My Pets, My Friends . . .
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
I know that this sounds corny. Out of fashion. And silly. But I am going to say it anyway. There is a certain, special bond that was formed by some higher power and exists between a person and their pets. I cannot explain this no more than I can explain Einstein's Theory of Relativity. All I know is that life would be very sad, miserable, and depressing, if it had not been for my true pals, my dogs and cats.
Some people have various preferences. Some people prefer dogs. Some prefer cats. And then there are those who love snakes, birds, and exotic fish. I was not that choosy. I just loved my dogs when I was a child.
Here are a few things about why dogs make great pets:
- Dogs are loyal to a fault.
- Dogs can be trusted. More than a best friend.
- Dogs do not expect much from their owners.
- Dogs are easily-pleased. I cannot say that about human friends. Can you?
- Dogs have our backs. And will defend us to the bitter end.
- Dogs can be included in our conversations.
- Dogs, my non-purebred type, are not expensive to keep.
Okay. I understand all about equal time. And I am aiming this section of the story to all cat lovers. Here are my seven reasons why cats make great pets:
- Cats are quiet and mostly carefree.
- Cats love attention. But not too much.
- Cats are easily transported from one location to another.
- Cats have neat names like, "Johnny," "Claws," and "Muffy."
- Cats can be confided in. They will keep your secrets.
- Cats love to be groomed.
- Cats make great gifts especially from a guy who loves a certain girl.
Outside of dogs and cats, I secretly had this urge to own and care for a line of exotic pets such as iguana's, parrots, and even a boa constrictor. People do not realize this about boa's, but they are cleaner than dogs or cats. Look it up. This is a true fact about our friends, the non-poisonous snakes. Now as for the bold-of-heart, those people among us who dare to own a rattlesnake, alligator or even a wolverine, I say have at it. A boa is as dangerous as I want to get.
I suppose, with all things being equal, not everyone is cut out to be pet owners. This is a sad fact, but a true fact. I back my thinking up with these points as to what qualifications make a good pet owner:
- Pet owners must be patient.
- Pet owners must be relaxed when handling pets. Pets can sense tension.
- Pet owners must be giving because when it comes to owning a pet, a pet owner does more giving than taking.
- Pet owners must be dedicated. Entirely devoted to the care, feeding and welfare of their pet.
- Pet owners must know how to administer discipline. Tough love means a loving pet.
- Pet owners must know how to take criticism from their non-pet-owning friends who think pet owners are strange for loving an animal so much.
- Pet owners must learn to be a peace with themselves before they can begin to foster the care and nurturing of a pet.
Siamese cats make great house cats for some people. But a generic yellow cat makes an even better pet. A common, garden-variety yellow cat is not that finicky about what he or she eats. A yellow cat will eat whatever cat food you buy for them. And when you feed a Siamese cat, you always have to be aware that this particular breed of cat is very choosy about what goes into their stomachs. And speaking for the cat here, I cannot blame them. Most first-time cat owners, who do not take the time to study-up about Siamese cats, will attempt to feed them the scraps from their dining room table. This, my friend, will not work. A Siamese cat can easily sense that you are trying to just get by the easiest way you can when it come to feeding them, but overly-feeding them will get your Siamese into a spoiled role and act up when they do not get exactly what they want for their meals.
If I may, I would love to share with you, my list of animals that do not make good pets.
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Tarantula's - for people who own tarantula's have to look out for their nervous friends who are scared stiff at the sight of a spider this big.
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Scorpions - for obvious reasons. Scorpions are short-tempered, love to sting you with their pointed tails and I just say, "do not buy a scorpion to be different when your friends are all into dogs or cats.
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Turtles - when and if they do come out from their shell, what have you got then? A slow-moving creature who eats, moves a little more and retires to his shell for more sleep. Fact is, I wouldn't mind being a turtle.
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Raccoons - they are overly-curious and always into something in your house. And they can be dangerous with their razor-sharp claws. Leave the raccoon to roam free in the wild. Get yourself a yorkie, rat terrier, or a gray cat.
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Crows - for the same reasons as I gave for not getting a raccoon for a pet.
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Deer - are made for 'the wild,' not your home. I know there are exceptions to all rules, and there is always this 'somebody' (on television) who has a pet deer that lives in the house with the family who found it. This is a rare event--training and taming a deer. They are very cute, I do admit, but not as a pet.
