Pets are good therapy

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    Sophie has a new favorite spot - between the keyboard and the screen, so I get to type around her!  It should be really clear who runs this household.  I will remove her after a few pets and she meows with a note of disdain.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    Sophie has a new favorite spot - between the keyboard and the screen, so I get to type around her!  It should be really clear who runs this household.  I will remove her after a few pets and she meows with a note of disdain.  Marybe, I also always sport white cathair, I'm not buying many black things anymore.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    Had some friends in for fondue tonight and while one of the guests has gone to the bathroom, Brattie took his place at the table.
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    Brattie didn't want you to be a guest short.  They can really make you laugh, he's looking at the camera like he can't understand why this is amusing.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    I was very tired last night so just let the already asleep three sleep with me....cozy. 
  • Gingerbrew
    Gingerbrew Member Posts: 2,859
    edited February 2011

    I love my doggie. I have had pets all my life from birds, to dogs, cats, tiny frogs, black mollies, guppies, a white duck, all mine, add in my kids and the numbers increase.HA HA I meant my children's pets. Not that my children were the pets!

    I have been expecting a new puppy in March but it seems the breeding didn't take so I may be looking at June. I do support and personally do pet rescues but this particular time it will be a new puppy. I was disappointed but maybe a little extra time after rads will be a good thing.

    Looking forward to reading everyones pet stories. They give me such a lift. 

  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited February 2011

    I just found this site so am adding a story about my dogs. First of all I agree with everyone when they say our pets know when something is wrong. They become very quiet and watch me constantly (especially when I'm cryin) A month ago I had to put my darling 9 year old pit bull to sleep due to a horrible muscle-wasting disease. The other dogs knew something wasn't right and they have been subdued ever since, but are slowly coming out of it. During this time I was also waiting to be scheduled for a lumpectomy so was very stressed about that too. The dogs were wonderful. Even the one who is full of energy calmed down completely.  And the day of the surgery they very carefully sniffed me and then laid down next to me.

    I hope to figure out how do send pictures.  Thanks to all of you for all your pet stories. 

     PS As I used to volunteer at an animal shelter, my pets are rescues and I'm so grateful they share my life..

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    srbcsurvivor.....put your pics in photobucket which you can do at no cost and then you can post them on this board...there is also another one some of the women us, but photobucket works for me. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    I swear the cat thinks he is a dog.  Our dogs have no manners, but I have taught them to wait their turn when I am handing out the treats and they will sit there and wait until I say their name and then it is that one's turn....So I am going Brattie......Hope......Harley....and while I am doing this ol George, the cat comes slinking along the counter top and sits right there on the ledge waiting HIS turn.  When I am doing this is about the only time Harley is not jumping up trying to get at the cat....they know that if they don't sit there and wait a turn, they aren't going to get anything.  LOL.  I love these guys and get such a kick out of them. 

  • chabba
    chabba Member Posts: 5,065
    edited February 2011

    When we had our  last dog there were a couple of very nice dogs that ran free most days. They got to be friends when we walked our dog.  One day they came up on the deck and talked to Poo through the window.  and he invited them.  Went to the door and asked for us to open it.  When I did he stood in it till they came in, then ran to the kitchen and stood under his treat jar.  I gave them one and he ran to the door to tell me to let them out.  His own idea, definately not learned behavior!

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited February 2011

    I'm enjoying all these pet tales (or is it tails?). I'm also finding them a comfort since my sweet cat Madeline died Wednesday night. She was our cat for 17 years. I watched her being born (her mother ws our cat) and sat with her while she died. I already miss her so much.

    Leah

  • SeasideMemories
    SeasideMemories Member Posts: 3,194
    edited February 2011

    Leah_S,

    I am so sorry to hear about your cat, Madeline.  Once our pets enter our lives they become like family and it really is so hard when they die.

    We had to put our dog to sleep this past summer due to a very agressive bone cancer and I still feel the pain of losing her every day.

