Love For Animals
 

Today I was greatly offended by a woman who said that if she were the owner of my dogs, she would get rid of them. Her problem? They shed.

Loving, giving people do not speak like this. Animals who share our lives deserve better than owners who consider them disposable. I hope she never gets a pet, she does not have kindness in her spirit.

So, I'm going to tell one of my animal stories, to make myself feel better, and I would love to hear your "Love For Animal" stories too.

One day, my neighbor thought it would be a good idea to get the mail out of the box by the street, with her bird riding on her shoulder. Suddenly, the little bird flew off into the woods. Loving this little creature, she was very upset. I know it was not a good idea for her to have allowed her bird outside like this, but she made a mistake in judgment. She begged me to help her find it. She didn't need to ask me, I would always help a friend, and animal in need.

Searching the woods, it really seemed hopeless, as she was a green bird, in green woods. We called, and called for her, but she would not respond. Many birds will call back, when you use their name, but there was total silence.

Having babysat this little bird when my neighbor was on vacation, and visiting with her when I was at their home, I knew her little habits.

Suddenly, I knew what I had to do. Leaving my neighbor in the woods, I ran home, opened the fridge, and pulled out two cans of pop.

Running back to the woods, I told my neighbor to be totally quiet. I popped the first can open, and we heard her call. Heading for the area, and again standing quietly, I popped the second can. She again answered the sound of the pop can, and we found her.

You see, her favorite treat is a sip of pop. Whether of not this little habit is the best thing to give her, it did save her life.

Today, she lives a happy and spoiled life.

I hate it when people would do that to animals just because they shed. It's like saying, well, I'm going to get rid of my dog because he poops! It's natural, if you don't like what animals do naturally, don't get them!
That's a cute story about the bird, one time we couldn't find my cat simon, we looked around inside and out for probably an hour, and finally we heard him meow in a cabinet that we had the doors open on earlier. When they were open he must have climbed in sometime, and then later we shut the doors. We gave him lots of love when we found him. :)

Creed Deafaultgirl, your cat sounds like a delightful little snoop. Your love and worry over his missing little self, shows me how much you care for him. I love your story, and it makes me feel better, thank you.

That woman's a %^$(#! I love animals. I know Dan loves goats :rolleyes: lol. I mean... hmmmm. I can't seem to remember why I was responding to this. Anyway, I wouldn't give up my pets for anything!


H-D :pimp:

:wtf: I would smack her across the face and tell my dog to bite her leg.

My dog once got stuck in our culvert and we had to get her out because it was the middle of the winter and it was all ice in there. We knew she must have been freezing so we tried to lure her out with bread (her favorite treat) and hope she wouldn't give up. Well, her paws just slipped on the ice and she was trapped. We didn't know what to do then, so my dad grabbed a towel and got it under her, this got her off the ice and he was able to pull her out. We brought her inside and wrapped her up so she could warm up and she hasn't gone back in the culvert since, thankfully.

Higher Desire, I respect your love for animals. I know too, that I would never give up my pets, they give me unconditional love. Thanks.

Leader Of Men, no biting or smacking on this thread. :)

Seriously, I had to train my little adopted dog not to bite, and it took a really long time till I could trust her around men and older boys. She had been abused.

That could have been quite dangerous for your dog in the cold of winter, I'm glad that you were able to save her. Yea, the favorite treat is a good start, it was just luck that it worked for me. It sounds like she learned from the experience, but protect your baby.

What's her name?

Maggie :D

Maggie, I like that.

My abused little dog, who is now spoiled, and slightly chubby, and very much loved is Molly. My big moose black lab. is Nikki.

Higher Desire and Creed Defaultgirl, what are your animals names?

Man! What a :bee: with an itch!

I'd feel bad for any pets she gets :wtf:

Hi Julie, Bee with an itch, I've never heard that one. :D

I know with the experience I have had, I shouldn't have been shocked by that woman, but she was refering to my beloved babies.

