You & Your Pet(s): The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond

[away36]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Several years ago, my Mother developed terminal cancer. I woke up one morning to find my cat, which was about 5 or 6 years old and healthy as far as I knew, lying in the kitchen sink. She'd never gone in there before. About 10:00 am I got the phone call from my sister that Mom had passed away. At 2:00 that afternoon the cat died, never getting out of the sink.

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Al,

I'm sorry to hear about these tragic circumstances, and it certainly puts things in perspective. To say that the incidents would be difficult for anyone to handle would be a gross understatement. Nonetheless, with the passage of time, I hope you come to care for animals again since they enhance one's life to a much greater degree. Best wishes, Faith

Despite the fact that that memory is still very much in Al's mind, he really is remarkable around animals. The cat in this picture is one of our two "rescued" cats. Al brought this one in one absolutely freezing cold dark winter night. It immediately adopted Al and is forever lying on him, sitting on him or sitting as near as possible to the window when we are out on the porch. (they are both indoor cats). Both cats greet him every time he comes into the house, and he always stops right away to talk to them and give them treats. We have no dogs because we are often away from home for very long days because of Al's sailboat races. But.....about every 3rd person in our neighbourhood has a dog. Al knows every one of their names, and gets off the front porch to pet every dog that walks by.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by away36

Despite the fact that that memory is still very much in Al's mind, he really is remarkable around animals. The cat in this picture is one of our two "rescued" cats. Al brought this one in one absolutely freezing cold dark winter night. It immediately adopted Al and is forever lying on him, sitting on him or sitting as near as possible to the window when we are out on the porch. (they are both indoor cats). Both cats greet him every time he comes into the house, and he always stops right away to talk to them and give them treats. We have no dogs because we are often away from home for very long days because of Al's sailboat races. But.....about every 3rd person in our neighbourhood has a dog. Al knows every one of their names, and gets off the front porch to pet every dog that walks by.

yeah.... we knew he was really a softie!

[ratae1950]

Originally Posted by boa2

When we put Evita (my avatar) to sleep a few years ago, I was a wreck!
We car-camped all over Europe with her, and she ate many a slice of pizza when we lived in Florence, Italy. The locals wouldn't allow me in their restaurants UNLESS I brought her with me. We called her the 'kitty cat', and I reallly miss her.

At 4 months:





In her favorite place, the garden:



We now have these two guys. Mario the Jack Russell (a/k/a "Scrappy", "Pesty", "The Little F***er"), and Rudy the red-nosed Shelter Dog. Rudy is the most loving dog I've ever had.



Mario was on TRF even before I was.

Mario looks like a bit of a handful. Great stories and images!

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by away36

Despite the fact that that memory is still very much in Al's mind, he really is remarkable around animals. The cat in this picture is one of our two "rescued" cats. Al brought this one in one absolutely freezing cold dark winter night. It immediately adopted Al and is forever lying on him, sitting on him or sitting as near as possible to the window when we are out on the porch. (they are both indoor cats). Both cats greet him every time he comes into the house, and he always stops right away to talk to them and give them treats. We have no dogs because we are often away from home for very long days because of Al's sailboat races. But.....about every 3rd person in our neighbourhood has a dog. Al knows every one of their names, and gets off the front porch to pet every dog that walks by.

Thanks Nancy for setting the record straight; the proof is in the picture. Al, you poser, you!

[AIKO]

This is Sugaree.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by ratae1950

Mario looks like a bit of a handful. Great stories and images!

Thanks, Peter. And I'm glad to hear your pup is doing well!

[DS/B MINI S]

Our two...chilling on their couch

[redshirt1957]

With all the heart felt stories above, I shall not share the story about the time I treated my pet chicken like a watermelon. Local joke and I bet no one will understand.

[away36]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

With all the heart felt stories above, I shall not share the story about the time I treated my pet chicken like a watermelon. Local joke and I bet no one will understand.

We have NEVER understood anything you've said so what's the difference?

[B Square]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

With all the heart felt stories above, I shall not share the story about the time I treated my pet chicken like a watermelon. Local joke and I bet no one will understand.

Know exactly what you mean It must be a southern thang

[xtra3cats]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

With all the heart felt stories above, I shall not share the story about the time I treated my pet chicken like a watermelon. Local joke and I bet no one will understand.

So which part of the watermelon is the dark meat?

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by xtra3cats

So which part of the watermelon is the dark meat?

Once a year every one is Irish, but I am starting to think redneck is year round.

[Latrodectus]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Here's my avatar only larger.

Such a good looking dog!

[East Bay Rider]

Lacy


Lucy


Patriot (Siamese Fighting fish)


Bandit


Daisy died a year ago but she was great so I included her.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by Latrodectus

Such a good looking dog!

Thank you so much, Fred.

[Rolexophile]

Two German Shepherds here-(Quinn and Hunter) they are two of the best persons I've known. A Sun Conure that is feisty named Henrietta. They're always happy to see me, strive to please and never in a bad mood- who could ask for more?

[allanofcalifornia]

This is so true. This is why I heard there are people who bring pets to the elderly when they visit. The pets help to cheer up the elderly!


Allan

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

With all the heart felt stories above, I shall not share the story about the time I treated my pet chicken like a watermelon. Local joke and I bet no one will understand.

Chicken + Watermelon?


If you are from the South, I would understand it.