat, which also is 12 years -a scratching Queen of the house, with her own persian rug in the middel of the sitting room, which no one must step upon or else...Also she demands to be petted when she is eating or she won't eat. A handful some might say...

[cane]

I have a dog, a sheba, a red one, his name is Mio after a, in Sweden, well known childrens book (by Astrid Lindgren).

He is really stubborn but a very loyal friend who never leaves my side.

Did anyone see the movie with Richard Gere and a dog? It was an Akita, which is sort of like the Sheba (my dog) only bigger. The dog wouldn't fetch for him, at all. And they don't usually do that sort of things, they just don't seem to see the point. My dog will do it for a treat (that he wants to see before he runs off to fetch the ball) but not otherwise, you can almost see him thinking "If you throw away things you can damned well fetch them yourself, what's in it for me..?

[T4Texas]

My Roomie and I have 3 cats and a dog. All were rescues. Spats and Sissy are brother and sister black and white tabbies. Spats is very laid back, Sissy is a screamer and I believe slightly schizophrenic. Jake, our last addition was being abused by some boys when he was picked up off the street. Hes a gray stripe and very loving. Then there's the dog....Jazz...who is a german shorthaired pointer with one eye. But regardless of that one eye she can still point and proceed to kill anything that comes in the yard, particularly the doves. She's very high strung but when she does settle for a few minutes can be very sweet. I believe when you take an animal on, you do it for the life of that animal, even if its not the ideal situation. We wouldnt consider gettiing rid of any of these just because they had behaviour problems or didnt work out the way we wanted them to. Jazz has been a bit of a trial to us, but she is settling down a bit as she gets older so we're hoping for the best.

[Jess]

I love how our dogs demonstrate the power of how we view ourselves. Our mini's think they are mammoths and will boldly go where no dog has gone before! Our Giants ( especially Sookie) think they are tiny lil things.

Here she is in all of her petite-ness sleeping in one of the lil guys beds!

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292654_1912403774246_1366450312_2363348_4264219_s. jpg

while, of course, the lil guys are laid out on the couch...lol

[Arwen]

Currently I have two dogs and three cats. Three because a week ago Saturday Syzygy and I came home to find a simply gorgeous dilute tortoiseshell cat at the front door.

No. Really. At the front door. I opened it and she came in. :|

I've put up signs. I've Craigslisted her. She's chipped but the owner doesn't respond to emails and there is no voicemail. I've called at all hours too. She's got a very unusual name (Dagmar). Well it's unusual here in the U.S. anyway.

Makes me sad that I can't get her to her person but she's going to have to find a new home soon. She is not happy about my other cats. Still everyone is getting along.

And Nayru, as of today, seems to have laid off her "chase Vinegar" need. We are all in the living room right now. Nay is watching V and Batman play but she's lounging on the couch. This is good. V has had to be separated due to her size (Nay has a high prey drive).

I do love my fur babies. Okay. Off to do Tarotscopes. :tea:

[JoSchmooze]

The trio starts out with Freckles...not mine originally, but left by an ex when she left. The excuse was "Jasmine (her name then) does not travel well and I am an entertainer with gigs all over". Needless to say, the ex parked her RV on the other side of town (not traveling!) and Freckles, an 8 yr old Australian sheperd/Blue tick heeler mix loves to jump in the backseat of my car any time and for any length of time it takes us to reach our destination. She is an expert "fly catcher" and roves both the house and the yard, making sure that her family is protected and all "herded" exactly where she wants them. She follows me from room to room and when I settle down she is always between me and any door - watching both, making sure than I am safe. She is either very protective or has abandonment issues.

Then there are "the girls". Born of the same mama cat in the same litter - the only ones in the litter. Fatso and Psycho. Fatso is the short haired russian blue "self prclaimed "Queen of the house" and Psycho is the long haired puking wonder. Fatso believes that she has to sleep with the remote. Any time she is on the bed, her front paws are wrapped around that remote, as if it is baby or lover. Fatso relaxes on her back with all four paws waving in the air..."look at me, I can balance on my back" she tells me. But from the back, she looks like a rump roast on legs, sauntering down the hallway. Psycho lives underneath the bed, unless she has jumped up on the arm of my recliner to knead my leg before she can settle down and sleep on said leg with her head hanging off the edge of the seat. She is the one who, out of nowhere, jumps up to swat at absolutely nothing in the middle of the hallway. She has taken to resting on either the dining room table or my desk, during the day depending upon if I am working or moving about the house. When friends visit, it is rare that Psycho shows herself, she is my "scardey cat". She is also the one who can be puke-free for days on end, but as soon as I get the suitcase out, will wander the house, leaving little trinkets of her distress. Both of them will run like their lives depend upon it when any container of tuna is opened...I have never seen anything like it in my life. The girls are six yrs old.

