Holey Mother of... fill in cuss words here

[Skywolf]

My cat, in an insane run around (any cat owners will understad that) got one of her nails stuck in the door latch, the metal plate that the bolt locks into, her nail got caught between the wood and the plate. I heard a horrible ROWWWWRRRRR and went running. Got her out, with much hissing. Tried to look at her paw to make sure it was OK, got mauled. Big time. I am bitten and scratched like a tiger got me. Her foot is fine BTW, after still looking at it , still getting attacked.
She just had a little nibble on her food and is sitting at my feet looking up at me with big "Im sorry" eyes. I forgive her, she is a cat after all, but damn and OUCH

[DonH]

This is while I have a muzzle for my dog, if he gets injured I will put that on his face! Don't wanna get bit by a angy 120 German Shepard!

[Skywolf]

Your Shepard is 120lb? Holy hell! I had a mal/shep mix and she was 90 and a big girl (could walk her at the wee hours of the night if needed, NO one would mess with me)
Post some pics if you could.
Do they make muzzels for cats, and, lol, how would you get it on them without being attacked (Unless you have a very docile cat)

Laura

[Melissa W]

Hi Laura,

I'm so sorry you got mauled by your cat. Oreo had done that because he is a nervous nellie for sure! We rescued him and he loves us but still is very apprehensive and he's difficult to cut his nails, pick up for more than a sec., etc. It's just one of the added benefits of loving your cats, LOL

Billy, on the other hand, also a rescue is the sweetest most loving cat ever! He sits obediently for his insulin shot twice a day. The only time he gives us any trouble is nail cutting but he would never scratch or bite. Just moan incessantly throughout which is upsetting at the time but we are not hurting him. He is just a big baby!

I would never declaw them, ever! It is extremely cruel!! My sister's a veterinarian and she says it's like cutting up to the knuckle on humans and is quite painful and takes away their pleasure of kneading.

Give your baby a big kiss from me and tell him to behave!!!

(Aunt) Melissa

[Skywolf]

You are very right about declawing, I will get on my soapbox to anyone who wants to do this. I also had a rescue cat, not this one, and she was scratching up everything in sight including me and my ex. I was going to have her declawed and sat down at the computer to research it and was shocked. You describe it exactly right, it would be like if you cut off our fingers from the first knuckle down, I thought they just took out the nail. Needless to say I did not have it done. There are things called "soft claws" for kittys, kind of like fake nails, you glue them onto the cats nails. They are not perfect, they fall off, and if you have a foot sensitive cat (like mine) a vet or a very brave friend will have to help, but IMO a much better way to go. You mention kneading, I love that, she will do that on my comforter so if I happen to be under it at the time I get a nice leg/foot massage, lol.
Oh, Im not mad at the little stinker, she is a feisty girl, much like the human she owns, I know she was just scared and freaking out, and she does HATE to have her feet touched. But I give to her big kiss for you ! She is now looking at me like "Huh? Just give me my breakfast!"

Edited by me again for just horrible spelling

[phlika29]

My cat is burmese and is usually very docile, although he did come out and playfully attack my arm whilst I was laying in the shade a minute ago.

He is usually so laid back that I cut his nails myself (just nip off the ends) as burmese cats dont retract their claws and he is permantly getting them stuck to my tops/trousers.

He sleeps with us every night, so funny he puts his head on the pillow and tucks his body under the duvet. He used to have a sister but they had a big falling out and never got over it so she now lives with my mum.

My partner going to kill me if he sees this but its such a good picture:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n60/phlika29/DSC_0299.jpg

[Skywolf]

Thats a great pic! And everyone shhhhhhhhh, we never saw the pic and will deny it . Pic, what pic????


Laura

[Skywolf]

My kitty, Ginger, the mauler. I have cuter pics but I love this one, captures her true self ( though she is a very nice cat and in no way affiliated with any neo nazi movement.) Ok that didn't work, let me try again
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/Silversouldream/Dscn0034.jpg

[Skywolf]

Ooops, as a mod am I am required to say if I edit any post, that above one was edited a bunch of times because I forgot how to post a pic. :oops:

Laura

[Melissa W]

Oh my g-d,
They are both so precious and beautiful Sarah and Laura!!!
I have no idea how to post pictures or else I'd show you Billy and Oreo!

PS I read the instructions and tried (on how to post a photo) but it's beyond my capabilities :(

[Skywolf]

Once I remembered how (and did go to the "how to post pics thread," yup, even the mods need help from time to time) You upload them to a server, I use photobucket, its very user friendly. then you hit the "img" button on the top of the post page, right above where you type. copy and paste (or type if you have that patience, I dont) the link to the pic, then hit "img" again (thats where I kept messing up) all in one string, no spaces, and badda boom, your pic is there.
And thanks about calling the kitty precious, I will post up a cuter less Hitlerish pic in a few, the camera is loading it as I type (my computer is VEEEEEEERRRRRYYYYYY slow)
BTW, doesnt Phlikas guy look a bit like Kevin Costner? Cute cute. :wink:

laura

[Melissa W]

Hey Laura,

I am totally clueless when it comes to computer speak, for sure.

Yes, I definitely think Sarah's guy is a cutie (better than Kevin Costner)!
Wait... I mean, what guy? 8)

And I don't think your kitty looks mean at all in that picture! He is adorable!!!

