Show us your pets!

[7rider]

Someday I would love to have another Coon cat but I only live with rescued kitties. Just so many need homes - dogs and cats alike!

And rabbits, too!!!
Rabbits are the third most commonly abandoned pet, after dogs and cats.

[bcipam]

...as well as exotic birds. I wish I liked rabbits. They are so cool looking but for for some reason they scare me. I got chased by one once and that's it no rabbit for me!

And I see so many exotic birds abandoned. They are very needy critters - very much like small children. People just don't realize how much care and attention they require.

I love all animals, find them fascinating but for some reason have always been drawn to cats. I have been fortunate to have some cool cats in my life. One miserable one (who lived with me for 20 years - she was too evil to die! ) and the poor half of cat. I think I like the fact this wild animal (and cats are always wild no matter how friendly) as accepted you and befriended you and allows you into his world. It's funny I also like dogs but tend to like what I call "cat-dogs" those that are most cat like or looking (like Keeshonds, samoyeds etc).

I just can't imagine not having a critter in my life! One rule I have... as an old single lady I can't have more than 2 cats (and right now I'm happy with one). I don't want to be known as that old weird cat lady!

[IFjane]

Pam - your Pip has a much prettier tail than my Lucy - Lucy's tail is skinny, not full and fluffy. Tail or not, she is a love though. Speaking of weird old cat ladies - my son teased me that if I got one more, he would quit claiming me!

Regina - I had no idea rabbits were so frequently abandoned. Do you think is is the quick reproduction rate? You buy two babies, thinking they are both the same sex and then, lo and behold.....

[bcipam]

Rabbits are actually abandoned because peole think they are cute (think like an easter gift for kids) and then realize they are work to care for. Poor chicks and bunnies get a raw deal at Easter.

And yes Pip does have a beautiful tail In act he has very nice fur. It's not that long but very full and soft, soft, soft, like mink. He is a love to stroke.

[7rider]

That pretty much sums up a rabbit's plight - and sadly all animals. They are a commitment and can live for many years and require time, money, and dedication.

Rabbits are often portrayed as cute and cuddly. You just want to pick them up and hold them. But as a prey animal, being picked up usually means "They're going to EAT ME!!!" As a result, they kick, they scratch. They fight it. And they can hurt a small child (or an adult), and hurt themselves in the process.

Plus, yeah. Rabbits are famous for their procreational urges! A pet rabbit should always be altered by a qualified vet as it will eliminate a host of behavioral and biological "issues" that frequently lead to dumps - including those "surprise" arrivals!

(as you might guess, I'm involved in rabbit rescue!)

[caligurl]

Rabbits are actually abandoned because peole think they are cute (think like an easter gift for kids) and then realize they are work to care for. Poor chicks and bunnies get a raw deal at Easter.

And yes Pip does have a beautiful tail In act he has very nice fur. It's not that long but very full and soft, soft, soft, like mink. He is a love to stroke.

it's so sad that that happens... and good gawd do NOT bring a new dog or cat into your household on or at christmas! BAD BAD BAD time! so many people get puppies for their kids and then in a few months they realize all the work puppies are... and they get banished to the backyard or shelter....

oh that makes me ANGRY!

disclaimer... i know there are serious pet owners who can bring animals into their house at ANY time of the year, including christmas and realize that they now have that pet for the rest of its life.... won't abandon i!!!! but soooooo many people out there aren't good pet owners.....

PETS ARE FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS! (or easter)

ok.... off my soapbox.....

[caligurl]

my favorite picture of the four fuzzbutts:

brie, jasmine, bailey and tyler (rainbow bridge)
(it was a very RARE thing to get all four of them in a decent and useable picture (i think i may have only one other!)



tyler and brie in the desert!

[bcipam]

Cali - I didn't realize you have cat dogs!!!! (See my post above). I have a real afinity with the nordic/artic dogs cause I think they look like cats. At least weirdly in my mind.