I belive that pets are yours for as long as they live. I did not choose Freckles but she is mine and will be for her entire life. I chose the girls after my beloved Springer, Budd, was put down after being with me for all 15 years of his life. I did not know when I would be ready for another dog. I hate cleaning up after all of them, but they are mine and I am theirs. That's all there is to it. I would no sooner give any of them away than cut off my right arm.

[NJFemmie]

About 17 or so years ago, I brought home twin kittens - Charlie and Shaolyn. Charlie was an all black male, and his sister was all grey. Well, she was actually a silver kitten, but eventually grew darker as she aged. I lost Charlie about three years ago, and buried his sister two years later. Shaolyn (affectionately referred to as "Shooshie") originally belonged to one of my exes, but it was mutually decided that if we broke up, she was to stay with her brother (and me naturally, lol.) They were my bestest friends besides being my fuzzy children. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of them - or sing the songs I've made up for them over the years.

Shortly after Shooshie's death, we adopted Maxwell from an animal shelter. He's a striped grey tabby with lots of attitude and a load of spunk. We were a bit nervous about introducing him to Ember, who is an older classic marked orange tabby. Things didn't go so well at first - but they do co-exist peacefully provided Max doesn't instigate - which he does quite often, lol. At this point, I think Max is keeping Ember on his toes and keeping him sharp. Well, that's what we hope.

Max is a sharp little guy. He's a pro bug catcher and could play until he collapses from exhaustion. He's also a talker who especially likes to talk back when reprimanded. His trademark is meowing while yawning. I guess he figures he'd kill two birds with one stone. He learns quickly and is quite ingenious - except when it comes to doors - he hasn't quite figured out the push/pull thing.

Ember doesn't meow like "normal" cats. He tries to enunciate. He's been known to have said "I don't know", "kumbaya" and can now say "water". He says "momol" for mommy, and when he's especially aggravated, he'll mumble on and on ... I guess it's a blessing that we don't actually know what he's saying - we may not want to know. I have never heard him meow once, but he can hiss quite well though. Heh.

I have a weakness for black cats and Mare has a weakness for orange. I still want another kitten, but I have a feeling Mare will win this one.

I cannot imagine a life without cats. I used to be severely allergic as a child, but can't tell you how grateful I am to be able to tolerate them now. I'm still allergic, but I deal with it. Having the fluffy love is worth every sneeze, hive or itch. ;)

[Lizzy]

I have two cats Thomas who I rescued from a friend who travelled to much!We were watching him all the time and finally I said we are keeping him because my kids were so attatched.Then there is Simba,we rescued him from the animal shelter and nursed him back to health.My on and off partner has our other cat Diva who isn't doing well right now.so sad.....

[JoSchmooze]

I was watching this video.....

jbEXr9-5UjI&feature=related

and both of my cats wandered into my home office to see who
I was talking to....Both of them looked at me like WTF??

[SimpleAlaskanBoy]

My dear Moxie is still asleep...I hope she is a lot happier now that I have been sleeping in the bedroom the past couple days. She is quick to get into "her" spot behind my knees. And she hasn't been hissing at Foss. In fact a couple of times I've seen her and him touching slightly while they sleep. Cute!

[Massive]

This will sound weird no matter how I word it, so, what the hell, I moved into my new place with one female cat, I now have two, but not very many people see my other cat, as she's a ghost kitty. She teases my cat endlessly, jumping beside her and playing with her tail when she's asleep, I've seen my cat jump two foot in the air on so many occassions now, they now play together too, so I get my cat running around like a lunatic after a cat I only ever catch out the corner of my eye, I know I'm not crazy because the other day Mum yelled at me that Tiggs (the living princess of the household) had just run outside, when she was sat next to me on the arm of my chair purring away...
Mind you, at least I'm only feeding one of them and they happily share all the bits of plastic that Tiggs has adopted as her favourite toys, so it's not all bad.
Well, until they choose to play chase over and around me when I'm sleeping :seeingstars:

[Hollylane]

I was going to start a pet thread, because I know there are probably a lot of people sick to death of me gushing over my fur kids, but I found this thread!!!