[Melissa W]

Laura,

Just asked my husband about the server stuff and he said we don't have one. We keep our pictures on our hard drive. Whatever that is LOL.

Anyway, Greg said he'd look into getting a server when he gets a chance.

I hope it's soon because it's fun to share pics! I'll even email a pic of my sweetie-pie (but don't tell him)!

[Skywolf]

I misspoke, typed, whatever. go to www.photobucket.com You transfer your pics from the hard drive to there, it easy, they walk you through it, they are a free hosting service where you can do all sorts of things with pics. It puts the pics in an album, automaticaly, you go to "my album" it a big link, cant miss it. Give it a go, would love to see the kitty cats!

Laura

[Skywolf]

And hard drive, whatever that is , Im biffing you upside the head right now, LOL. Just kidding of course. Thats the brain of the beast, the CPU (central processing unit) the hard memory, the stuff we save on the desk top, in folders, etc. is all on the hard drive. Stuff we save to disks and stuff are soft, yea, it sounds a bit sexual but I didn't make this lingo up, lol again.

Laura

[Skywolf]

My computer is acting all stupid, so posting more pics of my lovely little tiger will have to wait. Oh well

Laura

[Melissa W]

Laura,
Thanks so much for sending that info to help me.

But I'm absolutely hopeless with compters apparently because when I tried to join photobucket I couldn't. The reason is it sent a code to my cell that I had to get and enter into membership agreement with photobucket but unfortunately my cell doesn't accept texts. We had to block it months ago because of my mother-in-law. She had given out her cell # to a marketer and was getting hundreds of texts a week which we were paying for LOL. We have her on our family plan. Don't ask me why, she could afford her own but what can you do :roll:

Anyway, because of her we blocked all text as that was the most effective way to do damge control. Which brings us to now. Darn! Wait till Greg gets home because I am pissed. Once again his mom screws something up for us!

I'm disappointed but hopefully we can figure something out!

Looking forward to more of your kitty's pics!

[Melissa W]

OK Laura,
I was able to join photobucket somehow but still can't figure out how to post pics. I've uploaded some pics but now can't figure it out :?

I'm technologically challenged...pathetic

[moka]

hi Melissa,

If you happen to have a 'gmail' account, you can upload photos to a blog automatically created for you by gmail.
The upload process is simple and well explained.
by the way - regarding the server, i believe Laura referred to the web server, which you definitely have if your computer connects to the internet.
Curios to see your cats' photos... :D

Will be glad to assist if you have any trouble,
Good luck,
Yael.

[moka]

oh, i just saw that you have succeeded to upload pictures.
here's how to post them:
http://forum.rosaceagroup.org/viewtopic.php?t=947

[Melissa W]

This is the best I could do right now. I hope this works!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/Billy05.jpg




http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/34969353C27Ffp3453Enu3D32333E3553E5.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/34969353C27Ffp3393Enu3D32333E3553E5.jpg

I'm not sure why Billy's pic looks so small but he's much bigger in real life LOL!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/Billy05.jpg

Not Greg's best look but he just woke up from a nap finding Billy making himself comfy on him!

[Melissa W]

Hi Yael,
I just saw your message. Thanks so much! I can't believe how long this took me to figure out. I am so pathetically computer challenged! Ridiculous.

Thanks so much!

[Melissa W]

You know what? I'm just looking through the only pics Greg and I have of us together on the computer (of our wedding) and I can't believe I never noticed but I'm definitely pink!! It was about 100 degrees in the wedding reception hall and I was very hot but I never gave it a second thought because I was blissfully unaware (2004). But it's clear I was prerosacea all the way even back then. Amazing.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/WeddingPictures008.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x255/melissawohl/TomsWeddingPictures023-1.jpg

Look at how red my nose is! I look like Rudolph! LOL

[moka]

Great pictures, Melissa!
And i think you look absolutely beautiful in the wedding pictures! (liked the dress, too :D ).
Billy does look like a big fellow. Seems like he is very comfortable both on the couch and on your husband... :lol:
How are the cats getting along with each other?
I have a friend who has a cat and since a dog has joined the family lately, the cat got very jealous and gets annoyed whenever the dog is getting more attention...
:cat:

All this pet talk is reminding me how badly i want to have one too! (although i'm more of a dog person...)

Yael.

[Melissa W]

Hi Yael,

Thanks for your kind words. You're sweet!

I've had Billy since 1993 and we didn't adopt Oreo until 2003 so it was a big adjustment for Billy. Billy did have 2 brothers before though. Buster, whom I adopted in 1992 (but now is living with my mom and dad -long story, I was away at school and Buster developed cancer and needed pills and chemo around the clock so my mom and dad took him since I couldn't at that time attend to him 'round the clock...classes, rounds and all...and he's still going strong thank g-d!!). Then there was Butch, Billy's brother. They were both found in the blizzard of '93 and even though Butch was red we're pretty sure they were brothers. Anyway, so sad because in 2000 Butch developed a rare cancer and even with chemo and everything we could do (my sis is a veterinarian) he died 5 months later. I still cry about him because his life was cut so short. He was the best. He was a dog in a previous life and acted just like one. Just like Billy.

Oreo came to us because one of my sister's patients found him and no one wanted to adopt him because he had severe asthma (yes, cats can get that too!). So, I had no choice. But Billy was not happy and till this day just tolerates him LOL.

