You Have Pets?

[joshriddle 29]

Explains itself

My first pet was a cat that was just called "Kitty". She either ran away, or got hit by a car. She was very independent while sweet. My current pet is a pit-bull terrier/mix named Ginger. Some of you might have seen her before.

So the question is does any other of our members have pets? If only 1/420,000 people have a pet, then what is the world coming to?!

[Barbarossa 51]

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  Edited September 8, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Until recently I had two dogs, both Irish Red and White Setters.  They have graced these pages enough, but if you want to see them again, they are on the home page of my web site.  The URL is in my profile if you are curious enough to look it up.

I've been without my two for about six months now, and I miss them, but not so much any more.  I moved from a rather large place into a small apartment and there is just no space for two large dogs here.  I might get something small later on.  My neighbor has a female springer spaniel and she is quite a nice dog.  Male springers are nearly as large as setters, so a boy springer is out.  I was thinking more along the lines of a block-strain Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as they are smaller than the field strain that I had in the past (30 pounds of love sponge).

Over the years, when I was married, I had dogs, and my wife had up to five cats.  The last set of cats were pure bred Himmies, and Persians.  I guess she loved hair.  I've usually had a setter or two.  My first dog when we got married was a Red Irish Setter, Fallowfields Wendover Impromptu (Casey) who was Canadian bred from the English Wendover strain.  Quite a famous line in the setter business.

When we decided that Casey would like a companion, we found a breeder in central Ontario, and came home with WindyLane Whiskey's Paddy (Paddy).  Paddy was a very blocky setter compared to Casey, who was more like the dogs in the Disney movie Big Red.  We snuck over to Hillsburgh one afternoon while out son was at school, and picked him up later from his band practice with the pup in the car.  It was a fine surprise.  Alas, Paddy was poisoned by the neighborhood dog poisoner, and while he recovered, he died of a raging liver cancer two years later at age four.  Neither the police nor the CSPCA were able to catch the poisoner, who continued his dastardly deeds.  He got a neighbours' Great Dane with rotenone, and the poor guy bled to death internally.  He also poisoned Drufus, the St. Bernard across the street.  He survived but became not only vicious, but treacherous (actually insane, I think).  He eventually had to be put down.

After the shock of losing Paddy, we decided to try a smaller dog.  So we contacted a breeder in Parry Sound, and one very nasty, ice stormy winter day we went up and got Heartscontent Fire and Ice (Duffy).  Duffy was a love sponge, and we had a great deal of fun with him and Casey.  He was a tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel boy of the field strain.

If you are a dog owner, you know dogs are good at hiding the fact that they are ill.  Casey did a good job on us, and we didn't know that he was in poor shape until we noticed he was having a hard time defecating.  We rushed him to the vet, and X-rays showed several masses on his heart, spleen and liver.  I signed a euthanasia order and went outside and wept.  Casey was 11 years old.

After a while, we felt that Duffy would do better if he had a companion, but we felt that maybe we should try another breed, so we hunted around and found a breeder in Cardinal Ontario.  We took an entire weekend and headed down to the seaway to pick up Geordie (never got his papers).  Geordie was, nevertheless, a pure bred Gordon Setter.  Gordon's are black and tan, and fairly heavy set.  We brought up this puppy with great hopes until one day he had a seizure.  It didn't last long and he recovered, but we were concerned.  Soon he was walking around the house with the lights on, but nobody was home.  He would collapse into seizures, then recover and be normal for a while, but we knew it was real trouble, so we took him into the vet.  He was diagnosed with a congenital brain stem problem that would only get worse, so it was euthan order time again.  I nearly had a breakdown in the vet's office.

So it was that we had Duffy for a while.  Then we were surfing the net one day and found Caniscaeli (Dog of Heaven).  We contacted them, and found that they had two male pups available, so we scooted over to Mitchell Ontario, and picked up Caniscaeli Fantasy Impromptu (Andrew, Andy).  We now had Duffy and Andy, when we moved to south western Ontario from Wasaga Beach.  About a year later my wife passed away, leaving me with a big place, three pure bred cats and both dogs. 

