Ground Rules for Pet and Human Cohabitation **Open Thread**

I just have to add: They unlike the two legged offspring are always happy to greet you when ever you return home, even if you just ran down to get the mail at the end of the driveway.

I just have to add: They, unlike the two legged offspring are always happy to greet you when ever you return home, even if you just ran down to get the mail at the end of the driveway.

How true this is, lmao. I have two Great Danes and two teacup chihuahuas who let me live with them. When we invite people to our home, we tell them if they don’t like dogs don’t bother coming; the dogs rule the roost.

Thanks for the laugh!

Ain`t that the truth!!

Cute!

BTW, might we have some sort of article/thread about the health care vote?

What a cute article. Here are some adorable facts:

According to two New Zealand researchers, Robert and Brenda Vale of Victoria University of Wellington, our beloved pets leave twice the carbon footprint of a Toyota Land Cruiser. The three cats at home? Each of them mucks up the environment about as much as a compact car. The conclusion the two drew is clear in the title of their new book, Time To Eat the Dog.

They based their conclusions on the ecological impact of the food pets consume. To grow the meat and grain needed for a dog’s diet leaves a carbon footprint of 2.7 acres. A large dog, they estimated, gobbles up around a pound of meat a day as well as over half a pound of grain.

Adorable.

Generally, I find that people who are not moved by animals in some good way are boring or lacking in some way that is unattractive, and thus I have no desire to know these people more than I must.

I have a gray tabby, a stray I found when he was very young, and we just celebrated our 7th. He is not a remarkable cat and is often a PITA as I have to let him in and out all nite long, but I would never part with him, nevertheless.

I now regret taking him home, and not to the Humane Society, because I know that he will outlive me and I am now consumed by what will happen to him when I’m gone. My will is made out to the HS with a request that they do not put Nigel to sleep, that they place him.

Ha! that was perfect. We have cats and dogs, nobody can get through the door without an escort. My very favorite dog found us.

I am not allowed to leave my home without returning to severe scoldings.

These scoldings consists of high pitched whines, plaintive barks, demands to know where I’ve been, why I was gone so long, and indignant feline stares.

All of this is usually followed by petting, ear scratching, and profuse apologies.

Sigh.

don’t need to read this crap. go somewhere else.

Now, now Elder Jane. Play nice.

…even coming from the mailbox–LOL! This is probably my favorite thing about them–their inexhaustible devotion! Everyone enjoys feeling loved

Thanks for the laughs, Linda!

Roxrocks: I can imagine the picture of those 4 opposite/extremes. I’ve owned Great Danes for over 50 years and at times I’ve had 3 of them trying to sleep on my bed. One of them insists on sleeping next to me with his body extended along the pillow. He’s comfy, though, so I guess it’s all right.
I identify with the description of how they take over the bed, the bathroom, hallways, etc. I once went to a doctor for a routine exam and when he saw the bruises on my body he timidly asked if everything was all right at home. It was just the result of the dogs trying to beat me to answer the door. I usually lose.

As long as you’re seemingly judging a dog or cat by its carbon footprint, just how large is yours, robert? hmmm?

Hi Robert,
Nice to see such a pet lover on this site.

You fail to mention that pets have been shown to lower our blood pressure, lift nursing home residents out of depression, enable many convicts to reconnect with a caring part of themselves and give comfort to many living along.

It seems to me that if you are so interested in ‘saving the planet’, there might just be one or two other, small steps society could take in that direction. But nevermind, let’s just take the word of two NZ scientists and oh, by all means, let’s buy their book!

Thank you Ferd. Well put!

EJ: Did somebody get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? May I suggest getting a cat?

My wife. Katmoon and I rescued all but one of the eleven cats we have and two of the three dogs. Is it a lot of work? Yes. Should everyone do this? No. Are they demanding and “judgmental”? Oh yes. (Thanks for reminding me, candymarl!) And just where WERE you last night? But we are also the beneficiaries of lot of unconditional love and they certainly keep us young. Since the kids are all now off living their own lives, our immediate family is our pets.

We have been doing this so long and they seem to live so long with us (they range in age from 6 to 17 years old, with the eldest being the Queen siamese) that we will probably not replace them (we, too, worry about what would happen to any pets left behind). Understanding that little fact makes us spoil them even more. We also take comfort in the belief that there will be a lot of friendly faces awaiting us when it is our turn.