I thought I was a dog person too (always grew up with boxers) until I moved out on my own and discovered the wonder of cats. But I'm lucky because most of my cats have acted like dogs (except Oreo-typical skittish cat). But one day, I want to adopt a homeless dog (Greg wants to wait till we retire because of the walking them 4-5 times a day issue but I'm working on him LOL).

Animals love you unconditionally whether or not we look good or have p&ps, redness, flushing etc.. But mainly I just love all animals because they're so innocent, loving and adorable and so in need of loving homes. I just wish (won't get on my soapbox for too long here) people would spay and neuter their animals. There's so many strays and so much needless suffering. It breaks my heart.

All the best,
Melissa

[Skywolf]

Great pics Melissa, what a good looking couple you and your hubby are! I think he looks cute in the couch nap with the cat pic! I've woken up like that more than a few times, though it can be a lillte shocking at times to open your eyes to find another pair of them looking at you about an inch from your face, lol.
Good looking kittys cats too, what cutie pies.
Dont worry about it taking you a while to figure out the posting pics thing, thats how we learn! I consider myself somewhat knowledgable (if only I could spell) about computers, but that sure didn't happen over night, it came with many cups of coffee, lost sleep and lots and lots of swearing. :lol:
Also do get on your soapbox about spaying and nuetering. My cat has not been fixed yet, but its only because I cant afford it at the moment, (her previous owner didn't have it done when they were kittens, and thinks its funny now that me and my neighbor, who has her sister cat, have to deal with the heat cycles. I hate the woman) and she does NOT go out when in heat. (I never let her out insupervised even when not in heat, too much traffic around here)
Here is the skinny on spaying a female cat for those who dont know. Unlike humans and other animals, a cat does not ovulate until she is mated with, trying to not be to graphic here, but the male cats penis has barbs on it that trigger the release of the females egg (thats why cats mating sound like they do, its painful) Anywhoo, if the female goes through a lot of cycles without mating, it can cause some serious health problems, ovairan cancer, bladder and urinary tract issues etc. Aside from the fact that we definatly do not need more kittys (or puppies) being born that have no home to go to, it is a health concern for them. Male cats have similar issues, though not as serious, as they dont go through cycles but like most men, are just randy all the time. LOL
Soap box put away

laura

[Melissa W]

Thanks Laura.
I have many more (even cuter pics) of Billy and Oreo but they're on snapfish.com and I couldn't firgure out how to transfer them to photobucket. I tried like for over 30 min and then had to move on to other stuff.

About the spaying and neutering there are animal agencies who will do it for very reduced fees or even free. I'm not sure who in Chicago but maybe you can do a internet search or something. When I speak to my sister I'll see if she has any ideas about who in Chicago would do it for free or reduced fees.

Thanks again for showing me how to post the pics. It took me forever LOL but I'm pleased I figured it out! At least somewhat :D

Best wishes,
Melissa

PS Billy and Oreo are patiently awaiting the cicada gift box arrival :lol:

[Skywolf]

LOl about the cicadas, they are EVERYWHERE now, I could go outside and pluck them from the air. Took a 2 block walk to the store and 4 of them landed on me, one right on the lens on my sunglasses. I could obviously see it coming, but was just curious if it would try to avoid me, or just smack into me, well I got my answer, lol. They are such clutzes, its kind of endearing.
Back to pic posting, you should be able to post them from snapfish, though I am not familiar with them Im guessing its the same deal as photobucket, just a host. Copy and paste the address of the picture like you did with the photobucket ones.
Any snapfish users here who can chime in?

[Melissa W]

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=40055310/PictureID=1166157991/a=1123394_1123394/t_=1123394

This is the best I can do from snapfish. Curious to see if this'll work!

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=40055310/PictureID=1166158296/a=1123394_1123394/t_=1123394

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=40055310/PictureID=1166158295/a=1123394_1123394/t_=1123394

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=40055310/PictureID=1166158005/a=1123394_1123394/t_=1123394
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=40055310/PictureID=1166158318/a=1123394_1123394/t_=1123394

[Skywolf]

Worked just fine! I like the one with the cat walking on the table next to the red plastic glass. (kegger party that day??? :lol: )
If I could caption that it would be, "Now where the hell did I leave my cigarettes?!"
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Laura

[Melissa W]

That's Oreo and he's the highly excitable one. More like he was looking for some valium to accompany his beer from the kegger party :lol:

[phlika29]

Everyone has very cool cats. They are the best friends to have. Do you let yours out Melissa?

[Melissa W]

Hi Sarah,

I love having cats. They are so smart and loving! And very clean and particular. They like things just so and know they deserve the best LOL.

They stay indoors because we live in a very urban environment in NY. Too much traffic and noise for them. Even though we do go to the Jersey shore every other weekend all year round and we do bring them with us, they still stay indoors there too. They aren't used to being outside and wouldn't like it because it's strange to them. Sometimes I'll bring Billy outside with me to sit on my lap while I'm on our terrace in NY or out in our backyard in Jersey but he never leaves my lap. He's very content to just be with us, wherever we are.