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Japanese Warrior Fish - beautiful to behold, but near-deadly when you get your hair too close to the tank when feeding them. If you are into fish for a pet, stick to goldfish, miniature hammer heads, and guppies. These are much safer.
This is a list of great dog and cat names for you when you are ready to become a pet-owner:
- "Sandy," perfect for a puppy.
- "Buddy," perfect for a tomcat, German shepherd or Border Collie.
- "Pappy," perfect for a Rat Terrier. With the chin whiskers, this name will work.
- "Queenie" perfect for a cat, a house cat or a cat who stays outside.
- "Scratch" perfect for a cat or a dog. A universal name for a pet. Nice.
- "Hero" perfect for dog, namely a Rottweiller.
- "Fluffie" perfect for a purebred cat. No matter what purebred cat you get, "Fluffy," fits. I think that "Fluffy" is the international name for cats.
- "Champ" perfect for bulldog, hound, or an active dog. It even sounds strong.
Where I live today is in a residential zone of Hamilton, Alabama. Other people around me have pets of all types--birds, dogs, cats, and some hamsters. Not me. It's not that I am cold-hearted or stern. I still love animals more the same as I did when I was growing into a man. I have to admit that sometimes when I sitting alone in my workroom in front of my PC screen, I get to recalling all the great memories that were given to me by pets.
And addressing the issue of me getting another pet.
I just know that if I were to get a new pet, get attached to it, that something would happen to it. And there is not room in my heart anymore for the pain of seeing another pet go away.
The human heart can stand just so much pain.
Comments
That is an awesome and diverse list Kenneth! My list includes a number of dogs and a turtle named Quaalude...I miss the dogs. The turtle was cool but more like a slow moving piece of furniture than a pet. Thank you for sharing!
Oh Kenneth this was such a wonderful hub..full of heart and sensitiviy..I love your heart!..I have loved all my animals too..and ended up with two cats for 16 years and was not a cat lover but they still won my heart.. We have had up to four dogs at one time all passed due to age or health problems but now we just have a little beagle..she is Chrissy..she is gentle with the chickens and for that I am thankful..She thinks she is the rooster..When something happens to her I am going to get a smaller non shedding dog but no more for now..I am like you it hurts your heart when they pass on to doggie heaven..
Take care..thank you,
Sunnie
I sometimes wonder if it's worth it to have a pet and then lose it and go through that pain. Then again, pets give us so much joy. Still, I haven't had as many to lose as it seems you have. Your hub is wonderful. You have a great heart. All those animals were fortunate to have you in their lives. The pictures are beautiful! And I hope that lowlife who stole your cats has paid for that in some way. That makes me sick.
Beautiful hub, Kenneth! I gave you many votes, including UP!
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Hi, ThoughtSandwiches, THANKS SO MUCH for your comment. I enjoyed hearing about Quaalude. That made my day. Pets are so wonderful that I am terrifed to get attached again, but my grandkids have a cat, Teddy and cute dog, Charlie Brown. They, the grandkids, love animals. There IS a living God! Thanks again!
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Hi, Sunnie Day! Thank you very, very much for your comment. And I thank YOU for your lovely compliment about my heart. I needed that. Your comment lets me know why you go by Sunnie Day...because your personality shines like the noon-day sun. Thanks again!
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Hi, Victoria Lynn, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY! I would love to have a pet, now, but there is way too much traffic near my home. I will just dream of owning an owl or a pet crow. I love these birds. Thanks again.
This hub is very nicely done! Thank you so much for your comments! Made my day!
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Dear Jewel, THANK YOU for the warm compliment. And YOU are very welcome for those comments for I only say what is in my heart. I am not a big or long talker, just say what my heart says to say. And it was MY DAY that was made by your following and I believe that I have been greatly-blessed with a new, super-talented friend, jewelsofawe (love typing that name!)
Great stuff, Kenneth. I'm allergic to everything, but starting as a kid, we've had just about every type of pet: cat, dog, birds, fish, although I wouldn't count amphibians unless you count the frogs & tadpoles we played with in the creek behind our house. Pets bring so much to so many people, that it's befitting you've given them such a nice tribute in this Hub.