    May you find comfort, as I do, that, in exchange for her loving me with all her heart, I gave her the best life I could.  I think, by far, it is the best deal I have ever made and I came out ahead!! 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    After I had to have my silky terrier, Sydney, who was with me for 17 years put to sleep I did not want another dog.....so someone talked me into taking George who needed a home even though I said I really did not like cats.  Little did I know I would fall in love with him and he's just the best cat.  Then I married Tim and his rat terrier came with him.  The next year I saw there was a silky for sale on Craig's list so we got Harley and then this past Oct. found Hope and wanted to find a home for her, but instead she found a home with us soooooo now we have three dogs, a cat and four goldfish.....but I still miss Sydney.  It's sometimes pretty wild, but the house seems more complete with them. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011
    Leah,   I hope you get some new pets to fill the void....they can't be replaced, but I just think it is nice to have them around.  Here is George, the cat I never wanted, in his box....he just loves boxes and he hangs out in this one on my computer desk
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    My godmother passed away the Sunday before this Sunday.  She had a big Main Coon cat named Bubbies.  He keeps roaming the house, especially her bedroom, looking for her.  I was up there a week, and he eventually let my cousin and I rub his belly.  He would sit half on her lap, half on the couch (he's a big boy), and let her brush and pet him.  And she would sit for an hour, not wanting to disturb him.  She was 87, feisty, funny and wise, this 4th bout of cancer took her, she kept saying something was wrong with her body, trust your gut instincts ladies.  Bubbies and so many others will dearly miss her.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    my cat, Sophie now finds her favorite spot to be between me and the keyboard, makes typing and reading a little difficult.  I think she had cabin fever today.  Racing from window to window to look at the snow.  She has finally tired herself out, we had showing patches of grass yesterday and I think she thought spring had sprung.  NOT   Pets are such a wonderful part of any household and each with quite distinct personalities.   Karen

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    Karen, who is going to be taking Bubbies....am sure he's got some adjusting to do.  George also likes to get right in front of the computer screen....gets that tail right up there and I have to pull it out of the way or shove him to the side. 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited February 2011

    same here, I always have a tail in my fface until I prod her aside.  My cousin was my godmothers caregiver, moved up to Conneautville 3 years ago to live with her.  Bubbies will stay there in the house he is used to with my cousin, Sam.  He gets teary eyed at those ASPCA ads and cannot watch Animal Cops, although he does leave the Animal channel on for Bubbies and Cowboy, his dog.  My daughter did adopt a Persian Siamese that wound up at our Animal Shelter after her owner went to hospice. Noone in the family wanted her, can you believe that, how cold.  Mellow is 7 years old, she does everything in slow motion, she was named Marshmallow, but we shortened it to Mellow since it fits her so well.  Karen

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2011
    My friend is out of town and I have been feeding her cats...the one is normal size, but the other one.......talk about a fat cat....she actually eats so much she throws up. 
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    my two have the same problem, without the getting sick part.  Sophie is very active and only eats a certain amount, Emma's two hobbies are eatting or sleeping.  So I can only feed them in the A.M.& P.M. I can't leave a filled bowl out all day or Emma would just sit and eat it all.  She loves it when I go away, since then the bowl is full.  I also use weight management from Iams since it is lower in calories.  The cat you are sitting for actually looks bigger than Emma!   Karen   p.s. now whenever I head for the den, Sophie runs and leaps on the computer desk, so we are both ready to type.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2011

    Karen, I would almost bet she is bigger than your cat....this one can barely get through her cat door now...gets the front end through and then then has to wiggle her behind and pull....it is funny to watch.  She has a dropped stomach just like people get when they are really heavy.  She's a really sweet cat,  however.  I will suggest reduced cal food to Lee. 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    Marybe, sunshine is good therapy for pets!  We have had so many days of cold, dreary days, and today the sun is out.  Both Emma and Sophie have claimed sunny spots on the carpet. They are both calm and napping.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2011
    Here is Harley sleeping on the way home from my Dad's today.  If I had a little pouch to haul him around in , I would take him everywhere with me....he just loves to go.  You can sort of see his little OSU colllar. 
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    Marybe, he looks just precious, does he know the word "ride", I had a wonderful beagle growing up that we had to spell that cause he'd get all excited.  He was a small beagle/basset mix who had the heart of a german shepherd.  One night my mother and I were watching T.V. and out of the corner of my eye I saw a strange man coming into our house, I yelled for Mac and all his fur came up and he chased that man right out of the house.  He was our hero.  And he knew he had done good. Our pets give us all of their hearts.  Karen