I love your cat Remi. He looks very clever and mischevious 8)

Melissa

[Skywolf]

I also do not let mine out, unless I am there with her. She doesn't really like being outside, like Melissa said, its kind of freaky for her, and now with all the bugs flying around she wants no part of it, though she does like watching them out of the window, the side of my building seems to be prime property for the buggies, and she will sit and watch for hours, though If I try to take her out, oh, no, sorry human, not going there. lol
I agree cats are very cool companions, and so are dogs, just more time consuming, (get a paw in the head at 3am to go out, and you know you HAVE to get up to do it or face a not quite so fun mess on the floor)


Laura

PS Your cat its very cool too Phlika, those paws make me think of a mountain lion!

[IowaDavid]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/Lucybox.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/lil-lucy2.jpg

A couple of my sweeterses. I :heart: my kittumses.

[Skywolf]

LOL how cute! Those are some chubby kitties! (oh wait is that not PC, gravitaionaly challenged?) :lol:
What is it with cats and boxes? Its like the wheel has just been invented every time they see one.

Laura

[Melissa W]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/Lucybox.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/lil-lucy2.jpg

A couple of my sweeterses. I :heart: my kittumses.

They are so adorable!!!!
What are their names?

Melissa

PS I think they're positively slim compared to Billy LOL

[Skywolf]

My kitty having a roll around
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/Silversouldream/kitty2.jpg

[Melissa W]

Too cute!! :lol:

I love when they have a great big sretch and roll around.

[IowaDavid]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/Lucybox.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/lil-lucy2.jpg

A couple of my sweeterses. I :heart: my kittumses.

They are so adorable!!!!
What are their names?

Melissa

PS I think they're positively slim compared to Billy LOL

The striped one is Lucy, the gray one is Lily. They're sisters. And they're not fat at all, really. It's just that pouchy tummy hair that blobs out when they're lying down.

I have another, Tony, but don't have any good pics of him. And Lucy likes to beat up on him. He's craven/skittish/neurotic to the extreme. :lol:

[Skywolf]

I do too, but not if they happen to be sleeping on you, the big strech is Ow, ow, Ow, hey! Innocent sleepy cat eyes looking back at your equaly sleepy human eyes. :D
Laura

[Skywolf]

Got to love the little feet though. She swats me, lol, but her feet are just too cute. with the white feet and the Little pink toes heee heee , makes me giggle. Im not a freak, they are just very cute toes, and half the time I wake up with them in my face, lol, I touch, she HISSSSSSSSES , not a real hisssses just a stop it noise, lol. Then she bugs me for her breakfast.
Laura

[Melissa W]

David,

I love their names Lucy and Lily. How did they get their names? Any backstory? I also like the name Tony (even though now it brings up visions of the Sopranos- I just finished watching the season finale and I must say I am very disappointed).

I named my cats for the way they looked and it just happened to be all B names. Buster was my 1st cat ever in 92 and he looked tough, like a Buster. Then came Billy and Butch and again, that's who they looked like (in my opinion, anyway). Oreo was named by the hospital that kept him when he was a stray and I didn't want to confuse him by changing it.

Thanks for sharing the photos. If you ever get a good one of Tony I'd love to see it!

Melissa

[IowaDavid]

Initially, we had Tony and Cleo--Antony and Cleopatra. Cleo got hit by a car, though, and we had to put her down. Tony was never really the same after that. Also, he's balding on his tummy. It's kind of funny how he stretches out and exposes this white flesh surrounded by black fur and he's totally not self-conscious. :lol: He's a good kitty, though.

We inherited Lily and Lucy from my sister when she moved to SF. Lily is really friendly and tends to slobber when you pet her. :lol: Lucy is nice, but a bit more stand-offish. And she LOVES boxes. And climbing to high shelves, etc.

[IowaDavid]

A couple of pics of Tony:

Tony and Lucy in the garden:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/Tonylucy4.jpg

Tony's balding stomach:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/Condolezzak/tony3.jpg


You know, I used to be unable to hold my kitties up next to my face/on my shoulder because the heat from their bodies would make me flush. Thank GOD that's over now. :D

[Melissa W]

Tony's great looking! Very handsome!

I know what you mean about their heat. It absolutely radiates off them!
I like having Billy sit in my lap when it's cold inside because he warms me up quicker than turning the heat on. Which I ALWAYS keep off now(even in winter) because indoor heat is probably my biggest trigger. But a nice warm purring kitty is just right :lol:

Thanks for finding those pics! You have a beautiful family!!

Hugs to Lily, Lucy and Tony!

Melissa

[Melissa W]

My kitty having a roll around
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/Silversouldream/kitty2.jpg

Laura,
I'm sorry, I forgot your kitty's name. Just wanted to send a big hug out to her to from Billy and Oreo.

Melissa

[moka]

Wow, that's a lot of kitties!
All very very cute!

IowaDavid - i really liked the photo of Tony and Lucy in the garden - it looks like they are posing for the camera! :D

And Melissa - i completely agree with your opinions on neutering pets. I just wish more people thought this way. there are so many kittens and puppies that are abandoned each year. And so many stray cats! i have never seen any city with nearly as much streets cats as in Tel-Aviv!
There are many people who feed the street cats, but never bother to neuter them or give them any medical care, so their population expands quickly and they keep living on the street and being exposed to hunger, cars and diseases.
It really makes me sad sometimes thinking about all those poor animals.

Yael.

