PETS AND ANIMALS

The battle between cats & dogs has been waged since the dawn of time. Seemingly opposites, cats & dogs can be seen as metaphors for the two sides of our own psyche. The desperate side of us that wants nothing more than to be loved; and the independent side, that can take care of itself.

The dog loves everyone. He is sloppy and carefree. He is unashamed of his feelings and will walk through fire if it pleases his owner. Dogs will wear funny hats for us, point at birds for us, they’ll even go out in the snow to fetch the newspaper at the end of the driveway for us. In exchange for this embarrassing level of devotion, they depend on us for everything. Dogs must be walked, fed, and bathed by their owners. They can’t take care of even the most basic needs in life. Dogs need us. They really, really need us.

Cats, on the other hand, don’t need anyone. They can take care of themselves. Cats are wholly and completely self-sufficient. Cats prefer to be left alone. They don’t want to be bothered with the pettiness of our silly lives. Cats won’t be made fools of. They have too much self-respect. A cat won’t come running to lick your face when you come home. He’s got other things on his mind. While, the dog has been sitting there for 9 hours waiting for your return, the cat hasn’t even noticed that you left.

Take your dog out for a walk and you’d better bring a poop bag to dispose of the giant deposit he’s going to make on your neighbor’s lawn. Cats can take care of their own bathroom needs, thank-you very much. All they need from us is a relatively clean litter box. Heck, if you let the cat outside, he’ll very neatly take care of his business, and not on the neighbor’s lawn, where everyone can see it. The cat will sneak quietly behind the bushes to relieve himself, and then cover it up so we don’t have look at it.

It’s natural for a cat to adapt to whatever situation life presents. Why do you think cats on the loose are called “alley cats” while loose dogs are called “strays?” It’s natural to assume that a dog is lost if he is without a human companion. Cats can live their whole lives without human contact. Cats can catch birds or mice to eat, find warm places to sleep, and even bathe themselves. A stray dog won’t catch and eat a squirrel. No, he’ll degrade himself by digging through a garbage can to find the leftover tuna noodle casserole you threw away.

A dog will be your best friend for life, as long as you feed him. It’s true that dogs are very loyal, but that loyalty can be swayed very easily by anyone with snausages to offer. Cats don’t give their affection away like dogs do. You must earn a cat’s trust and devotion. Being loved by a cat is the ultimate indication of your value as a being on this planet. If a cat trusts and respects you, you can be sure that you are truly worthy! If a dog loves you, it’s probably because you smell like bacon.



By: Jeffrey Dorrian

About the Author:

Animal rescue organizations or groups offer you a great place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have common goals. These groups work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted or misplaced cats and dogs. Many of these rescue groups rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.

When you begin looking for a rescue group to work with, you will find that most of these groups do rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these rescue groups. Many of these groups handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption. You might be surprised to learn that some groups even offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs and even guinea pigs.

As you begin looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in mind some of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth. Their owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they are moving or can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some programs also offer spay and neuter release program for feral cats.

Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. IF you find a pet offered through a pet rescue group, you will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey-it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.

You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many rescue organization, it is easy to find one in your area. Your vet can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, children and time to get used to living in a home. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will bring their animals that need homes to pet stores or other locations for interested people to see and meet the animals on certain weekends.

When you choose a pet in a rescue program, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. The organization wants to know these pets will be well cared for the long term. You will probably be asked about other pets you may have, the age of your children, the size of your yard and your thoughts on a cat with claws if you are looking at a cat. This is to help match the pet with the right owner. Adoption fees vary by each organization, but you can expect to pay $100-$200 for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying, and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible way to get your next family member. You can also find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.



By: Jay Schindler

About the Author:

Each year, over two million dogs and four million cats are euthanized at U.S. animal shelters. These animals are euthanized for the simple fact that there just are no homes for them. The primary causes of this tragedy is the people who fail to have their pets spayed or neutered, and who abandon or give up pets because of lack of commitment to training the pet. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals and irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.

Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a longer, healthier life, especially for those females who are spayed before their first heat cycle. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of 6-7 days, 3 or more times a year in cats. The surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. A major advantage for most owners is the elimination of heat cycles and unwanted pregnancies. Female cats normally cycle from February to November each year. Even if someone can find homes for one litter of kittens, the overpopulation cycle continues if the animals are allowed to breed.

Research has shown that early spaying or neutering of your pet can aid in the recovery process, giving your pet a speedy and virtually painless recovery. Years ago, when safe pediatric anesthetic techniques were not available, waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery, but that is no longer the case. Depending on your pet’s age and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Depending on what procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your vet will use his highest standards to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible during his or her stay and to make sure your pet will be safe.

Make it your mission to ensure that the stray cat that frequents your back yard doesn’t bring more strays into the world to endure the same hard life. At this rate there will never be enough homes for all adoptable pets. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. He doesn’t suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

In general, animal welfare organizations and veterinarians agree that spaying and neutering pets is a responsible decision that will benefit both pets and owners. Pet health care professionals insist that problems can certainly be avoided with these simple procedures. There will never be enough good homes for all of these unwanted pets. Humane shelters will continue to euthanize millions of healthy cats and dogs each year for no reason other than homes cannot be found for them. Preventing the birth of kittens for which there will be no homes is one of the best reasons to have a pet cat altered. Additionally, altered dogs and cats are less likely to wander and become lost while searching for a mate and are less likely to bite or become aggressive.

Much like children, animals depend on humans to keep them happy and healthy. Also, remember, spaying/neutering is an excellent way to reduce health risks to your pet. This includes showing your pet you care for him or her by providing adequate attention in the form of petting, feeding, exercise, training, and just loving them.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice



By: Doris Canova

About the Author: