Animal Companions (aka Pets)

[Bela]

Our fellow creatures are also affected by drink. I hold onto mine steadfastly, and they keep me focused on the moment. "Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no judgments." This is printed on the side of the cardboard cat carrier that my local animal shelter uses.

[Bela]

I don't know much about fish, but they can be very relaxing to watch . . . .

[DJ1]

I love fish too although think my foster kitten would like them more!

I have been a lot more relaxed since getting him, also feel like I have to be a bit more responsible as well!

I also absolutely love my volunteer work at the animal shelter; it such a lovely relaxing place with so many different animals set in beautiful countryside. When I eventually manage to get my own place, I will definately be getting a cat of my own.

DJ x

[themolesmother]

Our lovely little dog has been a source of great joy to me since we got him. He keeps me going when I feel down and consoles hubby.

MM

[Lush]

I absolutely adore my cat. He adopted me 8 and a half years ago and he's such a comfort, I love him to bits.

Susie
xx

[Bela]

Susie,

I like how you put it, that your kitty adopted you. We humans often think we find our animals friends, but I believe that it is the other way around. What is his name?

MM, what do you call your little dog?

Bela

p.s. My dogs are Buddy, Mokie, and Ruby

[themolesmother]

Hi Bela,

His name is Picsou - we can't take credit for that as he was named when we got him. It can be translated as "pickpocket" which rather suits him as he's a bit of a food thief.

MM

[Lush]

Here's my cat doing 'festive'.

Bah humbug!

ST830341.JPG (74.42 KiB) Viewed 16893 times

Susie
xx

[becstarr]

Oh Susie

He is soo cute!

Bec x

[Lush]

He's my baby! I love him to bits

Susie
xx

[becstarr]

Oooooh adorable. I love cats.
I have a ginger tom. He is 11 years old now and has sure lived his 9 lives. He is a little person with fur. He just has so much personality. Not much to look at though. He is such a skinny thing. He is deaf in one ear, blind in one eye and has damaged eye muscles so he winks at me all the time and his eyeball makes random rolling movements which is so gross.
I love him all the same though. I'd be lost without him.

Bec x

[DJ1]

Susie, Mabel,

Your cats are just soo adorable. I got lots of cat type presents this year; my family must think I am a bit cat crazy at the mo!

I would attach a piccie but I have no idea how to do it!

DJ x

[bumpydog]

Had to take my cat to the vets today! She has Cystitis!!!!

Poor thing has been weeing EVERYWHERE every 5 minutes. Feel guilty because I got cross with her for doing it first thing this morning!

Didn't realise she was poorly! I have one very sorry for herself cat today!

Bumpydog xxx

[Bela]

Marshmaiden,

Ada gives good advice re your dog and cat.
I have always had dogs and cats. A single dog is often lonely (they are pack animals), especially when their humans are out. A cat goes make fine company.

The hissing by the kitten is instinct, saying beware get away dog.
Just keep a watchful eye for a few days before leaving them alone together.
Your dog's tail wagging is a good sign.

Animals shelters often have lovely cats needing a home and they will often have notes, such as whether at particular cat has been around dogs. I always pitch for grown cats as they are less likely to find homes that adorable kittens.

A small bit of cod liver oil also does wonders for dogs' coats, and wouldn't hurt joints either.
Dogs love the flavor. I occasionaly give my dogs an egg with their food.

Canned pumpkin (not sweetened) is also a good alternative to commercial kibble for overweight dogs recommended by my vet. Two of mine like it; my shepherd spits it out. I also have one cat that will eat it!

Bela

[Lush]

I get a supplement from the vet for my cat, it's called Seraquin and contains glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric extract. It's suitable for cats and small dogs and my cat takes them without any problems. I have definitely noticed a difference in him, before he started taking them he appeared to be a little bit stiff when he tried to lie down or get up, and now he seems much more agile. He only needs one tablet a week now but he can have extra if he starts to stiffen up again.

Susie
xx

[Bela]

Susie, I had a concoction from a vet once, too, that sounds like what you are describing. It was expensive, but was a great relief to my very old dog at that time. Any reason why dogs can't take glucosamine tabs for people? They are fairly inexpensive. Bela

[Mike]

We had a succession of hamsters when the kids were kids. They were all named after characters in the Fawlty Towers TV series. Basil, Sybil, Manuel etc.

Now my daughter works in Barcelona. No connection.

Mike

[Bela]

I lost three pets this year. That is, they died. Two ferrets and one cat.
I'll never get more ferrets, but I did grow attached to the little critters.

[Digg]

I've got a chocolate labrador called Ralphie after my late dad. Poor mutt has got epilepsy quite bad and had a massive fit when out walking with my 11 year old daughter last sunday. He jumped up so high in the air mid fit, that he knocked himself unconscious when he hit the floor .

I had been thinking about re-homing him in the new year because we can't leave him on his own and with 3 kids to look after it was getting too much for me. Since his last fit, I've had a change of heart though and will be keeping him and concentrating on getting him better

Gill
xxx

[Bela]

I am glad you decided to keep your Ralphie.
Hard for the older dogs to find new homes, and anyway he is a member of your family.
Yeah for you and him!