Three months later, Duffy passed away of liver failure.  I held him when we put him to sleep.  There was not a dry eye in the place.  I wanted to have two dogs, as that is what I was used to, so I called Caniscaeli and asked if they had any retirees that I might foster for expenses (I can't afford a pure bred dog).  Luckily, they had just got the news that they couldn't breed their latest hope because of a defective gene.  So I acquired custody of Caniscaeli Twilight Time (Twyla) in the fall of 2009.

I had struggled along, comforted by my companions for three years, but it was obvious I couldn't carry the place.  I secured a senior's apartment where I am now, and returned my two Irish Red and White Setters to the breeder, Caniscaeli.  They quickly placed the two dogs together with some people in Cleveland, OH.  I have pictures of them after they arrived and they seem quite content and happy.

I am not a cat person.  In fact, I think I am slightly allergic to them.  I disposed of my wife's cats through the Pet Rescue organization who placed them in good homes.  I got to meet the adopting parents.

So, yes, I have had pets, and probably will have a small dog again, soon.

EDIT; Barbarossa, that is a beautiful snake.  We don't have such colourful guys around here.  Just garter snakes, hog-nosed snakes, and Massassaugua rattlers.

[Sniper296 83]

Here is my dog Konn a collie/springer spaniel cross, he is about 13 now, we got him from a rescue center, and he is blind in his left eye.

[Duke87 1,070]

Simple answer: no.

I don't mind and can even enjoy if I'm over at someone's house and they have a cat or dog. But I wouldn't want one in my house, nor would I want the bother of having to take care of one.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Sniper, that is a pretty dog.  You are luck to have him.

Duke87:  Your choice for now.  You will probably change as you get older.

[joshriddle 29]

Originally posted by: A Nonny Moose

Duke87:  Your choice for now.  You will probably change as you get older.

quote>

You will, don't worry. Dog is definately man's best friend.

Sniper, very pretty dog!

[Duke87 1,070]

I'm curious as to what exactly makes you guys think that I'll change my mind about wanting pets in the house as I get older. It seems to me that indications point to the opposite happening.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Duke87:  Well, its like this.  When I was a kid, my father had a dog for a short time, and I didn't like him.  Forty years later, I got married and my wife had a cat.  The cat was OK, but it stirred something in me that wanted more from a domestic animal than you get from a cat.  So we got our first dog.

Dogs don't want much.  A little TLC, food, training, a place to sleep, a place to play (outside, one hopes).  In return you get unquestioning, unswerving love and admiration.  Its good for your ego, and if you have one, good for your soul.

"Happiness is a warm puppy" - Walt Kelly

Here are seven happinesses that I have on my desktop.

[joshriddle 29]

Originally posted by: Duke87

I'm curious as to what exactly makes you guys think that I'll change my mind about wanting pets in the house as I get older. It seems to me that indications point to the opposite happening.quote>

You will want one. Believe me. I used to be scared half to death of dogs, then I saw my aunt's dog (as good natured as Ginger). Two months later Ginger moved in. Who wouldn't want a domesticated furry animal, loyal, and loving, sleeping by you at night?

I put that picture of Ginger up on my desktop.

Dogs are one of my passions.

Originally posted by: A Nonny Moose

Dogs don't want much.  A little TLC, food, training, a place to sleep...

quote>

The Learning Channel? You have got to be kidding me. You don't even "learn" anything there anyway.

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: A Nonny Moose

Well, its like this.  When I was a kid, my father had a dog for a short time, and I didn't like him.  Forty years later, I got married and my wife had a cat.  The cat was OK, but it stirred something in me that wanted more from a domestic animal than you get from a cat.  So we got our first dog.quote>

Well, see, there's the difference between us. Your father had a dog, and presumably was quite find of it. My father hates the idea of having animals in the house even more than I do...

Dogs don't want much.  A little TLC, food, training, a place to sleep, a place to play (outside, one hopes).  In return you get unquestioning, unswerving love and admiration.  Its good for your ego, and if you have one, good for your soul.quote>

Dogs are not as advanced lifeforms as we are. Saying they "love" you is inappropriately personifying them. They're just animals, they're not capable of love. What people misinterpret as love from dogs is really just loyalty to and obedience of the most powerful figure in their lives. A dog owner is just effectively the alpha male. Note how they don't listen to you and don't respect you if you don't assert your authority.