I do some volunteer work at the Humane Society in our area. This site had a woman enter their animal drop off area one day. She told the staff that she had redecorated her living room, and the cat no longer matched the sofa. As it shed, it showed on the new fabric.

She wanted to trade in her old cat, and get one of another color.

Wisely, the staff had her fill out all the release forms for her cat, and excepted the poor little baby into the drop off area. Once this was done, she was informed that she would not be considered an exceptable owner for the adoption of another cat, and was sent away. I'm not sure what the exact words were, used in this conversation, but I hope they let her have it verbally.

I also belong to another animal group in our area, and the horrors that I have learned, that occur in our society are not even printable on this site.

These stories will haunt my mind forever.

OMG! Now that is outrageous Whitebird:wtf
Some people are just whacked out or something!

*Drugs*

What a nice story. Thank you for sharing that.

We have an Akita, her name is Kona. She is the best dog. She sheds like crazy - but she is part of the family and I love her to death.

When family and friends heard we were getting an Akita, we had gotten alot of criticism. Akita's have a reputation for not being that nice. But Kona is the BEST. She is so good with the kids. She is so docile. She's like a big teddy bear. :D

My cat is a huge stinkin bratface, but if I didn't have him, I'd have no one to talk to anymorehere at home,lol! Now I just need to figure out a way to keep him from getting up on my kitchen counter! Hehehe!

Shadow, your Kona sounds wonderful. That is a beautiful breed, and I'm sure that you have raised her well, and lovingly. My own son had a big teddy bear too, our first lab passed away a few years ago, but we will never forget her, or her love for our son.

How wonderful that you have her, for your children.


Julie, I have heard that a kind way to train a cat not to get up on the counter tops, is to stick double face tape on the counters. As the cat jumps up and walks around, they don't like the feel of their little paws sticking to the tape, and will learn not to go up there.

Any other suggestions from other cat owners out there? Kind replys only please.

Ok, cool! Thanks Whitebird:)
He just got up and was sitting in the kitchen sink, so I turned on the faucet,lol He got outta there real fast!

Julie, the thing about the tape is, that you don't have to be there for him to experience it.


The sink? He is a sassy and funny little boy. Yea, they are great to talk to, I do it all the time.

Ya, I think he does stuff that he isn't supposed to just to get attention, wether good or bad, lol! He thinks he needs constant petting or to sit in your lap 24/7:)

Whitebird, if that woman told me what she told you, there would be a stream of expletives coming out of my mouth towards her. :censored:

My old kitty Sunni, who we lost last year, was the absolute best pet. I got her when I was 20 and she was with me for many many years. Every night she'd sleep in the crook of my legs. Every night - without fail. And for several years there, she was quite a tubby tabby, so she was pretty hard to move when I needed to move. She sat with me religiously at night right here at the computer. She'd sit on my lap, purring loudly as I posted, chatted with my Creedfeed buddies and was great company when my kids were sleeping and my hubby was at work. Her passing left me feeling terribly empty and sad. Then came Cinnamon 10 months later. I was ready for a new kitty and JenRN was right there to help. The first week we had Cinnamon in the house, she slept with me on my neck. Yes, ON my neck. And her purring brought back many great memories of Sunni. So cats have always been a great source of joy and love in my life.

I do not blame you for being offended at all, I would have too. I would slam on the brakes if an animal crossed the road. Can't say the same about a person. I know that borders one psychotic, like everything I say, but I guess you have to be a real pet owner to understand one.