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Hi, livelonger, THANK YOU, FRIEND, for this nice comment! You said tadpoles..that takes me back to another rural home I had where I loved to play in this stream that ran beside our house. That was my world when I was young. Thanks for the great comment and memory.
Hi Kenneth,
I don't know if I could bring myself to getting another dog. I adore dogs so much but it's hard when they leave us, isn't it. Anyway here's to "Buddy" - your lifelong friend who will always remain in your heart :-)
Cloverleaf
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Dear Clover, "Thank you so much. You are the first to acknowlege 'buddy,' my laughing dog. He is missed very much. Thank you, dear new friend. I will not anyway soon, forget your kindness.
Hi Kenneth,
Pets, whether they be dogs or cats make great friends and companion.
I remember as a child we had a black and tan hound dog named Beauregard. My dad named him after the hound dog in the comic strip Pogo.
Beauregard wouldn't hurt a flea but people were scared of his size and bark.
I have never had my own dog but my sister has a Border Collie. His name is also Beauregard.
He is my four legged buddy. I could not ask for a better friend.
I believe that dogs go to heaven. I am sure Buddy is smiling down on you and remembers your friendship.
Voted up, up and away.
Loved your Hub! I'm more a real cat lover but I'd like to combine my two cats with a dog one day.
Plain cats or Siamese ones. There is a difference indeed. I know! The only thing that never changed for me is the love I felt for my cats.
I spoil them like my surrogate kids and I hug them and play with them, as their surrogate cat mummie.
Life without cats for me would be too empty. I can totally relate to your Hub. Voted up and beautiful!
Great hub. I love dogs. Voted up.
Hi Kenneth, I'm a dog lover, but have been without a dog for a few years now, since 'Major' passed on.
Loved the hub and your photos and little snippets about all your pets.
Many thanks for sharing and voting up.
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Dear Sueswan, "Thanks so much for the warm comment about Beauregard. Sounds like MY kind of friend, like my Tramp was. And I think at one time or the other, we all have our 'buddies' in this life. It is up to us to appreciate them. Thanks for ALL of your comments!"
For a dog lovers, reading it is a great catch. Thanks a lot for this wonderful hub. Greatly appreciated.
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Hi, Escobana, Thank YOU so much for your comment on this hub. I appreciate you taking the time to put your thoughts on this hub. Honest. I hope that something really good happens to YOU! Peace.
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Hi, funmontrealgirl . . .THANK YOU SINCERELY, for the comment on this hub. And YOUR vote. Peace and Happiness be yours!
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Hey, moviemaster, Thank YOU for sharing about your 'Major,' that really touched me. I agree with Sue, all dogs and cats go to Heaven. Search the scriptures. God made all the animals, beasts, fish and birds long before He made us. Food for thought. Thanks again!
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Hello, naturalsolutions: This comment you made, really humbled me. Really! I do NOT waste my words on anyone or anything. Including my Heavenly Father, who made for us, these special dog and cat friends. And yes, my mule friend as well. Thank you for caring. Peace.
Hi Kenneth, I really enjoyed reading this hub. I think animal lovers are caring people, and the bond we have with our pets goes beyond just caring for them. They are our companions...they truly are...
I love dogs the most, they show such unconditional love, more so than what we usually get from humans
Voted up!
Terri
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Hey, Teri! THANK YOU KINDLY for the warm comment. I needed your thoughts in a bad way. And you came through. If I can EVER be of help in any way to you, you know where I am. Peace.
Lol, I really like you Kenneth the way you write and the way you talk is one of the characteristic of an alpha man. I hope to read more informative hubs from you.
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Thanks, MUCH, naturalsolutions! That makes my night. This was not expected. That's why it was so good of you to do this. I.O.U. big time. Thanks.
Kenneth,
This is a warm and wonderful hub that shows a beautiful side of your personality. I cannot imagine having a non-pet loving friend... so glad we are pals!
Voted UP & AB and have a lovely weekend, mar.
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Hello, New Hub Writer Friend, marcoujour. THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FOR THIS LOVELY COMMENT. I needed to hear these words. Been a stressful day. And yes, even today, I still love dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, etc. I would even love to have a pet crow in my house to keep me company. And thanks too, for the vote and YOU, my tender-hearted friend, HAVE A BLAST THIS WEEKEND. Talk to you soon. Peace.
@kenneth avery...Wow, what beautiful pictures and beautiful sentiments on behalf of animal pals!
