![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 10 to 34 of 34. Go back in thread:
Posted by christophrejmc on February 12, 2002, at 12:52:48
In reply to Re: Pet Rats » ST, posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 20:18:25
> Pet rats are the sweetest things. Never had one but wish I could - not with my 3 cats though.
I had two rats when I had a dog; they got along very well. I've heard of rats & cats being friendly, but you would probably need to be careful (especially if your felines are known rodent murderers).
Posted by IsoM on February 12, 2002, at 14:43:06
In reply to Re: Pet Rats » IsoM, posted by christophrejmc on February 12, 2002, at 12:52:48
I wouldn't mind having two rats but my cats would have a fit. I know two of them for sure would never give the rats any peace - would always be at their cage. Poor little rats - even if they didn't get a heart attack, their stress levels would be way up!
My kitties are already jealous of each other as it is. One can be on my lap & another doesn't know it & comes to cuddle. That one will stop in horror staring malevolently at the one on my lap & walk a short ways, sit with their back to me & let out a loud 'huff!' Sometimes whenn I walk into one room to do things, one of the cats will take up position just inside the room & 'guard' me so no one else can come near.
I've never known anyone else whose pets are so jealous of their owner's attention to the extent mine are. When I come home, all three are at the door, vying for my attention. I already do such a juggling act with my affections with these three. Silly creatures.
Posted by Noa on February 12, 2002, at 19:12:54
In reply to Re: Pet Rats » christophrejmc, posted by IsoM on February 12, 2002, at 14:43:06
I go back and forth about getting a pet. Sometimes I really want one, other times I worry I wouldn't be able to handle the responsibility. I also think I have some allergies, based on experience being with friends' cats or dogs--but this doesn't always happen--just sometimes.
Sometimes I can't bear the idea of cleaning up after them,etc.So, in the meantime, I know I shouldn't pursue it unless I feel more sure. It would be unfair to the pet if I really weren't ready to handle it.
I once had a cat when I was much younger. I did ok with him (I had no pet or plant allergies back then, btw) but I lived in a studio apartment and that was hard. Couldn't ever get away from him and he used to get in my bed and "knead" which would wake me up and make me irritated at him. He was needy in general for attention and I started to resent that after a while. I had some friends visiting once with their kids and I saw how happy the cat was with the kids and vice versa that I decided the cat would be better off in a home with kids. I put an ad in the local paper including that the cat loves kids. I got lots of calls, and half of them I had to insist that the kid on the other end of the phone get their parent on the phone. Sometimes it turned out that the parent had no idea the kid had answered the ad and a cat was out of the question. Then I got a call from a very serious 10 year old boy who told me his cat had jumped out of the window and had been hit by a car. He had been without a cat for a few months but he and his dad had decided it was time to look for a new one. He and the Dad showed up the next day and the cat went home with them. They promised to call me with an update about how "tooly" was doing, and they did. "Rocky" had cowered fearfully in the corner of one room in their apartment for a couple of days, and then had begun venturing out to check out the rest of the place and now was king of the castle. I knew I had made a good move.
Posted by Krazy Kat on February 12, 2002, at 20:57:12
In reply to Re: Pet Rats » christophrejmc, posted by IsoM on February 12, 2002, at 14:43:06
For the first time in my life I have two cats (instead of one). The older, female cat is the alpha, rather surpisingly. The newer, male cat (both are spayed/neutered) backs down from her, but not from the three 90 pound dogs.
Go fidure - cats! :)
- KK
Posted by Krazy Kat on February 12, 2002, at 21:02:46
In reply to Re: Pets, posted by Noa on February 12, 2002, at 19:12:54
Noa:
As an absolutely insane pet owner, I commend your actions - how kind of you to work to find a responsible home for your kitty, rather than the SPCA. Because, as kind-hearted as such organizations are, unless they're no-kill, it's very unlikely your cat will make it out.
Also, many kudos (like you need kudos :)) for waiting until you're ready for another pet. I have always felt, since I was born (well, not since THEN maybe), but I have always felt we have a responsibility to "pets" - we've domesticated them for our pleasure and tossing them aside is a crime. I also have trouble with testing meds on dogs and cats - it seems like a "betrayal". No, I do not work for PETA. ;)
Thanks for another point of view.
