The companionship of pets

[Polly]

Whether furry, feathered or even scaley (!), pets can play an enormous role as a companion. My own little Jack Russell, while no angel, seems to help fill the house with his energy and unconditional love.

What thoughts do you have on the value of pets as we get older? Do you have memories of a particularly interesting or sorely-missed pet?

 

[silverback5]

I have had many dogs over the years. Whenever I lose one, I always try to find a new one as soon as possible. It helps me get over the mourning. I can't imagine my life without a dog in it. They're such good company. Friends, family members and business associates have ignored me and forgotten me when I've been down on my luck. But my dogs loved me no matter what. All they want in return for their love is to be at your side.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I love my pets, and treat them as family members at all times. I have a 9+ year old dog, and a 7 month old kitten, they both sleep in bed with me and hubby if they want to. Dog usually at the foot of the bed (on my side), and kitten near my pillow. I had to put down my girl dog last summer, she was only 7yrs old, but was suffering with epilepsy and hip dysplasia, and on many meds. She was to the point where she could no longer stand on her own. It's always painful to lose a furkid, and just typing about her makes me teary-eyed. I didn't have pets as a kid, except for the odd goldfish or tiny turtle, so when I went on my own, I made sure to always have a pet. Dogs are great companions in the home, while out on walks, or while camping in the woods. Cats, are purrfect for cuddling and always a source of amusement. http://www.natmedtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4947&highlight=pets

 

[Allin]

I have 3 beautiful cats that always keep me company and are there for me when I need a pick-me-up, and I don't know what I would do without them. Even as we get older, I think pets play an invaluable role in our lives. I love cuddling with my cats and watching them play together always brings a smile to my face.

 

[Buster'sGrandad]

We recently lost our gorgeous Mollie, a scruffy mutt that had been with us for 9 years. While I'm probably more philosophical about such things than I was 30-40 years ago, I still can't see my way to bringing another pet into our home. Maybe in the future, but for now it's just me and my wife which means marginally less barking than the neighbors were used to.

 

[SeaBreeze]

We recently lost our gorgeous Mollie, a scruffy mutt that had been with us for 9 years. While I'm probably more philosophical about such things than I was 30-40 years ago, I still can't see my way to bringing another pet into our home. Maybe in the future, but for now it's just me and my wife which means marginally less barking than the neighbors were used to.

It's definitely a personal decision for sure. I like to get another pet when I lose one, as for me it helps heal and move on after the loss, but I respect those who choose not to do that. I have good memories of my past pets, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

 

[AlbertC]

By a complicated chain of events I ended up with a fish last year when the grandkids were going on vacation for three weeks. I can just about manage that, but wouldn't consider a dog or cat in my condo at the moment. Certainly don't mind visiting people who have them though!

 

[Bill.K]

Growing up I had pets, and when I had kids of my own I insisted that they did as well, I found they were a companion that would always be there for you when no one else was, and wanted that option for my kids.

Unfortunately, when I moved into my apartment, there is a no pets policy which is quite hard on me some times as it can get lonely.

I will always remember my cat Charlotte, I had her since my earliest memories, and I remember the day that she passed, she was 18 years old, and it was her time, but it was difficult none the less.

 

[phughes]

What can be a good solution if you don't have a dog, is to visit a dog park! Generally, the owners will let you throw a ball to their dogs, if you wish. And you can always just relax on a bench, enjoy watching and petting and not have to worry about "scooping up" later!

 

[TxTwisterGl]

I'm a huge dog person and just recently got a new Yorkie puppy Bubbles. Its hard to imagine my life without a furry friend. One thing I can say I worried about before I got her was training her and a friend came up with the perfect solution - Bubbles is litter box trained.

A friend told me she had heard of someone else that had litter trained their lap dog with great success so when I decided to get my new baby girl, I prepared by getting a disposable littler box, some tall trash bags and some kitty litter. I put the litter box inside the trash bag and then pulled the strings so that it would stay in place and then added the litter.

It only took 2 days before she knew where her own personal bathroom was. And clean up is so easy!. I just loosen the ties and pull out the litter box then tie the bag securely and toss it. Then I out in a new bag as easily as I did the first one. I used the disposable litter boxes because I could cut it down on one side because she s so small and needed a little side wall reduction to be able to get in and out easy. It also made it easy to keep clean with no litter box to wash out!

This is by far the easiest potty training I have ever had with a new puppy!

 

[Ernie7]

Dogs are the perfect companion to have, especially if you are living alone. They give you unconditional love, the are loyal, and will be there for you no matter what. I too love dogs and always had one or more in my life since being young. Cats on the other hand are a different story.

 

[ambs01]

I wanted pets as a child, but my mother denied us them because she consider them to much work.
As an adult I never had the space for dogs which is one of my favorite animals.
Now as a senior I was blessed to have the companionship of two goldfish.
My current fish is one I got as a tiny feeder fish, and now the fish has grown as big as my hand.
I have a grandson I walk with a lot who has a great interest in dogs.
Every time he sees a dog on the street, he wants to ask the owner can he pet them.
Sometime I allow it, other times i do not.

 

[TBN]

I feel the same way about my two dogs. There is nothing better than knowing that you always have someone waiting for you when you get home. One very important part of my relationship with my dogs is that I can tell them anything without being judged. Even though they probably don't understand what I'm saying to them, I always know that they will be there to listen to me if I have things to share.

 

[SeaBreeze]

TBN, cute little one in your profile pic!

 

[Tisame]

I find a dog to be a great support throughout life, their companionship helps to divert feelings of loneliness and depression and taking care of them keeps you active also. They are the best friend for any person

 

[bubble111]

I have two cats, Harley and Hobbes. They're both adorable. Harley is a female calico cat and is incredibly smart, probably the smartest cat I've ever met. Hobbes is the young, rowdy male, bouncing and running all around. They don't always get along, but it's usually Hobbes that causes all the trouble. hahaha

 

[daisypop]

Whilst a dog is a great companion, you must be careful in choosing the type and age of dog. Remember an older dog, that is already trained can be great - even if you get it from a rescue centre (that is a great thing to do). A new puppy takes alot of work and new training, however it is very rewarding.

 

[phughes]

Another consideration is upkeep. Some dogs have hair, which means no shedding. Those include poodles and terriers as well as bichons and maltese. Others are known to be great companions -- for example, the King Charles spaniel, which has fur and therefore sheds. The American Kennel Club has alot of great info, which you can use even if you decide to go the rescue route.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Betty White (90 years old), who is well-known for her TV acting in shows like Password, Mary Tyler Moore show and Golden Girls, says that having pets is very therapeutic for elderly people. It give them a reason to get out of bed in the mornings, to take care of their furkids. It's what keeps her young.

 

[littlegreyfox]

I've got a labrador retriever and he's like a best friend. So loyal and faithful. He's what gets me out and about too. He's 14 now though so he's slowing down but he's been the best pet you could wish for.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I've got a labrador retriever and he's like a best friend. So loyal and faithful. He's what gets me out and about too. He's 14 now though so he's slowing down but he's been the best pet you could wish for.

We all slow down a little bit with age. I've usually taken my older pets or ones with hip or knee problems on lighter walks, then go out again on my own or with a healthy/younger dog for a more extended walk.

 

[lily49]

My cat, Jess, was a rescue cat. We've both had tough lives and I think she likes my company as much as she does, as I stick to a routine and am gentle to her, unlike the people who owned her before me. I will miss her terribly when she passes.

I've had cats since I was a small girl of five; I was allowed guinea pigs and first and got two cats when I was fourteen, after years of begging. I've never lived without one since. I feel an affinity with them.

 

[clive]

I find cats to be the perfect pet as they dont need walking and are very loving they are cheap to keep and provide much company.

 

[valerie]

I dearly miss my cat and I think it is important to have furry friends for company.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Pet Forums

Here's a nice, new, and developing discussion forum for pet lovers. A friendly place to either talk about your pets and share photos, or just sit back and read about the goings on in other animal enthusiasts everyday lives. Either way, it's a positive and relaxing place to visit. http://www.petforums.com/