[Skywolf]

Yael, (beautiful name BTW)
On the Big Island of Hawaii there are stray cats everywhere.(I went there once to visit my brother) Aside from getting hurt, and multiplying like crazy, they also have killed a good number of the native bird population. The mongeese (mongooses?) have done the same, they were introduced into the area to kill rats, though a mongoose will not eat a rat, and now are also a big problem killing birds, I think they eat the eggs out of the nests, not sure.
Melissa, the kittys name is Ginger, going to post up a pic of her sister cat, Cindy, in a few (again, this computer is the slowest thing on the planet)

Laura

[Skywolf]

Here is miss Cindy, or as I call her "Cindy Lou Who" Dr. Suess fans will get that, lol
She lives downstairs with my neighbor, though I did catnap her for a while until he cleaned his place up. It was really bad, thats the one I got sick and had the alergic reaction to cleaning, thats in a different post. Their new care taker for his Mom keeps it clean, and I also help out.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/Silversouldream/Cindy.jpg

Laura

[moka]

Thanks Laura!
Yael is actually a very common Israeli name, i always had another 'yael' in my class at school, university and even at my work place (where there are only about 25 women! :D )
Another similar story is the New-Zealand opossum problem: the opossum was was brought to New Zealand by europeans for its fur, but many of the opossums managed to escape to the wilderness and since there are no predators in New Zealand, nothing stopped them from multiplying and destroying plants and animals.
Because of the damages they have caused, they are frequently hunted and killed, and the result of the story is sad for both humans and animals...
it makes you think about all the damages man has made to the planet by trying to impose its needs and desires on nature...
And on a happier note: ginger is a such lovely name for a cat! it suits her lively personality!
and you really made me laugh with the "catnap"! :lol:

Yael.

[betty]

Ahh, all of your cats are lovely, but I must say Tony is the best cat name ever :). I am a BIG dog person and used to be afraid of cats (it's a family phobia) but I've grown to see the wonder of them.

One of my favourite passtimes when my little 5lb pooch was fit and healthy was taking her for a walk and confusing the hell out of all the neighbourhood cats, they can't work out what on earth she is and the look they give her if she barks at them, like please, I could eat you for breakfast. I hope she gets better soon so that we can go and baffle some more felines.

Ahh, I love cuddling my pooch and cat cuddles must be just as good.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/betty7020/buttonsyawning.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/betty7020/buttonsonvelvet.jpg

Betty. X

[Skywolf]

LOVE the yawn pic Betty!!! Though both are cute, Yay, a doggie joins in the group of kitty cat pics! I cant have a dog in my building here or I would, I miss the big (or little) goof balls. Talk about unconditional love, my goodness Cats will sometimes look at you like "yea, wahtever" but a dog, they are just the biggest love doves, at least the ones that have owed me anyway. I wish I had a scanner, I would post some pics of my former furball (a Samoyed, so I really do mean fur ball) and also of my beloved little nut jobs who were my ferrets. the doggies name was Magic, the ferrets, Rocko and Jasper. All wonderful pets. Ferrets by the way, are not mean for people think "Oh my goodness" I would give my ferret Rocko kisses, and get kisses back, he was a goofy, but lovey dovey pet. Im miss him a lot.

Laura

[Skywolf]

Oh I also miss Jasper, he was just not as kissy. Very friendly, but didn't like to be held too much, just wanterd to run around. A chubby little guy, we nicknamed him "Tank" because, well, he looked like a small furry tank. :lol:

Laura

[Skywolf]

Hmmm, tried to edit the title of the post and it double posted. Hmmmm, must try again (as the thread has taken on a life of its own, and some may avoid it not knowing we are posting up pics of our little cute animals here)

[Melissa W]

Laura,
Miss Cindy is also too precious!! She looks like her sister Ginger. Do they get to visit each other? I hope so. Pets do make great company for young, old and everyone!


Betty,
I absolutely love your pooch! I hope she gets better soon!! She is so sweet looking. I just want to hug her tight!

[Melissa W]

I wish I could post pics of all my past dogs. We always had dogs growing up, most of them boxers but a couple of strays (mixed breeds) as well.
I still miss them.

[Melissa W]

Yael,

It just breaks my heart thinking of all those homeless, suffering animals and also all the healthy animals that are put to sleep simply because there is no one to adopt them :(

That's why I will only adopt stray, homeless animals and try to convince anyone else getting a dog or cat to do the same. They are so defenseless and innocent, unlike people. We always give most of our charity money to animal charities. Since they always get the least amount of publicity of all charities. And they are truly the innocent victims :cry:

Sorry about getting on my soapbox again but if it helps just one homeless animal....

Best wishes,
Melissa

[Skywolf]

Completly agree Mleissa. My dog, Magic, was the only pet I ever got from a breeder, and that just because I became so enomored of Samoyeds, and my Dad bought her for me for Christmas one year. I only had 2 presents under the tree, and was not at all happy about that (I was about 20, but still a big kid, much like today) until I opened them. the first one as a teeny little pink collar, the next one a bag of puppy chow. The doggie was not old enough to be adopted yet so we had to wait a bit on it.
For kittys and doggies, please go to your local shelters and adopt them from there. Lots are "no kill" now, but lots also are not. So many animals need good loving homes. Not just dogs and cats, but birds, rabbits, the little critters, people buy them as "throw away pets" and then, well, throw them away so to speak. From allergies, or not getting along with the other animals in the house, etc. While Im back up on my soap box, and was talking about my ferrets in an earlier post, DONT get ferrets from Marshal farms. It is so hideous, do a google on it because I don't want to go into how nasty they are here, it wil make me cry. Its a puppy mill for ferrets, and it is evil. There are also ferret shelters that exist if you want to get one, that or do check out a reputable breeder, trust me, my poor little Rocko had so many health problems, Ok I must get off soap box now.
Melissa, yup the kitties get to visit. And boy do they look alike! When I had them both here I could not tell them apart sometimes. Looking at them in the face they look different, Ginger has white cheeks and a hitler stash, Cindy has one white cheek and one brown. She is also a little smaler. But looking at them from human level down if I could not see their face, it was a guess at best. My home sounded like this a lot, "Stop scratching Ginger, oh sorry Cindy, oh wait, Ginger, oh which ever one of you is doing that stop it!!!!'