So, I have a question...Have any of you arrived at work, wondering what that was rustling around in your pocket, pulled it out, and found yourself holding poop bags? This has happened to me twice already!

Since Chessie has become a part of my household, I have begun discovering entirely new hazards. Today's learning moment...Do not toss the slobber ball in such a way that it flies over the cup you are drinking out of...:| Just no.

[The JD]

So, I have a question...Have any of you arrived at work, wondering what that was rustling around in your pocket, pulled it out, and found yourself holding poop bags? This has happened to me twice already!


Please tell me they were empty. Even if you have to lie. :blink:

[starryeyes]

I have three dogs and a ferret. They are my world!

Romee, chihuahua, 10 years old.
Kelpie- Aussie Shepherd, deaf, 8 years old
Smokey (my ferret), blind, 7 years old
Smudgie- pekingnese/chihuahua mix, wild man, 7 months old

I love my family!!!! <3

[Hollylane]

Please tell me they were empty. Even if you have to lie. :blink:

Gaige said the same thing. Gross. Yes, they were empty, you turkey, and I'm not even lying!

[Hollylane]

Chessie was so bored today, and trying hard to get my attention, that he brought me a box of tissues. That was just too damn adorable. I love him.

[Gemme]

I would prefer that over the vomitting that Paco's been doing today. He finally did it enough that Amber joined in.

We think he's eating the plants in the parlor.

Amber's 17 so she can do anything she darn well pleases.

:blink:

[Gemme]

Found this article and thought other pet lovers would enjoy it.

Casey at the bat (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/guideposts/meet-the-canine-minister-to-an-alzheimers-man_b_3293981.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D316360)

[DapperButch]

Found this article and thought other pet lovers would enjoy it.

Casey at the bat (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/guideposts/meet-the-canine-minister-to-an-alzheimers-man_b_3293981.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D316360)

Wow, this is so touching. Dogs are freaking amazing. Thanks for posting.

[Gemme]

Oklahoma pet stories. (http://www.latintimes.com/articles/4290/20130522/dog-guards-owner-s-body-hours-oklahoma.htm)

Bring your tissue for the article but definitely watch the video of the interview as well.

[VeganDebbie]

Ok; here is MY list.......

1 silky Terrier (?) - Byzkit
1 Main Coon - Fluffers
2 Tabbys - Noodles and Nutmeg
2 Ferrets - Bear and Sweetie

ALL of them were rescues except for the ferrets. I just had to have them.

[charley]

I watched this show on television about dogs, and they mentioned how certain breeds of dogs attracted certain kinds of people, which I found quite interesting. So, I did some googling and found this article about it, saying:

According to the study:

Happiest - Yorkshire terrier
Richest - Pug
Most dedicated (in terms of time) - Chihuahua
Most dedicated (in terms of money) - Dalmatian
Most educated - Golden retriever
Biggest rockers - French bulldog
Believe their dog knows what they're thinking - French bulldog
In a relationship but looking to get out of it - Bulldog
Happily Married - Pug
Single - Labrador
Owns a sports car - Dalmatian

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/11176978/Happy-single-or-poor-What-your-dog-says-about-you.html

and

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2802701/what-dog-say-choice-pet-reveal-personality.html

Curiously, while I did not specifically own the "Yorkshire terrier", the two dogs that I have owned and loved were both of the terrier kind.

:dog:

[cathexis]

Had a few furries, Partner and I used to do dog socialization on the Navajo rez in NM.
Favorites Are...(really hard to pick)
1) Pittbull (any kind, any mix)
2) Staffordshire Terrier
3) Wolf hybrid (esp. with Black Lab.)
4) Coydog mix
5) Rottie
6) These lovable Calico Tabbies that I've only seen in W. NM
7) Tuxedos are adorable
8) Boxer (and mix)
9) Malamute
10) Curious about Irish Wolfhounds
11) Rhodesian Ridgeback