- KK
Posted by KB on February 13, 2002, at 9:26:31
In reply to Re: Pets » Noa, posted by Krazy Kat on February 12, 2002, at 21:02:46
I have had a series of rabbits and found they make excellent pets, particularly if you get one that's been handled a lot since it was little. They're incredibly soft and snuggly,can be very playful and funny, but not overly needy. They can be litter-box trained and they don't bark. The main drawback is that they do chew on furniture etc. but if the rabbit lives in a large cage and then has a designated area for hopping around, it's OK.
Posted by IsoM on February 13, 2002, at 14:15:24
In reply to Re: Pet Rats » IsoM, posted by Krazy Kat on February 12, 2002, at 20:57:12
I came from a family of 3 boys & 1 girl (me) & have also felt an affinity with animals. My brothers never have. One dislikes animals completely.
I lived on a small farm till I was 7 & was either in the garden eating tomatoes, down by the creek watching tadpoles, or talking to the animals, usually the pigs. I still love pigs. My Mom was always so worried about where I went that she eventually got an fenced in area to keep me. Apparently, sows can be dangerous when they've had piglets but I felt like I was part of the family. The feelings are still very strong in my memories.
The next 2 years of my life was spent next to the beach. I was always down there looking for fish, crabs, trying to catch seagulls. My life was idyllic then.
Even as a grown-up, I feel compelled to talk to every animal I see. I meow at cats, cluck at chickens, chirp & imitate song-birds, moo at cows, baa at goats (...you get the guist). The only animals I don't like are dogs that are huge & ferocious (I've been bitten a couple of times), & small vermin that drink my blood (mosquitoes, ticks, & fleas).
If I lived in a warm climate, I'd have huge windows wide open - no screens - & let moths, butterflies, birds, etc fly through, geckos on the ceiling, little lizards & snakes on the floor. I'd love to build a home that was simply a sheltered extension of the outdoors. I think I'm permanently stuck at 10 years old in my heart.
Has anyone seen the documentary "Tippi of Africa" about the little girl who was raised around wild animals by her two French nature photographer parents? She could make friends with wild animals like leopards & elephants! I've watched it 3 times now & everytime I see it, my eyes mist up. I wish I was her.
Posted by Willow on February 13, 2002, at 16:58:29
In reply to Rabbits, posted by KB on February 13, 2002, at 9:26:31
Last spring we got a pet rabbit for my little angel. It turned out to be a he. And after the most recent birthday party, we found out he likes to chase balloons. Daughter called us to check out how cute he looked. He had the balloon cornered and was humping away, quivering away!
Horny little bunny!
Whispering Willow
ps i agree bunnies are cute
Posted by noa on February 13, 2002, at 17:07:54
In reply to Re: Pets » Noa, posted by Krazy Kat on February 12, 2002, at 21:02:46
I would never have even considered giving him to the SPCA or public shelter! I would have kept him until finding a suitable home. As much as the shelters try to find homes, there are way too many animals to place. I have visited the local shelter and it is heartbreaking.
And I felt strongly about finding the right home. I guess my research on "right" home was a bit fleeting, but I went on my intuition based on talking to the kid and father and meeting them.
My "pet" peeve, so to speak, regards overbreeding of animals. I see dogs that are beautiful and their owners are so proud of their breeding, etc., but then they start talking about all the serious health problems the animals have because of all the inbreeding. It is so sad. So I understand your comment about responsibility to the animals we have domesticated. I don't think animals should be bred for superfluous characteristics if it means knowingly putting them at greater risk for severe genetic disorders.
Posted by IsoM on February 13, 2002, at 17:41:55
In reply to Re: Rabbits Birthday balloons, true story ..., posted by Willow on February 13, 2002, at 16:58:29
Ah, poor bunny. They need a love life too, don't they?
Just an idea - so many male animals will tend to hold a female by the scruff of the neck when they mate & not just cats do this. I have no idea of whether a rabbit does, but if he tries it, the balloon may pop & some of the rubber get lodged in his throat. Far off scenerio, but just in case.
Posted by Willow on February 13, 2002, at 18:39:02
In reply to Re: Silly Rabbit » Willow, posted by IsoM on February 13, 2002, at 17:41:55
> Ah, poor bunny. They need a love life too, don't they?
