Pet Personalities - What's in our control?
As I sat at home today due to an ice/snow storm (school closed) I looked forward to a *free* day filled with lots of baking, cleaning, and crocheting. My calm day didn't go as peacefully planned and one (of the many) little kinks was due to my cats getting tangled up with each other in the attic as I hauled down Christmas decorations.
I got to thinking about Pet Personalities and Parental Control. After Sandy's saga of Peanut's ear, I came to think that there isn't always blame to be had. I have 3 cats who barely tolerate each other. Sandy managed to get 2 cats who cherish each other. Did I do something wrong or can we simply chalk it up to Pet Personalities? Sandy first had Catfish....then brought in Tarzan.....it was a beautiful transition. Next came Tweety, and it was disaster.
I recently read about a woman who had a much-loved Poodle. One night she stepped out of bed and onto her sleeping dog, and he promptly bit her leg rather severely. She was not frantic over it, instead blaming herself for startling her dog. It was a mere accident. There's an old saying.........$hit happens. And basically, I think that's true. I know Sandy's dogs fairly well, and they get along fine. But there is always that possibility, that due to their personalities, a little tussle is inevitable. Much like my cats little altercation in the attic. People with multiple pets face various challenges. While someone with 4 fun-loving beagles may never have an issue, another person with 4 pitbulls may be faced with challenges.
Raising pets is much like raising kids. Each is unique, each has their own personality, and each offers us different challenges. I don't think Sandy's dogs need bootcamp anymore than my cats need emotional support. If her dogs were radically out of control, the results would have been A LOT worse, not just a few seconds and a snap. And my cats would have fought to the death, not just a few swipes. Just like kids, you can't control every little action and reaction. The picture is the only photo I have of Lily and Sassy this close together.
Just another interesting day of Pet Parenting Perplexing Personalities.
posted by Daisylouu at 12/13/2007 06:37:00 PM
Pet People
18 Comments:
I believe this is the first time I have seen your kitties Daisy! Did not know you had cats until recently. Sure are pretty babies... Yep, I think all animals have different personalities. Sheba and Cheetah are mother and daughter but so different in many ways! They snuggle with each other at times but not that often as when Cheetah was younger. Cheetah has come to think of me as her mommy because she and I are together more then she is with Sheba. Sheba is a snoozer and likes to hide during nap time. Cheetah does not nap often during the day and stays with me like my little Shadow kind of like Stacey and Dragons new Shadow baby. As I type this, Cheetah is on top of the desk laying on an afghan looking out the open window (I am wearing shorts today Daisy!) while Sheba is no where to be found… Go make us a snowman Daisy, hey, at least you got the day off! LOL
Pet Parenting Perplexing Personalities....
I like that!
Daisylouu, what's up??? Boy, this post sure sounds like you are trying to suck up to Big Sister. You had to go and ruin it. I could tell by the way Sandy has been writing lately that she has been really close to the edge. I've been waiting for that last shove to push her over. Now, you have to go and try to sooth her frazzled nerves.
Daisy, that is a really pretty picture of your precious.....kitties. It is a shame that they ruined your lovely green crocheted thing?? Should I take this to mean that you have lots of green and white items in your decor? Lots of Jets memorabilia?? Since my "gift" that you brought me, Sundays have a whole new meaning for me. On the rare chance that they televise a Jets game here, I sit in the easy chair in my green and white "gift", drinking my frozen green margarita and eating my white cheese dip and chips. Then, when wifey poo walks in the room and sees me enjoying my "gift" so much, she turns green. With envy of course. She knows that Daisylouu is close to my.......heart.
Everyone has been wanting to hear about Shadow and how her rehab is progressing. I thought I would give you all an update:
1) Shadow and the Fat Cat are now eating from bowls in very close proximity to each other, and neither one of them has lost an ear, or any part of one.
2) Shadow and the dogs can now be on the same floor in the same room without a spazz attack on her part.
