my thoughts on buying a cat or dog

We have always had a cat but when our last one was put to sleep, can't talk about why its just so awful and we decided not to have another one while we were going away so much.. So now we are at home most of the time we have plucked up the courage to adopt another cat from the RSPCA. and we are so excited we picked the one we wanted, a 4 year stray male called Stanley and we now await for him to pass all his medical tests.

Biba70 There are several breeds of dogs with inherited health condition. My breed is the Poodle. They do not. They stand four square, have a good length muzzle and eye problems have been bred out of them (assuming they are not from a puppy farm). There are no Brachycephalic muzzles, bulging eyes or long backs and breeders do not cull pups who don’t meet show standard. They go into pet homes. Toy Poodles often live up to 17/18 years. The longest living known Toy Poodle as authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records is Seamus who died aged 20 years, 298 days. It’s actually very difficult to obtain Toy breeds from rescue as when they do go in, they are snapped-up quickly. I applaud people rescuing dogs and I wouldn’t rule it out for us, but those of us who like a specific breed and choose to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder often receive disrespect and lectures which are, frankly unacceptable!

Furret That's a very good idea. We came back from lunch with some friends yesterday who have just started fostering. They had looked after a young hound and had to take her to be spayed a couple of weeks ago. On Friday her new owners came to collect her and are delighted with her. This week they are expecting a 12 year old Yorkie.

It’s a good idea to offer to foster a dog.

I worked from home for a few years previous to taking early retirement and I became a fosterer for a local animal rescue. I loved it, hard work and sad/happy when animals find new homes. I wanted to keep them all! There was always a new one on the way when one re homed. I would urge people to consider their age though when taking on a dog or cat in their later years and try to make arrangements for them if they become unable to care for them.
50 percent of take ins where from elderly owners who could no longer take care of their animals and another 50 percent from young couples who found it too much when children came along. Please think about rehoming an older rescue dog/cat there are so many left in rescue centres because no one wants them.

i would wait and get one from a rescue centre...here they are neutered /vacinated and worth getting....

Met this beauty today, she is very calm and gentle and will home as soon as she has been spayed. Can't wait.

Granless...

I think Brigid meant that cats instinctively hide their poop by covering it with leaves, mulch, cat litter etc. You're right about cats chasing birds, but not all cats are bird killers. I like raising cats indoors....they are just as happy and they don't get into trouble.

sf101. congratulations. he looks lovely, im so glad you got a rescue. I desperately want a small rescue dog and DH who grew up with rescue dogs always said "when were retired" well we are retired and have been for several years now but he's done a U turn. He also flatly refuses for us to get a cat saying his family never bothered with cats. I used to have a rescue cat many many years ago and he was such good company. My DD has asked us to childmind for her now but at their home not ours and we would not be able to take a dog with us (although the inlaws have 3). I know it would be cruel to get an older rescue and then leave it alone, so its not going to happen. I know we all make sacrifices for our children but I feel so sad about it.

We have 2 rescued greyhounds, our 3rd and 4th. Because of them we walk out in all weathers and it does us the world of good. We have made some good friends through our dogs and to us they are both wonderful company. Wouldn’t be without them. Greyhounds are the ideal dog for the older generation, they can accommodate varying lengths of exercise, basically only need two twenty minute walks a day if that’s all you can manage, are very clean, companionable, and loyal.

Brigidsdaughter ‘Covering up after themselves.’ I assume you mean they cover their poo? Maybe so, but not very nice when it is left in someone else’s garden uncovered. I’m sick to death of picking up (they don’t all cover up ) or finding in the soil when gardening.
As you may have realised, I’m not a cat lover ... also they take birds out all too often.
Get a dog infoman. They get you out and about, meeting likeminded people, loyalty and companionship in abundance. ?

.I have written articles weekly in a newspaper about the A to Z of cat breeds. They each have their own personality. My favourites are the simple moggy and Bengals. I am currently renting, so unable to have a pet. Mum and dad had show boxers. A lot is involved in owning a pet. Glad so many of you are doing such a sterling job.

All our cats were outdoor cats. Easy to own. Very clean animals too, covering up after themselves. Dogs are excellent and don't wee/poo indoors unless left too long. Picking up after not fun but doable.
I love walking the dogs. During recent months I have learned more about my area than in the last 30+ years! The dogs and I have improved our fitness levels

My two cents on adopting a dog or cat:

I am an animal lover and I love both dogs and cats.....Having said that, for people in our age group (generally 60 and over) I would definitely recommend a cat and here's why.....

Travel:
Most cats are 'homebodies' and prefer familiar surroundings, but many cats travel very well with their owners. Some cats actually love to ride in a car, bicycle or pram. Cats can also be left at home for extended periods of time. A well behaved cat can be left home alone for an entire weekend and she'll be fine and even content.

Dogs on the other hand, get lonely. Some dogs will destroy things (like bedding, rugs or furniture) if they are left alone for too long.

*Bathing and Hygiene*:
Cats don't need to be bathed regularly because their fur is normally clean and odorless. They do need to have their nails trimmed regularly and their fur brushed.
You don't have to walk a cat because a cat uses a litter box inside and they don't need to be house broken.
A litter tray only needs a few minutes daily and a once a week change to stay clean and fresh at all times.

Dogs need to be housebroken and have a lot more 'accidents' inside the house. Dogs often leave poop where they shouldn't, such as a rug or the neighbor's yard. A dog has to be walked at least once or twice a day to do its business.