Gees, perhaps he would have been happier castrated. So many choices to make! I think at this point in the game it would be cruel.
> Just an idea -We did take it away and give him one of the regular plastic balls that children have hanging around. On the bright side it is a form of exercise and lean rabbit stew might be healthier than fat a fat rabbit. (Just joking!)
Willow
Posted by Chloe on February 13, 2002, at 19:05:53
In reply to Assistance Dogs and Mental Illness, posted by susan C on February 11, 2002, at 12:54:46
> http://deltasociety.org/dsb100.htm#consumer
>
> Hi,
>
> Congratualtions. That is so great. I have been pondering the addition of a Assistance Dog/companion pet, but as my hub is very allergic (mentally and physically) I have only gotten as far as birdfeederes on my window.
>
> This site talks about trained dogs...what I am most familiar with is the 'seeing eye' dogs...however they can be trained for any number of things, like seizures and depression... and can be allowed by the ADA in USA everywhere...
>
> Mouse dreaming of walking a dogHi Mouse,
Many assistant dogs are poodles because they are very trainable and smart. Not to mention non- allergic and don't shed...However, they are not always a good option for the physically handicapped, as poodles do need to be groomed regularly.
I highly recommend the breed. These dogs have extremely cheery and happy personalities. And NO, you they don't have to look like those silly show dogs. A simple puppy cut makes them look like lambs!
I highly recommend poodles as companions. :) Especially for people (or mice!) with allergic husbands!
Chloe
Posted by fi on February 14, 2002, at 9:59:59
In reply to Re: Assistance Dogs and allergies » susan C, posted by Chloe on February 13, 2002, at 19:05:53
Sorry to spoil it a little, but just to say some people are allergic to poodles too (all dogs and cats give off dander- fine skin scales- which can be an allergen). Hopefully, your partner wont be, but be prepared to give it a trial first and dont get too attached instantly!
Fi
Posted by fi on February 14, 2002, at 10:03:36
In reply to Rabbits, posted by KB on February 13, 2002, at 9:26:31
I've know of one that happily lives in a house that also has a cat, which amazes me but not the owner!!
Also a devious one who loves throwing things at people, and unfortunately finds the most convenient missiles (size and availability, tho housetrained) are its droppings!! But that's unusual.
Also one who does a little dance round the table in joy when its owner returns to the house.
So they sound great!
Fi
Posted by susan C on February 14, 2002, at 10:32:46
In reply to Silly Rabbit Cat » IsoM, posted by Willow on February 13, 2002, at 18:39:02
Oldest Son had a small dwarf bunny named Benjamin, yes, Benjamin Bunny. One day he calls, eh everybody, come look...Benjamin was delightedly involved with the stuffed easter bunny. It got regularly washed after that. After he passed through adolecence, the spraying stopped (smelled kind of like skunk). Unfortunately he died fairly young, three years old. Maybe it was all that exercise?
Rats were my other son's favorite pet. Eventually he was tired of taking care of it and I layed down the law...care or give away. He found a nice 'rat' family to give her to.I have had the suggestion of a poodle and have met, in the past a standard poodle who was a delightful ol guy.
I am now thinking I need to just have time 'on my own with out responsibilities ' for a while.
"Son is leaving on an airplane" in about a month.
mouse
Posted by noa on February 16, 2002, at 13:36:49
In reply to Re: Silly Rabbit Cat, posted by susan C on February 14, 2002, at 10:32:46
OK, taking care of a friend's cat this weekend. Definitely convinced I should NOT have one of my own.
1. It threw up all over the place!!!
(friend warned me about this, it happens all the time)2. Litter box is way too much for me to deal with. Sounds wimpy, I know, but I just gag, can't help it.
When I was a kid, we had cats and a dog. The cats were indoor/outdoor, so most of the time, they did their thing behind the garage, which required no work from us(coincidentally, though, behind the garage was also where the pet cemetary was. Maybe they were drawn there by the gerbil and hamster graveyards?). In the really cold parts of winter, they did use the litter box in the basement, but I guess I didn't have a lot of the responsibility for it--I remember taking turns with my siblings, so it wasn't that frequent.
As for the dog, we'd walk him in some wooded areas, and besides, back then there were no pooper scooper laws.