3) Because of number 2, my stereo speakers will survive the Rehab of The Cat Formerly Known As Tweety.
4) Shadow is becoming a well-adjusted family member and is developing her own personality.
5) Shadow loves to play, and in the manner that I enjoy in my females—rough. My right hand has the bite and claw marks to prove it. Peroxide does wonders and doesn’t cost that much.
6) Shadow has one weakness that I exploit when she gets the death grip on my hand. I threaten to send her back to live with that crazy lady, and she can’t let go fast enough.
7) Shadow has now braved the beasts in order to enter the Dragon’s lair. I lay down on the bed for a nap after work today, and she ran the gauntlet of two dogs in the floor to reach the bed to join me.
But remember, all you Pet People fanatics—she’s just a CAT.
Here is something to consider: The thing you are supposed to do when you decide to get another pet is to consider your lifestyle: Where you live, the room you have, the pets you have and if that dog is the right temperment, breed, etc. to fit in with your lifestyle. For example, you shouldn't get a border collie if you live in a tiny apartment, because they were bred to WORK and run and herd.
My problem is that I never picked out any of my dogs. Tramp was my first, and she was the only dog for about two years. All the rest were strays. Penny showed up here one day, skinny and mangy, but sweet natured, as beagles are. Then Zoe was picked up off the street. Then Peanut was dumped here. Then Scooter was adopted by my friend and it didn't work out, so I was supposed to care for him only temporarily. Ha.
So, I did not have a choice (well, the Boss said I did). I would have never picked out a dog like Scooter because I always preferred smaller dogs. I would not have got another male since I had Peanut.
That's why I'm always in favor of getting adult pets (if you are choosing to get one), especially cats, because you KNOW their personality.
If you go out to look for a dog, you can find one that has a personality that will mix well with what you already have. I didn't have that opportunity, so I had to just deal.
Oh, and Dragon. Peanut did not lose part of his ear. It actually looks worse than it is, becuase I took the picture right after it happened. I think one of them got hold of his ear and he pulled back and got a long scraping down the length of it. Now it's scabbed over and I will take a picture of it once it's healed.
Oh, and I LOVE the Shadow Tweety stories! I must have regular updates and pictures. I need something to make me feel happy that doesn't involve a bottle. :)
I am so glad you both like her so much. I know Guenivere missed having a "lap cat." That descripes Shadow Tweety to a T! I know she's in cat heaven living there, with people and pets to play with.
Have her and Lucy played yet?
Hey Daisy, our cold front came through. It is going to be a chilly 71-degrees here today! Burrrrrrr LOL
Keep it up with the shorts talk and the temperature reports Roxanne and I'll send Sandy's dogs down there to rough you up!!
Aww, Dragon, I sound just like YOU in my post, don't I. Actually, I had that exact thought as I was typing! Dogs will be D-O-G-S. Let them be. You don't need to over-analyze every little thing. I think Sandy's venting on this board makes it seem like her house is in turmoil daily when in all actuality, it is not at all. We don't hear about the 1,094 days where the dogs meander about their day uneventful.
There are some dogs who tolerate kids jumping all over them....and there are other dogs who snarl or give a little warning snap. Does that mean we should go runing for the Dog Whisperer?
And dragon, my dear.....be a little patient on watching our beloved Jets on TV. December 23rd they will be in Nashville playing those Titans. It most likely will be on YOUR TV and not mine!! Perhaps I can sneak down for some viewing companionship??? What a Christmas gift that would be! In PA it will definately be a WHITE Christmas, but in Tennessee, it's bound to be GREEN with the Jets there!
The Saint is taking me to Savannah for the weekend (cheap charlie is springing for a hotel)to endulge in some Anniversary romance on the water! We are going to try to eat at Paula Deens or Uncle Bubbas... Weather looks like upper 70's.... Gosh, I am loving the Deep South right now... LOL
Daisy's husband will be JEALOUS. HE LOVES Paula Dean, right sis?