I've had animal friends all my life, too, and the losses are so difficult, but please try again, my friend, as there is a worthy and deserving pet waiting for your love and tenderness!
I'm curious about the picture of "Ballie", the (Border?) collie. It almost looks like a paint-by-number. Did you draw, or paint this picture? It's wonderful.
And, I have to share this -- our family sheepdog-poodle mix (the first sheepoo?) from the '80s was always smiling, according to my son, for whom Smokey basically was gathered into the fold. (But he bonded to all of us.) Dogs do share their glory of love by smiling and laughing.
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Hey, Barb, THANK YOU SO MUCH for this warm comment that touched my heart and rekindled my stored-away memories of my pets, that I still miss. I am trying hard these days to get my wife to allow me to have a big yellow Tomcat to keep me company during the day while she is at work. I think that I would love to converse with a tomcat and rebond, but we live near two highways and that scares me about having another pet, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for your advice, which I agree with. And the artwork is a piece of artwork I found that matched Ballie...my family, get this, in 1961, never owned a camera and the reason why: poverty. Dad was a sharecropper and mom was the woman in Proverbs, Chapter 31, (this scripture describes my mom) and I just lived life as it came at ages six and seven with ballie, and oh yes, I forgot, Baby Dog, a feist who just came up one day after Ballie had been run over. Do not tell me that Our God does not love animals. He does. And Barb, thanks for being such an understanding friend. Sincerely, Kenneth
Of all the pets you mentioned, how could you forget chickens! We've got many, but one stands out. She weeds the garden with me and cleans up in the kitchen after my bro when he eats popcorn.
I love animals and your hub helped me rekindle many memories. Thanks for sharing.
About Fluffie for a cat name... what if he's hairless? LOL.
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Dear Agnes...I know. That was a big error on part. My mom let me have 4 chickens when I was in the 10th grade. Our local farmer's cooperative gave away free chicks in the spring, so got 4. Raised them and they would 'roost' in their 'home" I made for them on our back porch. I sold them for $4 to a neighbor lady who wanted them for her own. And Fluffie IS PERFECT for a cats name. Thanks for the warm comment. KENNETH
Hi Kenneth. Finally have got time to check out your hubs and what a beautiful experience it is to read this one. It is true pets can sense much about the owners and people around them. I have been fortunate enough to be around pets all my life. My mums (who is no longer on this earth) back yard is a pet cemetery. Under every tree, shrub, flower or bush is one of our pets.The trees, shrubs and flowerbeds flourish with no abandon. Beneath the neatly trimmed grass are all our pets. Living in the city now I do not have a pet but I miss having them. My last cat "precious' wandered into my daughters shop from who knows where? My daughter came to me with what seriously looked like a drowned rat with long hair. It was raining that day and the takeaway shop was busy so I was helping out. My daughters concerned eyes alerted me to what she held in her hand. I asked her what it was. She didn't know? When I inspected the little wet bundle his eyes peeked out beneath dripping fur that was covering his eyes and locked with mine. I fell in love. No idea what breed he was but he was a constant companion when my marriage ended. Whenever I was on the computer typing he would jump on the desk and being careful to avoid the keys he would find his position between my arms (so as not to disturb my typing) and sit there watching me then watching the computer. Occasionally having a snooze then playfully pawing my hands if he wanted a pat. . I miss my precious so I understand you not wanting to feel the pain of loss.
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11/28/2011
Dear Penny, What an amazing story. Loved it. And was saddened by it also. Funny thing about us humans. We get attached to a wonderful, loyal and loving pet, then, for some reason, they leave us. Just like companions. Have you ever really considered the relative differences? Anyway, I truly enjoyed this comment. And I am so glad that I found YOU on hubs. You are an exquisite writer, my friend. You have the ability to reach to the reader's heart. Not all writers can do that. Please keep this in mind. Have a great day and thank YOU for the warm comment and friendship. Kenneth
Wow!!! This is a really interesting, useful and all the rest. I got caught with cats because better than rats and the dog by my daughter's work as an assistances of a veterinarian. I agree with "The human heart can stand just so much pain."
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Lastheart . . .thank you kindly for the sincere comment and I have to agree again, the human heart (soul, being) is not made (at this stage of life) to endure more pain than it's possible. "We" all have our breaking points. Thanks so much and I agree with the cat preference.
