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Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: heartforyou on February 08, 2007, 04:38:26 am

Title: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: heartforyou on February 08, 2007, 04:38:26 am
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to
Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay
off the furniture. That's why they call it "fur"niture.
3. We like our pets a lot better than we like most
people.
4. To you , it's an animal. To us, he/she is an
adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on
all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

More at http://www.cyberladyministries.com/ (http://www.cyberladyministries.com/)
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: wellington on February 08, 2007, 04:55:04 am
I'm always wary of people that my pets do not like. Talk about the "feeling is mutual" ;}
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: dtwpuck on February 08, 2007, 05:50:43 am
I love my pets.  I love animals.  I just don't like people who can't take care of their pets well enough to keep their houses from stinking or keep their animals from behaving in a way that is appropriate.  I really think a lot less of someone who has a lot of dogs and when you go to their house, your hands come away feeling dirty and sticky because you were playing with said dogs. 
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Razorbill on February 08, 2007, 06:38:02 am
Sorry Hermie,
  I have big problems with your pet rules.
1) Human beings always come first.  If you invite me in your home, I expect you would have me sit on clean furniture.  Not stand.
2) Dogs don't love anything.  They have been bred over millennia to have responses to food and attention that mimic human love.  They are programmed to be in a permanent state of immature dependency (not unlike some boyfriends I've had).  When they "kiss" you, it's an inbred behavior begging a parent to throw up food for them. 
3) I personally, and I am a prickly sort, get really riled when I go on a priority list below a dog.  Dog ownership is a disincentive to me to start seeing a guy.  The responsibility of care and walking ties the person to the dog and everything else revolves around.  I'll anticipate the criticism here and admit I'm looking for things to revolve around me (see rule #1).
4) In the absence of children (one of the great failings of my life was not to have adopted a child to love), gay couples have dog-babies.  Quite frankly, the behavior and doting is nauseating. 
  Well, that obviously touched a raw nerve.  Again, Hermie, nothing personal.  I'm happy you're happy anyway you come by it.  This is just mean old Razorbill's dog rant.  If i had a boyfriend and were getting laid regularly, I'd probably behave like a puppy myself!
Razorbill
PS - Razorbills make poor pets - they need cold seas and live fish.  And they refuse to walk on a leash.
PPS - When I spell checked this, the checker picked up "dog-babies" and suggested kebabs.  hmmmm
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: blondbeauty on February 08, 2007, 07:01:57 am
I totally agree with you Hermie. For me Diana is my sister and my mother, when she calls the vet to get an appointment, she says: "I am Diana´s mother".
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: skeebo1969 on February 08, 2007, 07:22:08 am


  What if you have turtles?
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Gary85741 on February 08, 2007, 08:05:18 am

     I knew a guy once who as best as I can perceive it...was in love with his dog (I don't mean anything sexually, but emotionally.)
     The dog literally went everywhere with him.  I asked how he bought groceries or ran errands.  He said often and quickly so as to minimize the time the dog stayed in the car.  He could never do things that took more time, such as going to a restaurant, movie, etc. 
     Not surprisingly, the default topic of conversation was always that dog.  I'd try to quickly change the subject...which would work only temporarily.
     Moreover, this wasn't fair to the dog.  The dog was utterly dependent upon him.  Once we took a day trip and I held the dog on its leash while the guy used the bathroom at the rest stop.  As soon as he started walking away from the dog it started shaking and whimpering.
     I never got that close to the guy, but realized surely that anyone who did would come in a distant #2 behind that dog.  Talk about dysfunctional!  Geez I like my cat but I certainly don't obsess on her.

Gary
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Ihavehope on February 08, 2007, 10:16:00 am
I LOVE doggies, so who ever messes with my doggies, messes with me.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: ACinKC on February 08, 2007, 10:20:19 am
I love my pets.  I love animals.  I just don't like people who can't take care of their pets well enough to keep their houses from stinking or keep their animals from behaving in a way that is appropriate.  I really think a lot less of someone who has a lot of dogs and when you go to their house, your hands come away feeling dirty and sticky because you were playing with said dogs. 

BIG FAT FUCKING DITTO!

Edited to add:  I currently don't have any pets.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: ACinKC on February 08, 2007, 10:22:19 am

  What if you have turtles?

You could have soup!
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: aupointillimite on February 08, 2007, 10:23:59 am
I like that, Hermie!

I call Rimbaud and Megatron "my catchildren" for a reason. 

Some of my friends are allergic to cats, and they pretty much know that if they come over, they're gonna have to deal with kitties on them. 