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2011
    Karen,  No, I don't think Harley knows the word ride, but he knows bye bye and he sure does know what a suitcase means or if I am putting on my coat and sticks to my like my shadow, hoping he gets to go along.  Here is a face shot of him and also the cat I feed up the street...she loves to be petted, but will not let anyone pick her up...I tried once and she really scratched me.  The people who live at this house where she hangs out feed her when they are home and have a water bowl for her, but she is really living outside regardless of weather and has a pretty rough life.  She knows my car and if I see her out on my way to or from work I stop and feed her (keep cat food in the car) and she comes running when I call her....then she has a difficult time deciding if she wants to eat or be petted so sometimes I will pet her while she eats.  If I thought she would get along with George I might be crazy enough to try to entice her to come live up the street with us...but his life is not that much fun with our dogs, so I can just imagaine what it would be like if we had another cat. 
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    Marybe, Harley is just adoreable and the stray cat has beautiful markings.  She sounds just desparate for human contact, I can just picture her trying to decide whether to go for petting or food.  That must warm your heart when she chooses both.  Like you I would have iit in my head to try to entice her home with me.  But when you have an already established pecking order in your home, it's awful hard to add a new animal.  I tried to add a rescue 7 yr. old and Sophie started spraying, had never done it before and hasn't done it since.  Tried it for a few days, giving Sophie lots of attention but she wouldn't have it, so Mellow had to move downstairs to my daughter's.  Mind you, any other of my ddaughter's cats can come in and spend the day and she is not bothered at all, just Mellow.  You have a heart of gold Marybe, with the catfood in the car.  You can truly judge the heart of a person by the way they treat God's little animals.

  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited March 2011

    hey ladies, MARYBE, i just "found " this thread! im in love with all things "chiuahua. we have two; both were service animal certified years ago. they were gifts to me from others. i greived so hard when my 17 yr old girl died, people couldn't stand it..

       one of my friends bought my little girl for lots!!of $$, and she came from a pet shop. she was partiLLY blind when we got her, but we didn't know it. I thought she was exceptionally loving, and lazy. she would only get around when i was about, and stayed (and still does) mostly in my bed.

       she's gone totally blind, now, but handles it well. i don't move furniture much, my balance isbad, so, she knows the layout for most, here, in the house.

         my little boy came a year or two, after her, from a bad breeder. my friend was breeding them then, but her husband begasn abusing the pups, so we "rescued" him, and found homes for all her others. he's my little man, for sure!! i don't know if i woulda made some days in tx., without him..he's always with his mama!!

       i've taught him to "smile" someday, i'll catch it on a pic for you.

       they truly are angels to me. my life is so full with them in it. happily, Mur loves them as much as I do, so no worries there...

       glad to have found this thread!!! be well.     3jays

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    Hi 3jaysmom, I'm so glad you found the thread!  I was thinking it was just me and Marybe, and thought how could that be, over half the avatars on the threads are pictures of pets.  You always know you have a good person by the way they grieve their animals.  Couldn't do without my two girls and whatever cat of my daughters has wandered into my flat. We just had a run at full speed through the apartment event, have no idea what triggered that.  My cousin has a mixed breed dog, Cowboy, who when he really is glad to see you, he bares his top teeth into a smile. It is accompanied by a thorough face licking.  If you don't know him , you'd think he was mean, except his tail is going a mile a minute.  My two cats, Sophie and Emma, Snowshoe and Siamese respectively, were always ready for a nice nap after 5 weeks of rads. Seemed to stick close to me during Dx and Tx, now we are graduating to our new normal, always keep track of them and vice versa.  Welcome again, glad to see you.  Karen

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2011
    3jays,   Sorry, I guess I just never thought to tell you about this thread....it's a nice diversion, no squabbles here just people who love animals.  I put the neighbor boy's pup on our normal thread last night and people were telling me all kinds of bad things about the breed...Cane Corso....how it doesn't socialize well, how that is they type of dog that killed some woman a few years back, that the kid should get a real trainer or he's going to be in big trouble with this dog. Heck pit bulls have a terrible rep also and my Godaughter has one, Bishop, that she adopted as a pup and he is the sweetest dog ever and such a big chicken.   All I know is he's a cute little puppy and this boy has been wanting a dog forever and just now finally talked the landlady into allowing them to have one....maybe he forgot to add that the dog could reach 200 lbs!! I came home from work tonight and found him and the puppy in the backyard with our dogs and was glad that Harley was not being his usual little selfish territorial self and growling at him....but they were all getting along just fine...right now the pup is just about Harley's size, 10 lbs, but that won't last long.  Anyway, here is a picture of the puppy.
  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited March 2011

    Marybe, my neighbors have a Cane Corso and she is just the sweetest love, a little shy and very gentle.  It all depends on how they are brought up, Bella has not a mean bone in her body.  She is a good sized girl but not as big as a male would be. I hope he really enjoys his puppy, while he is little, cause it won't last long.

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