Pets, Guilt, and a Little Unconditional Love

The other day I was going to take my parent’s dog for a walk – Joey, the cutest little Bichon Frise you ever did see.

I enjoy taking Joey out, and have often thought about getting my own dog. Though pet ownership is a big responsibility, and I haven’t been brave enough to tackle that responsibility.

Back to Joey and our mutually enjoyable walks. It’s always a blast to take him out. His dark eyes light up big and wide as soon as you ask him if he “wants to go out?” His tail starts to wag so fast, it becomes a blur, and he smiles big and wide.

Yes, dogs do smile.

As I was getting his leash, he jumps and barks happily, trying to grab it out of my hand. He knows he’s going out to enjoy some fresh air, and occasionally run into some of his playmates – the other dogs in the neighbourhood.

I got his leash on, had my poopy bags in my pocket – yes I stoop and scoop – and opened the door.

It was raining!

It wasn't raining when I asked Joey if he wanted to go out. In the short five minutes or less it took to get his leash on, it began to rain.

Joey had already ran out and was standing on the porch, wagging his tail, still excited to go. He doesn't like the rain, but he was still gang-busters happy to be out on a walk.

He looked back at me, as I hesitated, knowing I was having second thoughts about going out in the rain.

Then he came up to me, pawed my leg, then ran back to the edge of the porch as far as his leash would extend.

Awe, I thought – I can’t let little Joey down.

Who could turn down cute doggy guilt?

So, I said “okay, we’ll go for a short quick walk.”

I locked the door behind me, and we went out into the pouring rain, Joey walking happily as if it was a sunny day, pulling ahead as he always did when he was excited to get out.

We didn't go for a long walk – sometimes we go out for a couple of hours – this time just about 15-20 minutes. And Joey didn't run into any of his playmates, but we were both happy to be out and about.

Joey was happy to spend some time out of the house, and I was happy I didn't let him down.

It’s amazing how much our pets mean to us. They really do become part of our families, and just like a parent with their child, we’d do just about anything to make them happy.

Though we both arrived back at my parent’s place soaked, it was an enjoyable experience. 

And I promised Joey next time we’d go on a longer walk, to make up for the shortness of this one.

And you just know I’ll keep that promise.

On Cats, Dogs and Social Networking

Why is it that many women post pictures of cats online on their social networking sites?

On Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, even YouTube, I see cute cats with humorous slogans, mean cats in threatening postures, sly kitties taking advantage of their owners, cats, cats, and more CATS!

And I’ve noticed all of these are posted by women.

Maybe I’m biased ‘cause I’m more of a dog person than a cat person, but in a completely unscientific poll – judging from the numerous social networking sites I belong too – I’d say there is a definite slant towards posts about cats to dogs, and all the posts about cats are from women.

What’s the fascination with felines by females? And why isn’t there an equal amount of posts about dogs from men?

I don’t mind cats. I don’t adore cats. I can live with or without cats.

You can train a cat. Just unlike a dog which comes when you call his or her name, cats will only come if they want to come when you call them.

Cat’s have attitudes. Dogs are loyal. Cats nudge and meow when they want attention, other than that, they often just want to be left alone. Dogs love attention, even if they didn’t bark or jump begging for it.

Dogs may beg at the dinner table for scraps.

Cats never beg for anything.

You can put a leash on a dog, and take him or her to the park to play ball, Frisbee or to catch a stick.

Most cat’s don’t go on leashes, and I’ve never seen a cat catch a Frisbee and bring it back to their owner.

Some let their cat out at night, to play with the other cats in the ‘hood.’ If your dog accidentally gets out, you’ll spend hours looking for him, though many often find their way back.

Dogs help the blind find their way, sniff out dangerous and banned substances at airports, and have been part of police forces worldwide to catch bad guys, find lost children in the woods, and locate survivors of plane crashes and avalanches. 

I’ve never heard of a cat joining an elite team of search and rescuers.

Dogs usually play heroes on television and in the movies. From Lassie and the Littlest Hobo which always brought lost souls together, to Santa’s Little Helper on The Simpson’s very first episode which saved Christmas, even to Snoopy , the cartoon dog that often saved Charlie Brown from self-embarrassment.

Most of the cats on television and movies are self-centered, egotistical and evil. From the Austin Powers movies, Dr. Evil’s pet is Mr. Bigglesworth, a cat only a villain could love. Cartoon cat Garfield is always trying to get fed, even if it means getting his dog buddy Odie into trouble. Even lovable Morris from the classic Tender Vittles cat food commercials was so focused on getting his ‘Vittles’ that he’d ignore even the most amusing situations occurring around him as he ran past to his feeding dish.

Not that all cats are mean, and all dogs aren’t. Just ask the crazy cat lady down the street.