I would put them away in another room somewhere, but cats are fairly untrainable, and all they do is wail when separated from people... so I tell my friends to either take some Benadryl or deal with it... the cats live in the apartment, my friends don't... and I don't see my friends solving the mouse problem.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: ademas on February 08, 2007, 10:41:34 am
1) Human beings always come first.  If you invite me in your home, I expect you would have me sit on clean furniture.  Not stand.
2) Dogs don't love anything.  They have been bred over millennia to have responses to food and attention that mimic human love.  They are programmed to be in a permanent state of immature dependency (not unlike some boyfriends I've had).  When they "kiss" you, it's an inbred behavior begging a parent to throw up food for them. 

I love my dog, but I do agree with both of these.
I saw a show on Discovery about the history of the dog, and the show pretty much said the same as Razorbill's point #2--that most of their behaviors that we attribute to "love" are indeed manipulations for kibble.  Kibble is never too far from their brains.
That said, they quickly added that dogs are pack animals, and social.  They do form bonds just as people do, with creatures that care for them, and play with them, and share space with them.  They are genuinely happy to see us when we come home, because we are the alpha male, and a member of their pack (and...yes...because they know kibble will soon follow....)   ;D
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Christine on February 08, 2007, 11:30:55 am
My dogs are my babies. Have I substituted them for the children I never had?? Probably. Is it healthy? I don't know.

But I do know they have gotten me through many bad times. They have been there for me when people have not.

Christine
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: RapidRod on February 08, 2007, 11:44:14 am
I tell them like it is, you don't like my kids and my smoking don't come visit. I really think my kids have more brains sometimes. It never works though. I still get the visitors. Maybe if I am always nude, if that would work? ;)
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Nadine on February 08, 2007, 04:14:34 pm
Most days I would pick my dog & cats over people, they are non judgemental and have unconditional love.

Quote from: RapidRod
Maybe if I am always nude, if that would work? ;)
Rodney, please don't be naked when I visit next month...but hey, if you've seen one you've seen them all!  :D
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: heartforyou on February 08, 2007, 04:21:11 pm
Razor,

I got my notes from http://www.cyberladyministries.com/ (http://www.cyberladyministries.com/)

No , I don't breastfeed Lola and she definitely cannot drive my car.. but sir, do we have fun together ;) ;) ;)

Hermie
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Razorbill on February 08, 2007, 05:18:39 pm
Turtles rock! 
And Hermie - l'image de vous donnant le sein à ton chien était tout à fait...surréel. 
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: mjmel on February 08, 2007, 05:38:13 pm
My dogs are my babies. Have I substituted them for the children I never had?? Probably. Is it healthy? I don't know.

But I do know they have gotten me through many bad times. They have been there for me when people have not.

Christine
Now, that's how my partner and I feel too. We have 20 animals in all and love having them. Yes, dog hair causes lots of housework that I'm not thrilled about but it gets cleaned. Yes, the 5 inside dogs do a number on the wood floor but they are family. Other animals: 8 llamas, 3 goats, 1 rescued pot bellied pig, 2 cats and one rescued outside dog.
We don't get much company out here in the country. It's not a problem if we have company though. They know who the alpha is and don't get out of line. My dog Lucas would love to bite the UPS guy on the ass. For different reason, so would I.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: dtwpuck on February 08, 2007, 06:08:08 pm
I call Rimbaud and Megatron "my catchildren" for a reason. 

I like those names.  My cat is named "Lafaunduh".  When I moved to Detroit, I got a black cat.  She's the pretty black girl from Detroit... cum Napoleon Dynamite.

My dog's name is Harley.  I blame that name on my ex.  But she's the nicest dog in the universe.  Ever. 
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Boo Radley on February 08, 2007, 06:10:32 pm
"The more I see of men, the better I like my dog."   attributed to Frederick The Great

Hermie, I used to have a sign in my living room that said about the same things.  My dogs go wild when someone comes in and I have to fuss to get them to slow down but very few guests have really minded.   There is a sheet covering the sofa which I remove when there's company although in my house it's impossible not to get a few hairs on you.  The dogs have their own sofa in another room (situated so people don't sit on it since it's so doggy) and after it's apparent no one has food they usually go to their room or lie around waiting for something exciting (like the sound of a leaf falling outside so they can bark at in unison).