We have a 3 year old chiguagua [a hispanic with a chiguagua, I kid you not!] that is basically a part of the family. His name is Tarzan and he is probably the greatest pet I've had. When my mom acquired him we weren't entirely thrilled because of its breed, but once we actually got him our tone changed. My family just laughs at the way we treat that dog, specially since we [mostly me] put this dog before others. We've taken him to DC, NYC, Dallas, Miami, almost anyway we can. I have a picture of him just standing there near the Capitol building reflecting pool. I used to date this girl last summer which the dog just completely fell for. If we were lying on my bed, she could rest her head on my stomach, chest or lap - but if I tried that he'd snap at me. If we were sitting on the couch and he saw that we were holding hands, he would just stick his nose in till we let go. If he saw me try to put my arm around her, he would give me this "WTF do you think you are doing?" look. One day after church I arrived home and decided to walk the dog. Since my dad was out of town on business and decided to leave his car with us, I figured we might as well take it and go to the local park to pick up chicks. Well we did get a lot of attention but most of it was in the ride to the park. Imagine this, 21 year old male in a suit, driving a Jaguar with a little lap dog sticking his head out the window barking at everything and anything that moved. After reading people talk about these big beautiful dogs its wierd that I come out and talk about one that barely the size of a house cat, but I love this dog. The things I love about small dogs is that when it snaps at me its only a small bite - I dont have to wrestle a 200lb beast off my bed, instead I just share it with one thats 5lbs - When it wants to be taken out in the early morning its small enough to just throw a pillow over. Thats ma doggy!

I am betting that a few of you are laughing ;)

LOL, my 100 pound beast doesn't come in the house! Whitebird, if you'd like to hear all the names of all my animals, you're in for a ride! LOL I've got a mess of them. Okay, here it goes.....
I have a Great Pyraneese, his name is Baine
I have a Pigmy (sp?) Goat named Cody
I have a female cat named Casey
And then I've got Simon.
A few days ago I got some fish, but they all look the same, and they take such little matience, I'm not going to name them. So if you count my 7 fish, I have 11 pets all together! LOL.
My dog is scared of the thunder, and although he has a perfectly good doghouse to get in, he won't and he'll sit on the back step and scratch the door. So everytime it rains we have to move Baine out under the carport, and move the cars out. And everytime I take Baine for a walk, or just out of the fence, Cody will do the goat call thing, like baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, until we bring the dog back to him! It's so funny. And the goat also tries to hump the dog, but Baine is too tall for him......It's hilarious. Our cat's Simon and Casey will get in the chair and take turns licking each other......it's kinda gross, but it's cute.

Teri, I'm sorry that you lost your beautiful little, chubby Sunni. I've lost pets too, and I must admit it is really hard.

I can understand what you said about sleeping, and having them against you. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck, and can't move. My little dog Molly sleeps in the curve of my body. Butt against my tummy, when she starts having puppy dreams, and kicking, it feels like I'm pregnant all over again.

I remember too when Jen got you the new kitten Cinnamon, and you posted pictures. She was so cute. It sounds like she has created her own little place in your life, even though Sunni will be loved, and remembered.

Have you read the poem "The Rainbow Bridge"? I cry every time.


Mulletman, DARN, I knew there had to be a soft spot somewhere. ;) Your little dog sounds like a fun little guy. And I must admit, it sounds like it would be easy to take him all of the places that he has traveled with you. Tuck him under your arm, and your good to go. You should see me trying to walk both my dogs at the same time, it would crack you up. Nikki is 80 lbs. and Molly is a small yet chubby 40 lbs. I haven't yet become airborn, but darn close.

I also think it's cute that he had such affection for your girlfriend. He wouldn't even let you hold hands? :D

Creed Defaultgirl, WOW, you do have an interesting bunch. I bet they are really fun. Just the little goat loving the great big dog, would be a sight to see.

whitebird, I'm so sorry that woman said that to you. I've always been an animal lover and we've always had pets in the family ever since I was a kid.

My parents have a golden retriever, his name is Sam. One time I was at their house taking care of him while they were on vacation and I remember being upset about something. I was sitting on the couch crying and he came over to me, looking at me with those big brown eyes, letting me know that he was there. It was like he was trying to comfort me and let me know I wasn't alone. When I go and visit, he always is so loving. He's like my baby. Whenever I'm there, I always give him a big hug and lots of love!! And yes, he sheds but I don't care. He loves to lean up against me and put his head against me too. He is such a great dog!!