Since this is an open thread, I would like to ask Larry if any more information has come out about the other suspects in the Fort Hood shootings: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/05/texas.fort.hood.witnesses/

In this clip, the Lt. Gen. says TWO more suspects were chased and caught: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDI8vmO8uPM

Also, the questions 1) Why did the Lt. Gen. say a shooter was killed (he emphasized it, twice) and then hours later we find out he’s alive–is it that hard to figure out if someone is dead? and 2) How can one guy supposedly shoot 40 people before being stopped?

Are we going to get more information about these details? Thank you.

I laughed outloud at the NASCAR comment about the stairs. Nina has trained me to let her go first. The second time we collided on the stairs and I ended up the loser to a 65 pound, healthy, happy, exuberant, loving, cheerful, beautiful, special, protective and adored rescue poodle, I learned my lesson. Who says you can’t teach an old dog a new trick? : ) This was much needed and a joy. Sending it along to all of those lucky enough to love an animal!

: )

You’re most welcome, elizabethrc.

I often wonder if dogs think it’s a three human night ….

Something stinks here Sonic.

LMAO. I often wonder if they think we’re two-legged dogs or that they’re four-legged humans.

Ferd Thank God you and Kat aren’t cheeto lovers, those 11 cats would be covered in cheeto dust!

Good Morning

Morning, PK. LOL–No cheetos allowed in this house. Actually, they all seem to like saltine crackers, whatever that means. And don’t get me started on the cats, who seem to take delight in walking on my keyboard while I’m typing, having a particular love for the “enter” key.

What a cute article Linda.
It seems the author may have encountered my granddoggie! She is a little snauzer.
My biggest laughs come from memories of our departed bassetts!

Time To Eat the Dog.

Why, that would be cannibalism.

Ferd, love your comment. And so now the “carbon footprint” is the latest evil genie to escape from the bottle, and we’re going to blame it on dogs and cats? Is it time to tax our pets under “cap and trade”? Or just eat them . . . I see . . .

Linda Anselmi, this is a charming article.

IF you don’t have a pet (imho) you are either too busy (which is not healthy) or too selfish to share your life with anyone (or thing) so who needs YOU when the hurricane comes?
You’ll be running to save your OWN butt pushing little old ladies and babies out of the way as you go. proceed.

Oh, Linda, thanks so much for the early-morning smile.

Someone should write rules for dogs in boats. I have a little skiff and a Standard Poodle. The two are not compatible in any way. Sasha has no concept of trim, ricocheting constantly port and starboard and destroying any balance I had in the boat.

When those rules get written they should include one on fishing, to the effect that if you go tearing around the boat the minute the bobber bounces your human will never catch the fish.

And another: “Snapping at the worm will get you a hook in the chops.”

I’d leave her home but the guilt trip I get when I return isn’t worth it.

Wish I could write about cats but for the first time in my life I’m catless, our last having died a few months ago. I’ve been trying to find a Norwegian Forest Cat but getting no replies to e-mail inquiries to breeders. In the meantime, the dog is the equivalent of five pets.

I fear it may be a severe case of PC…God forbid.

Some people just don’t get it, huh oowawa? It would appear that robert is now in the doghouse, as it were.

Tillthen, the years that you and Nigel spend together make the world a special place. If you had it to do all over again, would you? Sure you would. If Nigel had it to do all over again, would he? Sure he would. You are two very fortunate beings to have found each other. Your note and bequest to the Humane Society touches my heart.

adopting a kitty is really a great thing to do as well

Eleven cats, Ferd? That reminds me of something I’ve been meaning to do: go down to the animal shelter and get nine more. And three dogs? Well, you and Katmoon are now ready for those cold winter Tennessee 11-cat 3-dog nights. Stay cozy, and carbon footprint be damned!

Time To Eat the Dog.

Why, that would be cannibalism.

It would be Oowawa, horrible.

Two of our cats who frequent the internet, fainted upon reading that post.

Well, you and Katmoon are now ready for those cold winter Tennessee 11-cat 3-dog nights.

The cats, being the universal heat-seekers they are, have made OUR bed THEIRS. In addition, they get a bit grumpy when we disturb them–you know, turning over, getting up, etc. The alpha male gets quite vocal about it, too.