Originally posted by: joshriddle

Who wouldn't want a domesticated furry animal, loyal, and loving, sleeping by you at night?quote>

I think that's kind of disgusting and a little creepy, actually.

Dog fur and slobber all over everything in my room? Blech. And having something sleeping in my room with me? *shudder*

The Learning Channel? You have got to be kidding me. You don't even "learn" anything there anyway.quote>

"TLC" in this case stands for "Tender Love and Care".

[joshriddle 29]

Well, you don't know what you're missing. Thing is about pets is you have to pick up their poop (outside of course) feed them, bathe them, and then if they throw up, clean that up, (before they do ). It's worth every second of it though.

Oh and they use the term "TLC" for Tender Love and care, The learning Channel, and Tender Loving Caltrate. I knew what A Nonny Moose meant when he said TLC, I was just making a bad joke.

I might be able to sneak a new picture of Ginger here. (a better quality one at that).

EDIT: Here we go. I Gimped her a little bit as well

That stuff underneath her nose that looks like a scab, is actually mud. I wanted to say that before I made anyone freak out.

What Pet do you have? (Total Votes: 11)

Dog		2 votes	18.18 (%)
Cat		1 votes	9.09 (%)
Fish		1 votes	9.09 (%)
Rabbit/Guniea Pig		1 votes	9.09 (%)
Horses or other farm/ranch animals		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Other (please state in reply)		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Have no pets		6 votes	54.55 (%)

[IssacOzzman 179]

This is Doc and Mello. I have had them from birth they are about 3 years old now.

[joshriddle 29]

I thought dogs were more popular these days.

What Pet do you have? (Total Votes: 14)

Dog		2 votes	14.29 (%)
Cat		4 votes	28.57 (%)
Fish		1 votes	7.14 (%)
Rabbit/Guniea Pig		1 votes	7.14 (%)
Horses or other farm/ranch animals		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Other (please state in reply)		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Have no pets		6 votes	42.86 (%)

[Sam 163]

Originally posted by: Duke87

[

Dogs are not as advanced lifeforms as we are. Saying they "love" you is inappropriately personifying them. They're just animals, they're not capable of love. What people misinterpret as love from dogs is really just loyalty to and obedience of the most powerful figure in their lives. A dog owner is just effectively the alpha male. Note how they don't listen to you and don't respect you if you don't assert your authority.

quote>

Doesn't work for cats. Thousands of years ago humans worshipped cats as gods. The cats have never forgotten. ( - forgot where that saying comes from)

I don't believe that animals are incapable of love (at least not cats and dogs). They are just as "advanced" as we are, they have trod a path the same length as humans, just in a slightly different direction towards the very end in some respects. But the basis for emotions and love as we have is in them too.  

[un1 41]

Mah doggeh.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: Duke87

Dogs are not as advanced lifeforms as we are. Saying they "love" you is inappropriately personifying them. They're just animals, they're not capable of love. What people misinterpret as love from dogs is really just loyalty to and obedience of the most powerful figure in their lives. A dog owner is just effectively the alpha male. Note how they don't listen to you and don't respect you if you don't assert your authority.

quote>

Yes, I am aware of all that.  You don't need to rub it in.  What a lonely and deprived existence  you must currently be living if you can't put aside your rationality for a while to enjoy the life around you.  I suppose you support the activities of PETA, too.

un1:  That is a pretty terrier.  Jack Russell?  Doesn't seem to be stocky enough, so perhaps a Rat Terrier?

"Love" from pets is a matter of perception.  When a dog looks at you with melting eyes, is he really only looking at the pack alpha?  There is no question that people own dogs.  Dogs are the No. 1 parasite on the human race, and we developed them ourselves.  I wouldn't suggest trying to pet a wolf who shares 100% of its genes with dogs.  We keep dogs in a kind of suspended puppy-hood.  If we ever did not do that, we would have a common wolf.