The other story is about my sister's dog, Casey, who we lost almost a year ago. When he got sick last year, we had a neighbor check on him while we had to be at work. Our neighbor told us that when she asked him if he wanted some more water, he look at his water dish like he knew exactly what she was saying. He was such a smart dog!!

Thanks for all of the great stories, everyone. I enjoyed reading them. :)

Hi Sheila, Thanks, I love your stories too, and everyone elses.

I honestly think that animals have kinder, and more loving hearts than we do as people. Your story about Sam, is a great example. They understand when we are down and hurting, and they try their best to make us feel better.

Thanks. It has made me feel better, knowing that you all love your pets too.

Hi whitebird! I agree, animals are so loving and do give you unconditional love. Sam is a special dog and so loving. I'll never forget that day. I look forward to giving him some of those big hugs tomorrow when I go to my parent's house for a bbq. I'm happy we've been able to make you feel better. :hugs:

Awwww... I adore all those little petstories! Thnx for sharing.. it always hits a weak spot inside of me!

I have pets too. I have a dog named Toyah, she's a mixture of a Dutch Shepherddog and an English Stafford... A cat called Plurkie, her father was a "Blue Russian" and she's also "blue"(that's what they call it but it's still grey to me) with green eyes... and 2 rats, they're called husky-rats (grey and white) Ratticate and Ratata...

I"m loving these stories!! And whitebird, yes I have read the Rainbow Bridge. When someone's pet passed away a few years ago, I believe it was my good friend souldancer who posted that poem. I saved it to my favorite places and it gave me such warm comfort when we lost Sunni.

WeatheredWoman, what great names for your pets, I especially like the rats names. I've never had one, but I hear that they make really good pets, very loving.

Here is another one of my pet stories, that I tell to the children I work with.

For many years I had a bird named Sunshine. She was a very bright yellow color, a Lutino parakeet. I had found her lost, starving to death, and hiding in a woodpile for safety.

Bringing her into the house for the first time, she was riding on my raised arm. My little dog Molly took one look at her and made a leap that I have never seen her do since. She grabbed this little bird's tail, and pulled out all the feathers. Molly had a mouthful of feathers, Sunshine had a bare butt, and I was in shock.

I was worried that the relationship in our household would be dangerous for this little bird, but I had nothing to worry about. Biding her time, Sunshine waited. The next time Molly got close, Sunshine grabbed her by the end of the nose and wouldn't let go. Molly was squealing, and trying to shake her off, and Sunshine was attached like glue. Finally letting Molly's nose go, Sunshine strutted off the winner. She was the boss, and Molly knew it. Sunshine's tail grew back, and for the rest of her life, she teased that poor little dog every chance she got. And she got such a kick out of doing it.

Smart bird!
I was outside in the yard the other day and my cat was walking around, and I guess she got too close to a bird's nest or something, but this bird kept swooping down at her, I don't think it ever hit her, but it got close. After a few close calls she ran over to my mom like she was saying "Mommy save me!!!!"

Simon and Casey were very playful this evening, it was funny, one would pounce on the other, and they would bite each other, then later they got in the chair and started to lick each other, then they started playing again, then they licked some more.....on and on, now they are sleeping. Animals are charaters sometimes!

Teri, I do remember the thread. Yes souldancer is a wonderful person. She always has such great quotes, quite beautiful.

Creed Defaultgirl, cute story about your cat. You're right they do run to us for protection, even if the danger is only a little bird.

Ok, I admit it, I was a bad pet owner today.

I didn't pay attention to the pet food bin. It holds a giant bag of dog food. There is only one store in the area that carries this brand, and we have to drive a bit. We can only use this one brand, because Molly becomes ill, if we try any other.

I forgot about the 4th of July, and many stores are closed. I realized there was not enough for their supper, and breakfast tomorrow, so I scrambled a half dozen eggs, (No Salt), and cooked rice. Mixing the remaining dog food, rice and eggs, I fed "The Girls".