Or your son is severely allergic to dogs and cats. The dog I rescued from the pound had to go live with my mom (we get visitation rights since she only lives 10 minutes away).

see even people with ALLERGIES want pets!! I know many that take shots just so they can keep their beloved furry friends. (I would if it were possible)

oh thank you so much for the laughs; you put it all just like it is but I still love my kitties forever

Linda A,

Thanks for this post right at a time when I needed to be reminded that I am not alone in the world. I have always been a sort of mystery for my large extended family, most of whom would not think of allowing a dog or cat inside the home. I couldn’t bear NOT to allow them in with me.

The first command in the Bible, as far as I am concerned, is the command to Adam to have “dominion” over the animals. Now many people take that to mean that they can be tyrants. I take it to mean that, as God is for us, we should be for the animals. My God is extremely loving and forgiving. That is what I strive to be for my animals. In return, they are far more loving and forgiving to me.

We are in the holiday season, and I am always the one who can never have the get togethers at my house because no one wants to come into a home with “dirty” animals. It makes me sad, but I know I can’t change.

If we ALL took our command to care for the animals properly, we wouldn’t have this divide. There would be only enough animals in the world to make this a true paradise, where we all lived as is promised in Isaiah and other passages: The lion would lie down with the lamb.

The biggest carbon “foot print” comes from those animals whose lives have been dimished by being born only to be slaughtered for mankind’s stupid over consumption of flesh.

I bet robert above is a major flesh eater. In any case, I’m going to leave now to go upstairs to start my day’s work. I’ll negotiate the stairs on my ten legs (since my two rescued dogs will be velcroed [sp?]) to my side) and with the eight paws of two of my cats following.

Thanks, again, Linda and the others here on this site like me–I did really need to have this post today.

EJ should take her own advice. If she dislikes articles like this she should go elsewhere. That is elementary net etiquette.

Since I rather doubt that feral animals have any less of a Carbon Footprint(tm) than pets, are the New Zealand “researchers” suggesting that we hunt down and kill all of the dogs and cats everywhere? (Hint: that would be a losing proposition.)

I think saying he was dead was intentional. If they thought there were more shooters, then the authorities might want the others to think he was dead making them less cautious. Also, they might not want the general public (or known associates who participated in the killing) to know he was alive as they transported him to a civilian hospital for safety or security reasons for both Hasan and military transporters.

Secondly, I think there was so much confusion at the beginning that anyone slightly suspicious was detained. After interviews with the people and on scene witnesses, they were released since they were found not to be involved. Maybe they were not giving assistance so were suspicious OR they had weapons they drew to defend themselves and therefore were detained. Bases have policies against carrying weapons on yourself or in your vehicles and maybe these two or three violated that policy. I don’t read too much into it as if there’s a big conspiracy.

Lastly, I heard from an onsite witness, the processing center was packed with people. They put it like it was like shooting fish in a barrell. The Major had a semi-automatic weapon and the people in the center had no weapons to defend themselves. And like any place when something like that happens and people rush for the exits, they bunch up there making it easier easier to hit a group with rapid gunfire.

I like cats much more than dogs but like kids more than any pet. Though kids are certainly a lot more hassle. I was very sad when I lost both my cats and two beloved goldfish after many years in my care so it’s not like I’ve never had a pet in my adult life. Even so, I’m not really interested in another pet.

I think it’s unfair to say that those who are not big animals lovers or choose not to share their home with a pet are selfish or uncaring. I would never tell a woman she’s selfish for not being a mother or her life is incomplete unless she has a child so why would I think it’s be ok to tell another person they are that way for not having a pet?

I have one child and that was the perfect number for me though society acts like only having one child is strange. Tough shit, like I care what they think. I know my limits and UNLESS I have the temperment, interest and financial means in properly raising, disciplining, loving, and caring for either a child or a pet, then I should not bring either into my life. And I should not have more than I can handle or raise well. That is my idea of being a loving and responsible person towards other living things in this world.

I do believe robert was just another troll looking to get a rise out of us. I rather wish they would go play in the street to amuse themselves.

You have a right to live your life the way you want and there is nothing strange about the way you want to live it. I have lots of pets, but I wouldn’t recommend this sort of life unless one is willing to put in the time. No need to apologize for anything, tango.

Ferd

I used to live in South Orange, NJ. They had an ordinance that a household could own 16 legs!!! You can imagine how tempted I was to buy 8 chickens!

You can imagine how tempted I was to buy 8 chickens!

ROFL. That would meet the criterion. I suppose I’d just have to teach my animals how to stand in that case.

And also – even coming from the laundry room.

Well, I don’t know, but methinks Elder Jane was responding to a previous comment and not the main article and did not nest her comment behind the appropriate comment. I will assume that.