Cats, on the other hand, own you.  Cats have been enslaving the human race since before the ancient Egyptians.  Look what they get for a small amount of "affection":  Food, shelter, the occasional toy, petting, and freedom to do whatever they damn please.  Some cats are very affectionate, but some of us, too are insane.  And, of course, their ancestors would rather eat your hand than eat out of it.

[joshriddle 29]

@ un1

How cute! I love the chocolate brown color on his/her back. What a darling!

[Barbarossa 51]

.

  Edited September 8, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: Barbarossa

Originally posted by: A Nonny Moose

un1:  That is a pretty terrier.  Jack Russell?  Doesn't seem to be stocky enough, so perhaps a Rat Terrier?quote>

It's a whippet, man!

Barbarossa

quote>

Really?  I thought they were bigger.

[joshriddle 29]

The eyes don't resemble one of a Jack Russell from what I remember. But I like the long snout (we call Ginger's snout her snoot.)

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: A Nonny Moose

I suppose you support the activities of PETA, too.quote>

Au contraire. I happen to consider the concept of "animal rights" to be utterly asinine.

"Love" from pets is a matter of perception.quote>

Love is not a matter of perception. Something/someone either loves you or they don't.

There is no question that people own dogs. {...} Cats, on the other hand, own you.quote>

Or, like they say...

Dogs think "these people are feeding and caring for me, they must be gods!"

Cats think "these people are feeding and caring for me, I must be god!"

[joshriddle 29]

That is why I prefer dogs over cats.

[un1 41]

Originally posted by: Barbarossa

It's a whippet, man!

Barbarossa

quote>

Nice job , not many guess correctly. Most usually call him a greyhound (For anyone who doesnt know the difference, greyhounds are bigger long distance runners while whippets are fast, smaller and cant run for as long).

[Dizastrow 4]

I have a long haired miniature dachsund.  Saffron!

[joshriddle 29]

@ un1: I didn't know what breed of dog yours was at first. I've never heard of the whippets though.

Dog		7 votes	36.84 (%)
Cat		4 votes	21.05 (%)
Fish		1 votes	5.26 (%)
Rabbit/Guniea Pig		1 votes	5.26 (%)
Horses or other farm/ranch animals		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Other (please state in reply)		0 votes	0.00 (%)
Have no pets		6 votes	31.58 (%)

[Barbarossa 51]

.

  Edited September 8, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: Duke87

Dogs think "these people are feeding and caring for me, they must be gods!"

Cats think "these people are feeding and caring for me, I must be god!"

quote>

True and more than true.  The best laugh I've had all week, but what that anthropomophising.  It has never been shown that either dogs or cats cognate.  On the other hand, Dr. Stanley Coren would give you a good argument for dogs.  He has written several books on the subject.

About breed recognition.  I've never been in the physical presence of a whippet, but I have seen grey hounds, even talked to a few.  My experience with dogs, while not limited there, is mostly with CKC group I (hunting dogs) of which I have owned five, four setters and a spaniel.  I have had neighbors and friends with everything in that group including a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, several goldens, and many labs of all colurs.  I think if you have handled a dog, you can usually recognize a member of its group very quickly.

I am thinking of a companion that would survive in my small place and that could be raised and looked after by a rather disabled senior.  I wonder if a whippet is a possibility?  I am not inactive, just limited.

I am also considering a block strain Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Shih-Tzu, or just a small rescue dog who needs TLC.  (Tender Loving Care, by the way).

[Barbarossa 51]

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  Edited September 9, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

A reasonable recommendation.  I like to have a good door-bark around.  But this is a senior's building so one of the small yappers is not a great idea.  Someone around here has one, I don't think in the building, and it drives me nuts around supper time.  I have yet to see this dog, but they seem to walk it on the back street that I face.

The super's springer, Sasha, is just about as quiet a dog as you could ever want.  She is also smaller than most springers I have known, but thinking about it, the others were all male.

With a long haired dog like Sasha, or a CKCS, you need to keep them in short clip or you would never be able to handle all the hair on the rugs.  On the other hand, something like a short-haired Daschund would also work.