Nikki didn't seem to take a breath, as she inhaled the entire bowl. Molly the older wiser dog, picked out the dog food, put it on the kitchen floor, and ate the eggs and rice.

Putting the remaining mixture in the fridge, I guess I'll have to warm it up for them in the morning. :D

:D :D

LOL, whitebird...btw, great thread. What that woman told you about the dogs was so insensitive. Sometimes, people just don't seem to think before they speak.

We have always had pets in our family, especially cats. I recently lost my cat, Darryl, after almost 16 years. I had had her since birth, and she was the greatest cat I ever had. She was so friendly. All my friends, even the non-cat lovers, always wanted to take her home. She was a great source of comfort and lots of fun over the years. She slept on my bed every night without fail and in the winter, she would sleep somewhere on me probably to keep warm. I keep the house on the chilly side (cheap Yankee that I am) even in the winter :D. I'm glad I took pictures of her throughout her time with me. I'm still missing her a lot, so I'm not quite ready for another kitty, but in time I know I will be. I just love cats :).

Oh Dogstar, I truly feel for your loss of Darryl. I still tear up when I talk about the pets that I have lost, and I'm sure your heart is breaking.

I wish that there was something I could do to help, but only time will heal. I'm glad that you took the pictures that you mentioned, she sounds like a wonderful little spirit.

I'm also sure that souldancer has been there for you, as you have needed her, and her love and kindness for both people and animals has helped you through.

Perhaps when the time comes, and you feel you are again able to share your love with another little spirit, Jen can help you?

Take care Dogstar, I'll be thinking of you. (BIG HUG)

Thanks, whitebird. You have to be the sweetest person on the planet. You always have such comforting things to say. I still tear up about Darryl, but I know in time I'll have another cat. They are just such cool creatures. And yes, Souldancer and others have been a great help. I'm lucky to have such awesome friends. Hahah, maybe Jen will find another kitty in need indeed :D.

Dogstar, I'm so sorry to hear about Darryl. :( Losing a pet is hard and I hope at some point you will be ready to have another cat in your life. :hugs:

:hugs: Sheila. Thank you so much. I know I will...It will just take a while. I had Darryl for a loooong time :).

Thanks for the complement Dogstar, but what I believe is, our friendships have made us each stronger, kinder, and wiser.

Thank you Steve, for the chance to meet these wonderful friends. (Darn, there isn't a smilie for joyful tears)

Amen to that, whitebird :hugs:

Awwe, sorry about your kitty Kerri.
I had a cat named Sally one time (Sally turned out to be a boy instead of a girl, so we just kept the name, LOL) well, anyway, I had Sally for a long time, I let him in the house when I got home from school and I was the only one home at that time of day for an hour or two, so I'd let him in and in the summer when the A/C was on, he would come in the house and sleep on my beanbag. Then one day I came home and I couldn't find him, so later my parents told me he got run over, I was really sad. :( There was this little cat that stayed around our house and she was Sally's little buddy, and she had kittens (they weren't Sally's......it wasn't possible) one of those kittens was a little runt that had siameese markings, and we named him Simon and kept him. So Simon is kind of a little reminder of Sally. Only time will tell when you get a new kitty, one of these days someone might offer you a cat and it would be the right time. :)

Creed DefaultGirl, I like the story of Sally the male kitty, I'm sorry though, that it had a sad ending for you and him. I am glad that you were able to rescue Simon.

I saw something in the parking lot of our grocery store today, and I was really pleased. It was a sign that said "HEAT KILLS", and a dog on it. I've never seen one before, and I think it is a great thing to remind pet owners, that animals can't be left in their cars for even a short period.

I rescued a dog on a car one time, and it was so hot when I entered the car to get the dog out, I couldn't even breath. I'm not sure to this day how that poor baby was able to survive. Her leash was caught between the seats, and she couldn't even get to the windows for cooler air.