But how can eyewitnesses at the moment of the event be wrong?

And why have we not had interviews with all the witnesses? They are military, I know…. Are they being ‘debriefed’–with what story–it just all seems fishy.

How many rounds does a semi automatic fire before needing reloading? And how many people had multiple wounds. How many bullets hit walls, floor, etc–

We are not getting any information, really.

And don’t forget those selfless dogs who devote their lives to helping the blind, the deaf, and those with epilepsy to function in society. I don’t know of another creation who more fully “earns” that carbon footprint.

My cats also have replaced the need for an electric blanket on cold NH nights, thus saving electricity.

Aw, so sweet! I have a Nigel, too. He’s a tuxedo cat who’s also a rescue. A car pulled up in our neighborhood when he was about 6 months old and dumped him. He’s been with us ever since and he’s 12 now.

You have a great heart, tillthen! I wish you and Nigel good health for a long time!

He’s a tuxedo cat who’s also a rescue.

Tuxedo cat–ROFL. There’s just something about a well-dressed cat, huh?

I hope you’re referring to Robert and not the rest of us. A thread devoted to the wonderful fursons in our families is a welcome respite to the other weighty topics.

Sometimes a little humor is a big healer.

Thank you, Linda!

ferd, our cats sleep with us, but it’s our cairn terrorist who rules the bed. He’s only 15 lbs., so he’s decided the best place to sleep is curled up between our pillows with his head on my husband’s pillow. He’s actually growled at us once or twice if we happen to turn over and disturb his rest.

LMAO–I’ll just bet he’s a real tempest in a teapot. There’s a great Cairn terrier next door with one floppy ear who always let’s us know who’s boss when we’re outside.

Drat–illiterate apostrophe. That should read “lets”.

Cocker’s and Russel terrier’s make their own rules.
Dalmatians abide with your rules while your present, Chow/Alaskan Husky mixes are barely civilized and do not understand rules.
From one who knows!
2/Cockers, 1/Russel, 1/Dal and 1/Chow-Husky mix.

Bobby boy YOUR carbon footprint is larger due to the carbon dioxide you exhale each post.
Please pay the Green jizyah tax and STHU let dog people do the dog thang.

creeper — I adopted a NF cat last year from the SPCA. She is 11 now and had been there for a year because most people don’t want to adopt an older pet. She’s a total joy, sweet and very well-behaved. The only problem is the fur balls from her long fur, but it goes with the territory. We just keep a supply of Petromalt and a good brush.

If you have to have a kitten, you’ll find lists of breeders in the back of Cat Fancy mag. Good luck!

I understand the chow mixes. We have a chow/shar pei mix. She’s one bossy busy-body of a dog (imagine scrappy-doo) that always inserts herself between whatever two cats might be fighting. I always have a rag handy to wipe her nose when the cats let her know to mind her own business. That being said, we once had three cats get outside and she rounded them up, good little cat-herder she is.

I pity those who will never know the joy that pet companions can bestow on anyone lucky enough to share their lives.

The reason I know our pets go to heaven is that it would not be heaven without them.

The shooters FN-5.7 holds a twenty round magazine and is very controllable in rapid fire due to it’s 5.7 x 28 mm cartridge.

AMEN

Oh, he is. The funny thing is my husband wasn’t allowed to have pets when he was growing up because his mother thought all animals were dirty. He was against getting a dog at first, but now loves this little guy so much that Robbie is allowed to do whatever he wants. Of course any dog lover could’ve predicted that outcome.

Well, he’s got that black jacket, white shirt thing going on. So since he looks like a butler, we had to give him a proper British name. I subsequently learned from an English friend that Nigel is a “thug” name, but my boy is a gentleman. His ginger brother though, totally owns the name Scruffy MacDuff.

*one blue eyed calico, *one tuxedo rescue kitty, *two adoption “faux” siamese (mama was a gray tabby who left them at three weeks after having them in our front yard bushes)

Needless to say, no one has been in the bathrooms alone since 1999.

It is really bad when you have to wait for the cat to finish using the toilet. We have one little guy(Grifaggio, secret purse designer-likes to sleep in them) who insists on using the toilet, no one trained him, just his thing. First time it happened Ferd was taken quite by surprise finding our four legger in line ahead of him.