As an animal lover and pet owner, I was naturally drawn to this hub first - it is a lovely tribute to all pets, and yours in particular - over the years, I have met many people - some I love, and some I hope never to see again - but I can honestly say I have never met an animal that I did not like - our pets are our friends, loving, loyal, trusting, non-judgmental, an always there when you need them to rejoice with you, to mourn with you, to comfort you, and to cheer you up when times are bad - it is no wonder that many of the homeless that you have written of manage to keep a pet with them and share what little food and warmth they have with an animal that will give them so much in return - best regards - B.
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12/14/2011
Hi, billips....in short, YOU NAILED IT! Every word of this comment of yours, TRUE. I couldnt have stated it any better. Glad to meet a fellow animal-lover. There are more of "us" than people think. Where I live, near heavy-traffic roads, I cannot have a pet. I thought about a rheeses monkey, but those cost around $3800.00, the price of a decent usec car. My three grandkid would love one. But I dont have the dough. Thanks for your insight, billips. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Great hub about pets and especially cats and dogs. Hope you don't mind I linked a poem about dogs to this hub I liked it so much! Voted up.
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Dearest tillsontitan, thank you so much, dear friend for your lovely comments. I would never mind whatever YOU choose to do to any of my hubs. To me, you caring this much about what I do, thrills me. Believe me. I may be a lot of things, but DISHONEST is NOT one of them.
Thanks too for the votes.
Your Friend, Fan . . .KENNETH
Dear Kenneth, You know, dogs are ALWAYS happy when you walk in the door to your home, and they can sense the type of day you've had. They do have a bond that is indescribable! I have four dogs, well two are mine one is a ten year old toy fox terrier (I had a regular size fox terrier as a kid, that's the poem "ode to an old dog" any way the other dog is a small German Short Haired pointer, my 22 year old has a Rotty crossed with a Shepherd and my 18 year old has a beautiful yellow lab, and she's going off to college in a few days so I'll have to take over ownership of him and that means us going to school because this dog is so knotty, well he even has his own face book page he so infamous. But Kenneth, please get another dog, save one - it'll know you saved it and when years later it gets old, just rejoice in all that that dog has left you with, all the love and companionship. I know the pain, I love all our animals and we live on a farm. It take's a while after to realize you had become a better person for having that dog in your life. I have found as I get older that the smaller do.gs are much easier and they want to be with you all the time and they don't care if your just writing, my nine pound Toy Fox Terrier is curled under my lap as I lie on the couch and she's under my knees, I'll be a mess when she passes but I already know the daily companionship she gives me! And the little dogs can fly under your seat not in the belly. I used to be just a big dog and owned a few German Shepherd and one was so incredible! But, I've found the little ones more into their owners. Kenneth, get one - I can't tell you what to do, but it sounds as if you yearn for another dog. Let me know, Your Friend, Ellen Karman
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Dearest Ellen . . .thank you, kindly for this sweet comment. I was entertaining the idea of a dog, maybe a small house dog, one that Festus my tomcat would NOT eat whole. That might be the only obstacle. Thanks for the great advice, dear friend. I have been secretly longing for another dog.
You have now given ME something to think about.
Thanks!
Your Friend for Life,
Kenneth
I love all animals. kenneth avery you have done a good job teaching us about all the good things about cats and dogs. I will vote this up awesome interestng useful
Hi Kenneth...of course, it goes without saying...I love this hub and agree with you completely. It says so much about a person by the way they treat and regard animals. You are a great person and a dear soul...and I thank you for this, Kenneth. All ups on this beautiful hub..(where was I? Why didn't I see this sooner???)
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Hello, One Mother Hubber, (cute name), thanks so much for your awesme comments. I am an animal-lover since birth and I detest, no, resent anyone who willfully-abuses them. There is no excuse or justificationi for abusing innocent animals. Or people. Thanks again and visit with me anytime. Id love to have you for a follower.
Kenneth
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My Dearest Lucky Cats,
Thank you so much. You are a sweet heart for taking time to look this up, read and comment. This was an early hub of mine, but you have reminded me of just how much I miss my pets. But they are always in my heart and soul.
And, Lucky, YOU are a WONDERUL GIRL and Special Friend. I mean what I say. I do not waste time or hand out empty compliments.
Love you for being so nice,
KENNETH
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