:lol:

Laura

[moka]

Betty, your pooch is sooooo cute!
she looks so snuggly! makes me just want to hug her :D
I love it when they yawn! it is so adorable! (especially at the little ones, big dogs' yawns may look a little menacing...)
I wish i had digital pictures of my dog (moka - in the avatar) when she was a puppy, she was so cute! I love the puppies' soft pink paws and unproportionately large heads... why can't they stay like that a little longer? :lol:
my family adopted her from a shelter back in '94 before digital camera era so i only have digital pictures of her when she was already old.
But i do have pictures of Lucy, my parents' new doggie (adopted from the same shelter):
These are the pictures of her from the day we brought her home (that's why she is looking a bit shocked...)

http://img2.tapuz.co.il/forums/1_88412233.jpg

and here she is resting after an exciting day:
http://img2.tapuz.co.il/forums/1_88412746.jpg
she was SO small!
She grew up to be a smart, friendly and very mischievous dog... and we love her.
I kind of consider her to be "my dog" until i adopt one myself :D
I also agree that pets should only adopted from the street or from a shelter. Each time i hear about a breeding place (which is more like a "factory" for dogs or cats) it makes me so mad! they are living creatures, not toys!
Well, All this dog talk makes me wish i had one too, a dog is always there for you, comforts you when you are sad and never gets upset or judgmental with you.
Ran (the boyfriend) and I both are big dog-lovers and we have considered adopting one several times, but we are afraid that the small apartment and our long working hours will make the dog isolated and depressed.
And with my rosacea and Ran's allergies we don't know how well we can take care of a dog right now...
on the other hand - when i think about those poor doggies at the shelter - they would probably be happier in our place, despite the disadvantages than in a cage...
tough dilemma. :-k

Anyway, keep the pictures and stories coming! this such a fun thread!

Yael.

[moka]

couldn't resist posting a recent picture of sweet Lucy:

http://justran.googlepages.com/Lucy5177.JPG/Lucy5177-full.jpg

Her ears are not always up like that, she must have heard some interesting sound... :P

[Skywolf]

Great pics of the pooch, Yael! How cute, both the baby pics and the more recent one. If you are worried about allergies with getting a dog, there are breeds that are considered non alergy causing My best friend son is allergic to just about everything, and has asma, they have a Bichon and he does fine with it. They are cute little dogs, though a bit uh, nuts at times, LOTS of energy. His name is Pudgy and he is funny, if you give him a treat he wont eat it right away, he will run in circles around it barking at it for about 10 minutes (though that does cause all humans in the room to yell, just eat it already!!)

Laura

[moka]

Thanks for the advice, Laura. I should research it. I also heard there are types of dogs that have actual hair and not fur and therefore do not trigger allergies. My boyfriend is not severely allergic to fur, but enough to cause him to sneeze and his eyes to itch if he stays around a dog or a cat for a while. and he really loves messing around with dogs... so he's in a dilemma each time - "to play or not to play? that is the question!" :scratch:
Having a dog in the house means that he will sneeze and itch 24/7, but perhaps a dog like your friend's dog will be ok.
by the way -your friend's dogie sounds really funny! Lucy does something similar sometimes, if we give her a grape or a nut, she will play with it a little before she eats it.
I know that cats do that often, right? play with their food for a while before eating it?

Yael.

[Skywolf]

Oh my dog was a hoot if you gave her a grape, hours of entertainment, lol. My cat just chows down her food, and any treat I give her. She is a sneaky one too and knows how to get into the cabinets, I have woken up more than a few mornings to find a very full sleepy cat and a mess of snacks on the floor. (cat snacks, not people food) (I now keep all food and snacks behind a cat proof door, and she is not happy about that)
Another allergy free dog, if you can deal with a hairless pup, would be a Chinese crested. I think they are so cute, they remind me of gremlins, and they are friendly affectionate dogs. You do have to take care with them in the sun, they can get sunburnt, but I think we are all well stocked with sunscreen and stuff! Poodles are also allergy friendly. I know you want to get a dog from a shelter, but those are just a few options.

Laura

[moka]

Oh my dog was a hoot if you gave her a grape, hours of entertainment, lol. My cat just chows down her food, and any treat I give her. She is a sneaky one too and knows how to get into the cabinets, I have woken up more than a few mornings to find a very full sleepy cat and a mess of snacks on the floor.
Laura, you made me laugh so hard with these descriptions! :lol:
just imagining the cat, peacefully sleeping, totally satisfied with herself after outsmarting her owners.
It happened to me with moka, who had an endless appetite and used to sneak and eat our food when we didn't watch it.
We couldn't just leave food on the table unwatched.
In case we did, 5 minutes later we would hear a plate falling on the floor, rush to the kitchen and find a very amused dog trying to swallow the last bites and then give us an innocent look of "who, me? i never touched that cake..."
they can be so funny sometimes!
and thanks for the dogie advices, too. i'll do some research on the subject.

