Photo by Ted Trimmer: Fireworks.
How I miss Cutey! He used to protect his turf, i.e., our patio, by fighting with cats that dared to encroach. Now that he is dead, his favorite enemy, a black cat, has been coming around to sip from Kitty’s water bowl. I really don’t want another cat. I guess I’ll grab a broom and chase him away. After Kitty dies, we won’t adopt another pet, because it’s an ordeal to care for one.
I never thought I’d have cats as pets. I had always been a dog person, considering cats as mysterious beasts that were unapproachable. Ah, yes, dogs. I recall walking my Lab mutt, Lani, twice a day in New York, making friends along the way. There was a sub-culture that dog lovers belonged to. We’d unleash our dogs and watch them play together on the college campus. I ended up inviting their owners to my home for dinner.
You can’t do that with cats. Imagine walking a cat on a leash. Why did we adopt two cats? Because they were strays in the neighborhood that found a place in our hearts.
As I type this piece, Kitty is sitting next to the window, whining. The window is low enough for me to see his cute little face, staring at me. What does he want? I just fed him. I guess he wants to be petted and loved.
Do you have a pet? If so, what kind? Why did you choose it? If not, why not?
June 9, 2010 at 4:02 am |
No pets here. When I need a pet, I ‘borrow’ Shaughnessy from Jeff.
June 9, 2010 at 4:19 am |
I am a cat person myself, for all the reasons you listed. They take care of themselves but they like to be petted and purr really loud. Dogs need to be walked, cuddled, and coddled. I have been owned by many cats in my day, but since we moved we have no pets and I find it nice not to have the responsibility. I still pet dogs and cats when given the chance.
June 9, 2010 at 4:39 am |
We had cats when the kids were growing up. They lived long, happy lives, and we loved them. But since they have been gone, I have enjoyed the freedom of not having to care for a pet. We travel, or just take off for the island, frequently and it’s so easy to just pack up and go. And I certainly don’t miss vacuuming up the cat hair and having to remove it from my clothing.
When I am old and sedentary I will have a cat again.
June 9, 2010 at 5:13 am |
Kitty might be whining because she misses Cutey. Animals grieve also and sometimes don’t eat and are depressed like humans when another family pet dies.
I like dogs, because cats are aloof and don’t need humans. Dogs greet you at the door and want to help you forget about a rough day at work. But after having dogs and a Golden Retriever when the kid was growing up, it’s nice not having to make decisions with a pet in consideration.
I still like to pet dogs that are friendly. Genuine pet therapy!
Cheers, DrumMajor
June 9, 2010 at 7:02 am |
I’ve almost always had pets. Each one stays in my mind as a distinctive personality.
At present we own a little poi dog named Buddy, who is now blind but good at finding his way around. He was abandoned down in Puna and mooching for food at a kennel. The kennel lady took him in and passed him on to me. He lives in my office, mostly, sleeping in a cat bed. He’s a little guy.
Our cat, Freddy, showed up in the backyard, yowling and yowling from a broken hip. After that got fixed, he became a great cat: loud, loving, and a great hunter. He solved the rat problem around here!
My favorite pet was a little “Coccapoo,” Coco. She had no sense and was such a nuisance, which only made me love her more. She lived to be very old and is now at rest in the back yard.
June 9, 2010 at 9:02 am |
I love them all.
Cats, dogs, fish, birds, horses…
All opportunities to show and receive unconditional love.
Here is my latest hero cat:
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=102113&catid=257
June 9, 2010 at 9:21 am |
Folks, do click on the link in Liz’s comment. It’s a great story about a cat rescuing its owner from attacking dogs.
June 9, 2010 at 4:58 pm |
I’m a cat person. At the moment we have a 15 year old cat that adopted us. He’s the best cat we’ve ever had, 18 pounds of love and purring. Wonderful.
We also have a long haired chihuahua that’s a rescue dog. No more dogs for me when this one is gone. Dogs are to time intensive. Cats take care of themselves.
June 9, 2010 at 6:32 pm |
I am a ‘dog-fan’…we have a LABRADOR for the last seven years.It does need a lot of caring but we enjoy every single moment of it…he is more like a family member than a pet.
June 10, 2010 at 8:36 pm |
No pets…i’m afraid of dogs and allergic to cats…
maybe one day we’ll get a dog though since DH loves them.
maybe…
June 12, 2010 at 8:36 am |
We’ve never had a pet even though Art LOVES dogs. He wouldn’t mind a dog now except that he feels we take too many trips and he doesn’t want to constantly leave the dog in a kennel.