When we take our daily walks 3 of them walk off-leash and run up to strangers who usually begin petting them.  When anyone seems concerned or I'm unsure I call the dogs away or don't let them approach in the first place.   A lot of times when we get closer to the person he/she shows a little fear but I immediately assure her/him the dogs are harmless and, more often than not, the person relaxes and lets the dogs approach and pets them.  I'm always showing school kids (an elementary school is across the street from the park we walk in) the dogs will not hurt them and most kids get a thrill from the attention of 4 nosy dogs wanting to be petted at the same time.

Boo
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: heartforyou on February 09, 2007, 06:12:40 am
Quote
most kids get a thrill from the attention of 4 nosy dogs wanting to be petted at the same time.

Sounds like me when I see dogs on the street.

We had a snowblizzard yesterday, and my Lola just lOOOOves snow.
So Hermie went out had fun with Lola jumping for snowballs on the beach.

"Lafaunduh"....I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee that name. Can see her wiggle that tail and ass...

Oh boys and girls.. dogs are so much fun


Hermie :)

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Mouse on February 09, 2007, 06:29:49 am
I like to care for things. I'm used to people feeling as though they need to take care of ME and it gets frustrating. I suppose my selfish reason for having a lot of pets is it makes me feel useful and gives me something to pour my ridiculous amount of affection on in the absence of someone else. Luckily I've found a boyfriend that is equally in love with his pets and we have no problem talking about them together. xD.

I have joint custody over his pets and him over mine. Hehe.

I prefer smaller animals because most large dogs are bigger than me. Hahaha. That said, I've never had a dog. But I'd like one.

At the moment I have two cats, two red-eared sliders (turtles), four mice, two rats, a tarantula and a sun conure named Scurvy who is demanding just like his brother (I say brother because my father pretty much stole the bird from me and considers it his child. It's insane. So he jokes that me and Scurvy get cranky at each other because we have a sibling rivalry going on. And we do get cranky at each other. I yell at him and he screeches back and then bites my lip.)
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: joemutt on February 09, 2007, 07:04:48 am
Unlike humans pets will never talk back.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Mouse on February 09, 2007, 09:01:10 am
Unlike humans pets will never talk back.

Unless you have the crazy.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: aztecan on February 09, 2007, 10:05:04 am
I've heard dog is tasty, but have yet to try it - at least as far as I know.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Razorbill on February 09, 2007, 03:52:54 pm
Hot dogs for real  Perhaps I'll get the opportunity in China.  I got a pic from rotten.com - probably shouldn't post it here tho.  Oh thanks skeebo for mentionning the site.  Never checked it out.  Yowser.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: skeebo1969 on February 09, 2007, 05:44:38 pm
Hot dogs for real  Perhaps I'll get the opportunity in China.  I got a pic from rotten.com - probably shouldn't post it here tho.  Oh thanks skeebo for mentionning the site.  Never checked it out.  Yowser.

  I know which pic you are talking about!!!! LMAO!!!  That pic got me in trouble with a guy in my fantasy football league... his wife is Chinese!!  LMAO!!!  Did you see the pic of the guy who took a bad step at the subway?
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: heartforyou on February 10, 2007, 05:29:46 am
they had pics about cannibalism there as well.

non-pet lovers be ware.......

Hermie ;)
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Boo Radley on February 10, 2007, 12:25:44 pm
  I really think a lot less of someone who has a lot of dogs and when you go to their house, your hands come away feeling dirty and sticky because you were playing with said dogs. 

Geez, puck, if I ever invite you to my hovel your answer is "No!"  Remember that for future reference.  Are you sure the dogs aren't slobbering on you?

My dogs get baths maybe 2 - 3 times a year.  They get brushed at least once a week, which is all their coats naturally require.   I stopped bathing them frequently when I realized most had dandruff and dry, itchy skin -- I tried all sorts of shampoos but they all removed the natural oils from the skin.  I tried conditioners and that just made the dogs feel greasy.  Also, except for 1, all of the 9 dogs I have/had hate(d) baths and always act(ed) like it is(was) a punishment.   I felt I was forcing them to do something nature doesn't require because of my human prejudices.

I deal with accumulated doggy odors, like on the dog sofa and chair or the rugs, by buying used sofas/chairs after the dogs wear the old ones out.  I buy inexpensive washable cotton rugs and wash them until it's time to get a new one.   I change my bed sheets often since 3 dogs and any number of cats end up sleeping with me most nights.