Yael.

[Skywolf]

Quite familiar with the plate crashing and running. My former dog once ate an entire package of hot dogs, and a whole stick of butter, broke 2 plates (didnt get cut, and had a tummyache, but was fine) and another time ate a bar of soap, vet visit that time, not so fun, it acts like a laxative, so yup, we had some cleaning up to do, and she was NOT a happy dog, but she was fine after the vet gave her a shot, and some meds to take. She never went near a bar of soap again, and that did not make bath time too much fun. Big white dog, with attitude, not liking soap. Sounded a little something like this... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, WHINE, GRRRRRRRR. with the teeth barred at me. She was all show though, she bit a couple times, but nothing major, this dog could have taken a hand off if she wanted to. And yup, we all did laugh and the now very wet and mad dog, not quite her big poofy self! I used to wear a garbage bag (good hint for all you dog people out there) you cut holes in for your head and arms and put in on, cheap and keeps you (somewhat) dry!

Laura

Laura

[Melissa W]

Hi Yael,

Those are great pics of Lucy! What a beautiful dog!!

As for adopting a shelter dog when it comes right down to it a good home IS better than no home. My sister says that big dogs don't need to live in a big home as long as they get out to exercise. They do crave companionship though, so that's why we're waiting. Since we're not home enough because of work. But lots of people hire dog walkers and the such and also some people get another dog for each th be company for the other.

As for your boyfriend's allergies has he ever had allergy shots? My husband was deathly allergic to cats when we were dating and decided to go for the allergy shots when we got married and 3 years later (of going every week for a year, and then every 2 weeks for a year and then every 3rd week, he now goes once a month) he's virtually allergy free! I mean he still takes meds and an inhaler LOL but Billy and Oreo love to lay on him :lol:

Anyway, it's well worth it for us. I'm totally allergic too. I developed allergies to just about everything about 7 years ago and I just take meds. I decided against the shots for me as I just don't have the inclination and I hate needles.

As for your doggie decision at least you have Lucy for now and it is a huge committment. Maybe later would be better for a dog. It's too bad you're not a fan of cats. I really didn't think I liked cats either until I decided I wanted a pet and a cat was the most practical. I remember I couldn't bring myself to go into the ASPCA where for the animal you don't choose it's a certain death. So my dad went in for me while I sat in the car. It was a long, involved process adopting and worth every minute. And he brought out this tiny helpless sweet cat who I named Buster. My very first cat and the first time I fell in love with one! They are so smart, loving, and entertaining. I don't care what anyone says, they do give you unconditional love!!

Good luck in whatever you decide!
Melissa

PS Cats love to play with their food and everything else that's around. Very mischevious. Curiosity killed the cat has its origins in the truth.

[Skywolf]

My cat doesn't play with her food, food is serious business, lol, but she does play with everything else in sight, and must investigate everything.
Putting up the Christmas decorations last holiday season was hilarious, I had a small furry helper checking out everything, but once it was all up she did not bother with it, but you could always find her sleeping under the tree. I did "loose" her that day, she just disappeared, found her inside the big box the tree was in, looking up at me with an "OK, Ive gotten myself into a situation here" look on her face.
Just had a scare though with the neighbors cat, he did not come home for 2 days and we were all in a bit of a panic. But he came home this afternoon, thank goodness. With all the traffic around here, well you can imagine what we thought had happened. But he is safe and sound and back inside (I dont agree with letting cats out to roam, unless you live on a farm or something)

Laura

[Melissa W]

I agree with you Laura. Letting cats out to roam (unless you are in an environment conducive to that such as a farm) is never a good thing. I know cats who have been attacked by other animals, cats who get hit by cars and other ill fated disasters. They can also pick up other diseases like feline leukemia. :(

[moka]

Hi Melissa,

Ran (my boyfriend) was once advised to take the allergy shots by an allergy specialist, but got scared after a relative told him that it's a very dangerous procedure and the shots can gradually harm other organs in his body.
His allergy is mainly to dust, and during the past year it improved very much (probably due to his work place change), so now he won't even consider getting treated for it.
I try to convince him to try homeopathy or Chinese medicine which have no side affects, but he's a tough one... :?
I think that what's stopping us now from adopting a dog is the crazy working hours and my rosacea. currently i can't go outside during the summer months at all before the sun comes down... also cleaning is hard for me when the weather is warm because i immediately flush and my face starts to burn...
So i believe i will wait a while for things to get better and then start thinking about adopting a dog again. (i just hope these are not false hopes...)
I actually don't even know if my landlord allows pets in the apartment (he is kind of strict)...
till then, i have dear Lucy at my parents' place to play with.
(and some other friends' dogs i see occasionally :) )

I also agree with Laura, letting pets outside unattended is really bad nowadays, there are so many dangers waiting for them: eating something bad and getting sick, getting lost in the way, getting hit by cars, just to mention a few.
people are sometimes too lazy to take their pets for a walk so they just release them outside, sure that they will find their way back home. the end of these stories is often very bad.
I'm glad that your neighbor's cat returned home safely but it might have ended differently...