Posted by KB on February 18, 2002, at 6:12:15
In reply to Re: Pets, posted by noa on February 16, 2002, at 13:36:49
One trick used by those of us who take in large numbers of cats is to use those aluminum foil roasting pans they sell in supermarkets. That way you can just pick the whole thing up, throw it all away and use a new one.
Posted by IsoM on February 18, 2002, at 12:56:34
In reply to Re: cat litter tip, posted by KB on February 18, 2002, at 6:12:15
Further to the aluminum foil pans...
Make sure you have a sturdy plastic tray under the whole thing to lift the entire contents with. An enthusiastic digger will scratch right through the foil bottom.
Posted by KB on February 18, 2002, at 13:32:06
In reply to Re: cat litter tip » KB, posted by IsoM on February 18, 2002, at 12:56:34
I usually line the bottom with an entire section of the NY Times -I've never seen anybody dig their way through that!!!
Posted by IsoM on February 18, 2002, at 14:59:14
In reply to Re: cat litter tip, posted by KB on February 18, 2002, at 13:32:06
Posted by KB on February 19, 2002, at 21:37:13
In reply to At least til they learn to read :-) (nm) » KB, posted by IsoM on February 18, 2002, at 14:59:14
I came home saturday night to discover that my rabbit had keeled over. She wasn't sick, but was probably quite old - she was black and had been going white - I don't know for sure because she'd had several homes before me. I always feel a little guilty when an animal dies - maybe I should have noticed something? Brought her to the vet? Even though I know that doesn't make sense.
Posted by IsoM on February 19, 2002, at 22:15:29
In reply to dead rabbit, posted by KB on February 19, 2002, at 21:37:13
KB, bunny probably died happily & peacefully in her sleep of old age. I'm sure she didn't suffer but went gently. Dogs will tend to get white muzzles as they grow older but cats (& animals like rabbits) that are very dark or black & start showing white are old. Rabbits only live 7-10 years & the record ever for the oldest is 15, quite unusual. How long had you had her?
I adopted a cat that would come running out to meet me when I came home. No one every claimed her so I took her to get spayed. When the vet opened her, her organs were already removed. She'd been spayed previously & then abandoned. She's all black except for a few white hairs on her chest & a small poof of white on her belly. But the last few years, she's having more & more white hairs sprinkled throughout. Indications is she's over 11 years. I adore her & she adores me - I want to make her life as happy as possible after having once been abandoned.
Posted by Rach on February 20, 2002, at 7:35:47
In reply to Re: dead rabbit » KB, posted by IsoM on February 19, 2002, at 22:15:29
God, I miss my dog and cat. For those who don't know, I'm originally from rural parts, but have moved to the city. My family is still back home with our family pets (although the cats have always been more mine than anyone else's). My cat, Cleo, is the kitten of a stray cat that we saved from being shot by local farmers. Cleo turns 14 human years old on Dec 31st 2002. It was the most amazing thing watching the kittens be born when I was only 7 years old.
When I get so desperate for the loving non judgemental attention you can only get from an animal, I visit the local RSPCA centre, and spend hours playing with the animals there. It always breaks my heart to leave, though. As I am renting a flat with a no pet clause, there is no chance of me getting a pet anytime soon.
One thing (most) pets do to help alleviate depression on a chemistry based level, is to be your very own air ioniser. To be honest, I can't remember where I picked this information up, and I can't seem to find anything about it on the web. The only thing I can think of is that it either came from my Mum (a nurse) or from a University lecture. Interesting concept, anyway.
Posted by noa on February 20, 2002, at 17:10:01
In reply to Pets and a reason for not being depressed, posted by Rach on February 20, 2002, at 7:35:47
Sorry to hear about your rabbit, KB.
Posted by ST on February 21, 2002, at 18:28:14
In reply to dead rabbit, posted by KB on February 19, 2002, at 21:37:13
So sorry about your bunny! Don't feel guilty! Every time one of our pet rats die, I feel like there was something I should have done. They always get sick so quickly and within days are gone. It sounds to me as if syour rabbit was just ready to go....
> I came home saturday night to discover that my rabbit had keeled over. She wasn't sick, but was probably quite old - she was black and had been going white - I don't know for sure because she'd had several homes before me. I always feel a little guilty when an animal dies - maybe I should have noticed something? Brought her to the vet? Even though I know that doesn't make sense.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.