Having 12 cats makes odor control a real problem but I deal with it best as I can.  I burn a lot of incense and spend a small fortune on scented candles.  Cleaning all of the litter boxes wipes me out physically so I usually alternate upstairs/downstairs every day.  But the fact is if you're in the vicinity of a litter box (and sometimes not even very close) the odor of a fresh cat turd comes wafting by your nose.  Big deal.  The human sense of smell gets used to almost any odor within 30 seconds. 

I didn't intentionally adopt 4 dogs and 12 cats but cannot bring myself to leave kittens or or puppies or, especially, adult cats or dogs, with the LA SPCA since the likelihood of euthanasia is very high.  I have never been able to leave an apparently lost cat/dog on the street but have been very lucky finding their owners before they became members of my household.

I know in respect to animals I am not in the norm but it's my life and my choice to adopt strays when I find them or try to find them good homes.   Sometimes I stop and wonder how I can be so insane but usually I'm perfectly happy with a house full of four-legged critters.   If only I could house-train my youngest dog Boo since she's the only one who still thinks nothing of taking a dump or pee inside.  She's spent many hours in her kennel but it makes no difference to her. 

Boo
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: heartforyou on February 10, 2007, 05:53:25 pm
No wonder they feel so good in your vicinity Boo.

You saved most of them from the final shot...

Enjoy your pets boy. I love mine///

Hermie
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: RapidRod on February 10, 2007, 07:25:14 pm
Boo, I wish my dogs only needed baths once or twice a year. Mine go in to the groomers every 8 weeks and get their bath, combed, cut and blow dried and their nails clipped.  Of course they get their cologne put on them once a week to make them smell like a new born baby. I use to have dobermans and they had dry skin until I started giving them Pet-Tabs/F.A. Granules in their food. That got rid of the dry flaking skin and it gave them a nice thick shinny coat.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: aupointillimite on February 10, 2007, 07:37:42 pm
There was a letter to the editor today in the Richmond Times-Disgrace that I feel like I have to share, because I found to be infuriating in its idiocy.

A bit of background... a six year old in the Richmond area was mauled to death by one of his family's Rottweilers a couple weeks ago.  It is, of course, very sad... and a lot of people around here have been upset about it. 

But this goes a bit too far, I think. 

Editor, Times-Dispatch: The unnecessary, tragic death of 6-year-old Matthew Logan Johnson by dog mauling gives clear evidence that human adults seeking dogs as substitute companionship (over that of adults exclusively for themselves and for children) are social traitors to their own species.

As a consequence, dog owners intentionally, or otherwise, alienate themselves from their fellow human beings by zealously harboring these misplaced, aggressive, expensive, and unsanitary species of lower animals they seek to elevate over fellow humans.

Unless it is generally understood that people belong with people and dogs with dogs, and the means for relocation are employed to support this, expect tragedies like the above to continue. A dog, like any other animal, is not a toy. Lyman M. Flinn. richmond.


Dig the "social traitors to their own species."  I wonder how much thought went into that phrase.

Lyman M. Flinn is a giant tool.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: dtwpuck on February 10, 2007, 07:52:23 pm
Wow, Boo.... that's a lot of critters.  You need to meet my mother.  She's crazy cat lady. 
I have one cat and one dog.  My dog's PitBull/Boxer mix, so she's really short haired and very clean.  However, you might know what I mean when I say that sometimes you just feel dirty after playing with a lot of dogs.  Anyway, I really do love animals, and having only two is an unusual situation for me.  (I used to raise ferrets, I had a parrot, a hedgehog family and four cats.)  (by the way... ferrets are just about the most fun you could have legally)   I guess I pay so much attention to my animals that I can't imagine not keeping them really clean.  Just me.

twelve cats.  sheesh.  twelve.   At the height of growing up, the most we had was nine.
Title: Re: What to tell non-pet lovers....
Post by: Boo Radley on February 10, 2007, 08:31:02 pm
There was a letter to the editor today in the Richmond Times-Disgrace ...

Jeez, the Richmond Times must really be desperate for letters to the editor.  I oughta write something to them.

Quote from: dtwpuck
Wow, Boo.... that's a lot of critters.  You need to meet my mother.  She's crazy cat lady.

Well, it was only 8 cats until 6/6/6, when kittens were born to the adolescent female I adopted with a male adolescent in late April, 2006.  The male is not the father, she was knocked up when I got her but I was too stupid to realize it until it was too late. 

I'd love to meet your mother!  Most of my neighbors think me a bit odd but harmless, even if I curse like a drunken sailor at the dogs while we're walking a lot of the time.  Several of my friends have even more animals than I do and how they manage I have no idea (but their abodes usually look a lot neater than mine).

Boo