Hope i didn't spoil everyone's mood with the last part,
Yael.

[Skywolf]

Yael,
Have you gotten any matress covers or pillow covers for your guy? Dust allergies are usually because of the dust mites, creepy little nasties, they live eating our shedded skin cells, which a big part of dust is comprised of. Matresses and pillows are their main hang outs. Now that I have grossed everyone out, lol. Blinds alre better than drapes, if you have them, easier to keep clean. Also, no fluffy throw rugs or anything like that, dust heaven.

laura

[Skywolf]

And about the dangers of letting the cats out to roam. We were so happy he came back, I didn't post about it till he came back because I was afraid for him. there are opossims, racoons, and coyotes, that all could have got him besides the traffic. Also we have a lot of kids, teens, that hang out around here, and teenage boys are sometimes not so nice to kitty cats. We all heaved a collective sigh (his owner is gone for a few days, so we are the cat care givers) when he came back home.

[IowaDavid]

Our cats tend to stay fairly close to home. 'Possums and raccoons generally avoid confrontation, and, as far as our cats go, they'll crouch down and fluff up if they feel threatened. Growling may ensue as a warning. :lol:

Not sure on coyotes.

I take the view that they're made to be outdoors, so let them out and let them roam around. If something bad happens, well, that's life. Might sound harsh, but, my family owns a farm, also, and farm cats are basically on their own. You can't protect a pet all the time, and depriving them of being outside seems a bit cruel to me.

[Melissa W]

David,

My cats are so pampered that making them go outside is like Paris Hilton having to go to jail :lol:

[IowaDavid]

David,

My cats are so pampered that making them go outside is like Paris Hilton having to go to jail :lol:

OH! How foul and repugnant is thine comparison! :lol:

However you like to treat your kitties, though. I just :heart: my sweeterses.

[phlika29]

I never let out my cat until he was about three because we used to live in a busy urban area. Now we are in suburbia he goes out during the day but he is not at all confident.

He is so sweet to watch, he is scared of the birds, hates the dirt and tends to just stick close to us. I like that he doesnt wander far but I do think its a shame he isnt more confident.

[countchocula]

I'll have to scan mine so ya'll can see Qball , toot and gus. (my cat and 2 birds--note the cats name is capitalized)

hey--I dont want her P-O'ed at me :lol:


and as for paris--have yall seen this--LOL!

YouTube - PARIS IN JAIL: The Music Video

:roll: :lol:

[Skywolf]

David,

My cats are so pampered that making them go outside is like Paris Hilton having to go to jail :lol:

OH! How foul and repugnant is thine comparison! :lol:

However you like to treat your kitties, though. I just :heart: my sweeterses.

LOL LOL
My cat is somewhat the same, she doesn't really like being out, though she does like to watch the cicadas flying around, and I take her out if I am watching her.
About letting them out, I think if your in a rural or farm area, thats OK. My area has lots of woods, but Im also right on a main intersection, and people around here drive like maniacs. Though I dont necessarly agree they "need" to go out, if you provide them with enough attention, toys, etc, they do quite well as indor kitties.
Phlika, my cat is also afraid of birds! Just the other day she was sitting on my lap, a bird flew by and chirped, not even in a menacing way, and she took cover, lol. Silly animals.

Laura

[Skywolf]

In a silly and unrelated topic, sort of, are anyone nose "Beepers" on their pets? LOL I know this is goofy, But I cant help it. I think its from the old "peanuts" cartoon where Lucy would "beep" (touching his nose and making a beep noise) Snoopys nose. I beep my cat, she looks at me I like have gone insane, lol.

A silly, its late and I really need sleep
Laura


Beep :lol:

[Skywolf]

Ok got some sleep. Thought of another reason not to let your cats out, the "presents" they bring you. Not so much thought of it as its was a fact earlier this morning. Was out having a smoke and gossiping with one neighbor, the other neighbors cat (the one we were worried about) came home from a night out after being let out again, and brought us a chipmunk. We saw him coming up the stairs and said "Oh jeeze, what does he have in his mouth??" He set it down at our feet and looked up quite proud of himself. The chipmunk was still alive, looked uninjured and after I grabbed the cat so he wouldn't attact the poor scared little guy, the chipmunk took a running leap off the balcony, landed on a shrub, then ran like hell.

[Melissa W]

Laura,

I'm so glad the chipmunk was OK!!!
Poor little baby just minding his own business and trying to survive, foraging for food and BAM... he almost becomes food. Or at least a present for the human pets of the cat LOL.

Melissa

[Skywolf]

I also am glad for the saftey of the chipmunk, but the poor cat looked SO sad!!! He ran back downstairs to look for it, and came back up just so sad looking. I felt kind of bad, but I also didn't want a "wild kingdom" scene outside my front door!

Laura

[Melissa W]

Poor baby. Why don't you give him one of those crackly toys (they come in frog, bird and other shapes) and have a crackly sound the cats love and is also filled with a bit of catnip scent. My boys play with them all day. It' s hysterical.

[Skywolf]

Oh he has lots of toys, and owns all us neighbors who play with him. He is an outdoor kitty though, and so a hunter. After he got over the loss of the chipmunk he flopped over and fell asleep, so Im guessing it was not the first one he had encountered today. "Im full, I'll bring this one for you guys"

Laura

[Melissa W]

You can't help but love them no matter what they do LOL.