Yes, he loves Paula Deen.....I know there is something a bit strange in a household when the woman is watching football or hockey on one tv...and the man is watching the Food Network on the other!!
My girlfriend went to Savannah in October (she is a fanatic for Paula) and she stood in line over 4 hours to eat at her restaurant. I'm sorry, but I'd never do that, especially when Paula's not even there!!! I did, however, put my name on a waiting list to get tickets to see Rachael Ray.
Hope you have a great time Skeeter....I'm bracing for another big storm that's due to hit us tonight.
My chef of choice is Gordon Ramsey. I don't like "recipe" shows, but I love Hells Kitche and Top Chef. Ramsey has his new show "Restaurant Nightmares" and also a version of it on the BBC channel as well.
I love him for the same reason I love Judge Judy. He's straightfoward, no bull, tells people what he thinks and curses a lot. He's so SEXY, even though he's not necessarily that good looking. Just something about him LOL.
Ya'll can have Pault, I'll take Ramesey!
How funny... Both the Foreman and I love to watch Gordon Ramsey. I have the DVR set to record all his shows so I don't have to miss any. The Foreman is a Paula fanatic! For christmas I got him a subscription of her magazine. He received the first one tonight. He was so excited. I am sick of watching the food network. I go to my bedroom to watch tv so I don't have to watch it.
Daisy, you can have Rachel Ray. I can't stand her. That squeaky laugh she has.... ARGGG! Like nails on the chalk board.
It has already started to rain here. It's supposed to turn into an ice storm before it snows. The Foreman is workin overtime this weekend, so I'm worried about him since he's out in it.
I find this so funny that so many men like the food network shows. Is it simply because they love to eat?
Another thing we have in common Adrienne--Gordon. I think I would have made a good chef, since according to him you have to be a hard-a$$ and boss your kitchen workers around and take no BS from anyone. LOL.
Hello??? Why do men like the food network??? Have you ever seen Ingrid Hoffman, Sandra Lee, Nigella, Rachael Ray, and gosh, GIADA? They said more people inquire about Gianda's breasts than they do her recipes! Even Paula is face-lifted and air-brushed into perfection! They could make hamburger helper and it would be a success! Beautiful women and food....what else could a man want?
As for Rachael Ray, Adrienne, she can grate on your nerves for sure....but my husband is the food network fanatic, I'd much rather tickets to see the Jets.
We ate at Paula Deens and also her brother’s place, Uncle Bubba's Oyster house! No lines and walked right in off the street to both places! Low Season is great. No crowds, lines or hassle and free parking on the streets anywhere you want! Life was good to us this weekend and the food was great, “make ya wanna slap yur mama”....
Saint loves Good eats and Eldon with his scientific crap. I like “Unwrapped” with Mark Summers the best of all because I can relive the past with him…. I gave the Saint a signed copy of Uncle Bubba’s cookbook as an anniversary gift and he was happy as can be! I got a new sink! Ha, and they say Diamonds are a girls best friend! I love my new kitchen sink and faucet….they sparkle and shine like a purdy diamond…
Oh my gosh!! How funny, because Dragon LOVES "Good Eats" too!!!! He really enjoys watching Alton and listening to all his goofiness and he is very educational at times. It is amazing the things you can learn about okra...... I like looking in his cupboards and seeing all the Kroger brand products. They just black out the brand name, but the shape of the oval is a dead giveaway. I find that so amusing that he is so frugal and uses store brands and not all name brands.
I have a Good Eats salt cellar! I love Alton!!! 'Course I am a science freak too. I HAVE cooked some of Alton's recipes but since I HATE to cook I have only done a couple.
Since the Saint started watching Alton, (boy I messed up the spelling didnt I) we now must let our meat rest before we can cut and eat it! I say give me the dam knife, I am hungry!
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