Thank you for all of your messages regarding my Dad and his upcoming surgery. I feel better after hearing some of your loved ones had similar surgeries and healed well. My Dad's surgery has been scheduled for just after the new year so he can enjoy the holidays. He's now at home resting comfortably, just as stoic as ever.
This morning I was still a bit out of sorts and went to the cemetery where my Mom was laid to rest. I don't really like going there but on some occasions it brings me comfort. And I need it right now. So I stayed about an hour and went on my way.
Next stop, the animal shelter. I wanted to see if they could use any of Buddy's remaining food, treats or medicine. I told myself I would not, under any circumstances, adopt a dog today. But while I was there, I might as well say hi and play with some animals.
There was one particular dog I really liked. She was a large, 10 year old lab who was so sweet and such a good girl. She had significant skin issues though. They happened to be the exact issues my poor Buddy struggled with. I was intimately familiar with them and they are not easy to manage. Poor thing. I'm sure that along with her age and size, are making it difficult for her to get adopted.
I took her outside a couple of times and then inside a room where we could hang out just the two of us. It was warm, quiet and cozy. After a bit she laid down by my feet and fell asleep. I melted. I knew I couldn't adopt her though. I worried about her skin. I knew how much work it was and wasn't sure I was up for it right now. And it kind of felt like a betrayal to Buddy. She was so similar to him.
I returned her to her kennel and started out.
Just outside the dog kennels, there was a large window of a room that had several cats inside. I made eye contact with this little white cat who immediately jumped to the window and pressed her little head against it trying to make contact with me through the glass.
"Alright." I said, "I'll come see you."
Apologies for the blurry cell phone picture.That little snowball would not leave my side for a second! She just purred and followed me wherever I went. I picked her up and pet her while she continued to purr. I better get out of here I thought before I go home with this cat.
To make a long story, a little shorter, I left the shelter alone.
I feel really bad about leaving the large lab. I hate that she's there and likely will have a difficult time being placed. I just don't think I have it in me right now for the medical treatments she will require to fully heal.
And the little, white cat? Well, she's mine if I want her. But I have to decide before 5pm tomorrow. I am toying with the thought of her being part of our family. But I don't know much about cats, at all. A roommate years ago had two cats that I liked very much but I've never owned one. I'm completely a dog person. But she was kind of like a dog. ;)
Any dog lover out there have experience with cats too? The one thing I wonder about is if I could bring her places. Would she hate that? I know this sounds stupid and I'm going online to research as soon as I post this but, do cats like "dog" things too?
Hi B. I am glad they are waiting a little bit for your Dad's surgery. It was hard going through that with my Dad at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI have two dogs and a cat. The cat never leaves the house. I used to be able to take her to the vets but she won't let us put her in a tote to take her now. She was a ferrell cat in the beginning and is no trouble at all. She mostly stays in our bedroom. I imagine you could train the kitty to go with you. I don't know how you can resist that sweet face. Too bad about the dog. If you aren't sure just wait awhile and go back. Since you have so much going on right now a cat would be easier. Good luck deciding. Your heart will tell you what to do. Think of you every day. ((((HUGS)))
i have had cats and dogs my whole life and i love them both! It seems that the cat has such a socialized sweet temperment already that training it to feel comfortable going places wouldn't be too hard. One of my cats loved car rides and wouldn't even need to be kenneled in the car. It has a lot to do with the natural personality of the cat, i say bring sweet kitty home. Traveling with a cat isn't that hard and they have these awesome herbal calming collars cats can wear for long distance trips and flights too :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Debby; cats are easier to care. Having front claws will mean she can climb on furniture, so you might want those front ones removed. I love my cat; my husband not so much because of occasional fur balls in his chair, but she is a good cat.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Maybe try to wait just a bit if you can until you can focus on a new pet, just maybe until after your dad's surgery.
Hugs and prayers!
It seems she has a great personality :) You might be able to train the kitten to get use to car rides If you take her in them often...and not just to the vet!
ReplyDeleteDont declaw her though! If she ever gets out she will have no way to defend herself if cornered or be able climb a tree to get to safety. Just get her a scratching post and she will love it.
As much as I would love to visit pets at the pound I can't without crying as I walk out. Good luck on your decision. Sounds like you want that little kitty as much as she wants someone to love her ;)
Well....I have had both cats and dogs, and although this last cat I had was a very special, cute, loving, cat, I'm sticking with dogs. Cats are more independent and you can leave them alone for a couple of days at a time. But I think I'm a dog person too. I think cats and dogs are as different as men and women!I never got my cat declawed. I agree with Amanda, the cat would not be able to defend itself. And we let our cat outside. Besides, try cutting off all of your fingernails to the skin so they won't re-grow.... just sayin'. Anyway, if I were you, I'd probably wait a bit, then I'd probably get another dog....or two. Why not? And I THINK I'd probably get them at the shelter. I JUST adopted a couple of dogs in the last couple of months. I sometimes find myself laughing out loud at their antics.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a nice Christmas. No more bad stuff ya hear?
Hugs,
Cindy