A butler–ROFLMAO. I’ll just bet, though, that in reality the positions are actually switched and he’s the one who gets served. I know if the cat’s food dishes aren’t at least 3/4 full around here after feline inspection, I get rudely awakened in the middle of the night from several cats in unison, one of whom, Yogi, likes to bite my nose.

dude YOU said it

Tough shit, like I care what they think. I know my limits and UNLESS I have the temperment, interest and financial means in properly raising, disciplining, loving, and caring for either a child or a pet, then I should not bring either into my life. And I should not have more than I can handle or raise well.

you fit nicely in to one of my categories – and I never said everyone MUST adopt many pets and have many kids! I only have ONE child myself. It’s all opinion anyway and besides you don’t give a shit. what EVA

I remember my grandmother told me the animals were the angels watching over us when I was a little girl and how we must always treat them as such. She was a great animal lover in her time.

awwww

What is that anyway? Cats are *so* nosy.

That was what I thought too.

I’m certainly not judging. I support all efforts to protect the pets we have and to do our best to prevent the proliferation of unwanted pets. Many are unaware of the disastrous effects of pet ownership on our environment–a cause many on the left have taken up–without looking in their own back yards.

Then you should have been more clear and mentioned unwanted pets rather than taking on the entire system of pet ownership. You’ll find on this blog that the majority are responsible pet “owners” who love their four-legged family, me included.

As for the book Time to Eat the Dog, , I think I’ll take a pass.

our pets give unconditional love.
something that is hard to come by from humans

Cat-herder, or miracle-worker?

For the Open Thread Portion:

Fort Hood:
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 13:00 on Tuesday, 10 Nov. The gates will open at 10am and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The ceremony is open to the public and no RSVP is required. All attendees will go through airport like security and are asked to bring minimal personal items. Prohibited items include: bags, firearms, sharp objects, umbrellas, strollers, liquids, and signs. Cameras are allowed

Gee, I wonder how big of a cabon footprint my horse leaves.

Gee, I wonder how big of a carbon footprint my horse leaves.

Writing this while our ‘Master’ is busy doing laundry……You all should be ashamed. We have every right to spread out, lick you, and expect our feet to be tickled whenever we wish. After all we use a ‘bathroom’ like you do…your dogs don’t…they crap wherever they have room to squat.

If you don’t enjoy tails in your face get yourself a bobtail or two…you call them ‘Manx’ cats because we’re originally from the isle of Mann…wherever the hell that is. And we’re not as snotty as most cats and certainly not as dirty as your dog. In addition, we love to be up in your face…after all you have an inherent need to pet something….might as well be us.

As for the food….get over it…you put it on a plate and lay it out…you don’t put a cat guard over it or the lid off a pan ….we figure…what the hell!!! BTW…we especially like to clean up your plate after steak and eggs, but just about anything will do.

when you leave your socks around, they look like kittens and we like to make sure kittens are all grouped together where we can watch them…that’s why we take them out of your closet laundry dumping ground and group them in the living room together. Note…we keep them together unlike you, you effing slob!

So take your little comments and suggestions and put them in your little crinkled up litter box….you bore us with your complaints. Just give us a rub now and again..note, no hand stink like when you pet your dog…so there, you ungrateful pieces of ……

signed: Bob…the mama manx (short for bobtail)…and Trigger (baby)..the daughter cat of Bob, who paws at the master’s arm with her paw incessantly until he scratches her feet or ears.

When I was a kid I had a large paper route with a Great Dane at one house. The yard was gated and the dog was always up front. The owner wanted her paper between the front doors, meaning I had to open the gate w/out letting the dog out then spend 10 minutes maneuvering my way to the door. The dog had a little playfulness and a little protectiveness. At times it involved some full body contact and getting chewed. While I haven’t met an animal I didn’t love, with 40 more stops, that big guy was a bit of a pain in @$$.

Wow!!! Not cleaning a litter box would be awesome! Does he flush too?

13 good Americans lose their lives in Texas and Robert is still breathing. Makes you question karma …. and I mean that in the nicest possible way : )

I just watched “Nights of Rodanthe” with Diane Lane and Richard Gere. Its not a guy movie, but it brought this gay guy to the edge of tears. The last scene was breath taking: a herd of wild horses on the outer banks of North Carolina go rumbling by. The scene is tremendous, and Diane Lane, a remarkable actress, makes it all very worth while.

I believe you must be reporting from inside my home because this
messsage describes quite accurately the actions and attitudes of
the small fury creatures here. every time the race down the stairs
happens, and a tangling of fur and human flesh results, I find myself
singing Led Zepplin….’Trampled Under Foot.”