So true.
But I don't think that people who never had dogs can understand that special bond...

I agree completely with you both, can I just say though, I have never had a dog, the furry loves of my life were cats, my heart broke when they died. I understand the bond that people have with their dogs, as I had the same with my beloved pets. Even now, years later I sometimes dream about them and occasionally shed tears when I think about them.

Despite cats' reputation for being aloof and independent, they seemed to know if I'd had a bad day, always there for a cuddle, they were like little shadows who followed me around the house, they were waiting at the window every day when I got home from work, it was as if they could read my mind.
I know this may sound a little crazy to some people, a bit 'soft', but that is just how it was.

Although I believe sometimes pets are far too pampered, I, too, am
considering getting a cat because I have two teenagers in the house.

I'm one of those people who think 'its just a dog' (also 'its just a cat/bunny/anaconda/parakeet, whatever). But then I'm also one of those people who will openly admit they're missing a bit of their soul.

I like the idea of pets. I'm just not sure that I would be able to give them the love and attention they deserve. Maybe I wouldn't even feel like I was depriving them. I'm afraid I wouldn't even notice they were unhappy. All these concerns/worries are reasons I won't ever own a pet.

But I digress. I think anyone who says 'its just a dog'... are really revealing more about their failings than the failings of the pet owner.

I feel this is one of the most honest beautiful replies I have ever read coming from a non-pet owner.

You are a fine person, and I salute your honesty.

Sadly for me is that in the past 7 or so years I have become allergic to cats and dogs. I so loved having animals in our life and that now is not an option for us. So thanks Merrylegs for a lovely post And as for that idiot Noth well you are the one missing out

My bad! We were talking about dogs so I completely forgot to include cats owners ! My cat is also the sweetest. So I understand how you felt about yours. You must miss them a lot

This comes as a shock to many but I did not grow up with pets. My husband, on the other hand, they had a full house; mice, hamsters, parrot, dogs....I am sure I must be forgetting something. If not for my husband, we would still be without pets, something I cannot imagine now. In the beginning I had concerns like yours and felt that I would be hopeless. There was much to learn that can be found by reading, the rest just comes naturally.

The thing I love the most about pets, you can have the worst day and when you get home, they are so excited and happy to see you, they accept you just as you are, be it grumpy, sad, frustrated, stressed and they just make you feel better.

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Well, I get the "just a dog" comment a lot. But, mostly I get the following comment "You should be ashamed of yourself, playing with dogs at this age! You should have kids!". This comment is so out of place anyhow, but for the sake of it, let me just say that I am 31 and by playing they always refer to walking the dog!!!

It doesnt have to go as far as cancer. This is happening right as we speak: I went hiking over the weekend. I over exerted myself coming downhill and always having a dodgy knee, I found that when I woke up on Monday morning, my right knee has swelled up to the size of a ping pong ball.

Still - the dog has to be walked. Now, he is usually very happy to go for his walks. The sound of his lead sets him off and I've always had to rein him in to slow down and not tug on the lead. He isnt a big dog but a strong one, so a tug could send me off balance.

My husband wanted to work from home yesterday so that I could rest. But I sent him along and at the door, muttered to my dog to please behave as I am not well. I even felt stupid for doing that - as if a dog understands! But to my utter surprise, he simply went down the stairs slowly, like a geriatric dog whilst I limped, and walked RIGHT beside me, mimicing every step I took the entire way. I looked down at him and he never once took his eyes off me.

We usually go straight to the lake for his walk after his morning business but these 2 days, he simply turned back around and headed straight for our building.

I swear that every bit is true, but my husband found it hard to believe because he said he didnt get that reaction when he came home to take the dog out for his evening run.

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Remember when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown, BUT it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and b****-slap the mother-f***er upside the head.

(.....I know)



...... the diameter of a ping pong ball is 40mm





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OK, let's get back on topic




"Just a Dog" saved my life

My dog took a 3m brown snake out from under my feet.

........ there is no such thing as "Just a Dog" in my world.

Yeap - that was the approx size! But thankfully, its more like a chestnut this morning :

My cat was my bestfriend and took no sh*t from anyone! (well maybe from me)


*disclaimer, not really a pic of my cat, just found on the interwebs....but my cat would have done the same :P