Licensing:
Unlike cats, dogs have to be licensed. Dogs have been known to destroy flower beds and some dogs can be aggressive with strangers. Many a dog has gotten their owner into legal troubles.

For the most part, cats are quiet, calm creatures and they can't bark. A cat can be just as affectionate and playful as a dog, but won't demand as much attention, even if kept indoors. Indoor cats are healthier, much cleaner and they tend to live longer, than their outdoor counterparts.

Although l agree in principle with rehoming rescue animals, when we came to our dog we bought a puppy as l am highly allergic to most types of dogs and cats because of their fur. We needed one that did not moult and ours is perfect for us. If we ever have another one l think we will go for a retired breeding bitch of the same breed.

I've always been a cat person but my darling Bagheera died aged 12.5. Many months later when I thought about another we got involved with dogsitting two dogs as a favour. One is small - worst type I'd have said previously. I now adore them. Esp the little one. Incredibly bright and has attitude too. Hubby had been keen on a dog previously but now thinks cats are best!
I will get two cats in time plus a dog of our own. All rescue.
Cats and dogs have added to my life immeasurably

My present 2 dogs were acquired as puppies. One was found by gendarmes in a car park during a storm. She's petrified of storms and gunfire now. The other was one of a litter of 4 fox terriers taken to a refuge. their tails had been docked, almost to the base so he cannot wag his tail. He occasionally waggles his stump a little. I came to the conclusion that whoever did the docking took it too far and so the pups were valueless.

But there often are puppies in refuges.

My daughter has a pet rabbit. Her and her new husband have always loved dogs and thought they would eventually have one. However, this adorable house rabbit is much easier to care for and he is such a character. He even hops upstairs and is house trained! How about a rabbit?!

I do love the Paul O'Grady programme and I understand they seem to have many breeds of dogs, but honestly, I've tried dogs trust and other centres in the Manchester area and there seems to be far more staffy crosses than other breeds. I would never any dog alone with a small child but many rescues won't consider you if you have visiting small children, as I do. I do understand the reasons, the poor dogs must have had bad experiences with children. At least with a puppy I would be able to ensure the dog is socialised properly and only has positive interaction with children and other dogs.

I was brought up with pets (my parents were highly responsible dog breeders) and have always owned pets, I cant conceive of a home without a cat or dog and preferrably both. Currently have cats. The 14 year old is totally deaf and seemingly senile. He cries for food literally every ten minutes, follows us around the house like a toddler, plays up every day over his medication and is hard work. Would I be without him - no. My daughter knows full well the ups and downs of pet ownership, but the first thing she did when they moved into their first house was get a cat which she adores like a child. So I wouldnt discourage anyone from pet ownership because it can bring great joy, they just need to know all about the downsides as well.

anna7 referring back to Paul O'Grady - many of the dogs that he is involved with at Battersea are staffy crosses. The people on the programme that have adopted them have all said what wonderful, affectionate dogs they are. I've never had one because I'm a sucker for hairy terriers and sheep dog crosses.

As regards dogs and children, 2 rules - never leave a dog alone with small children, mainly because you don't know what the children might do and train children how to deal properly with dogs.

Not having children of my own, I am aware that my dogs are wary of them. Toddlers don't have sufficient control over their limbs so that instead of stroking a dog they'll hit or poke it. I'm not saying that they do it deliberately but they need to be taught to be gentle.

Many years ago we had some friends saying with their children. The little boy who was around 2 1/2 kept trying to touch the dog and she would growl. I used to sit with her clamped to my side and would tell him to leave her alone because she might bite him. I even demonstrated by putting his hand in my mouth and pressing with my teeth (I didn't actually bite or leave a mark) I also suggested that he stroked my other dog who was a big softy and used to children cuddling him for many minutes. Had she bitten him the parents would have been up in arms and no doubt calling for her to be put down. Many years later we found out that the boy was autistic which may explain his behaviour.

I have been checking out rescue dogs for sometime but in my experience it is not at all easy to find a suitable rescue dog. The vast majority of dogs available for rehoming seem to be Staffordshire bull terriers or staffy crosses. I'm sure they can be lovely dogs with the right owners but I just don't want one. Smaller dogs, or any dogs, that can live with small children and other animals seem to be as rare as hens teeth.

By the way, I would also recommend Barking Mad. We used them when our late dog was still alive and they were excellent. A much better alternative to kennels.

Yes, vets' bills can be huge, so insure the animal and pay a bit every month.

I am lucky to be able to host for my local branch of Barking Mad so I can have a dog that is matched to me and my circumstances, when the owner goes on holiday. The franchisee brings the dog with everything it needs and all I have to do is follow the Pet Schedule. So I get to walk and cuddle a dog whenever it suits me, without having the vets bills or the emotional strain when a dog is ill. I couldn't bear going through the heartache of losing a dog as I did last year. She was so precious. Barking Mad dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They are all lovely and bring me great happiness. I thoroughly recommend Barking Mad to anyone who is at home and has a secure garden. You'll be as delighted as I am!

Stella14, most responsible rescue charities will help you choose a dog that suits your circumstances. Same for cats. The dogs will be tested with children, with dogs, with cats, with chickens even. Our current dog is 15 and we have had her for 2 years- she had been taught to chase cats- but it took us a very short time to train here not to- and they are now best of friends.

So, sorry, but no. Why would anyone go out of their way to spend a lot of money on a dog which is very likely to not live long, have bred in health problems of all kinds - knowing the those in the litter that did not fit breed criteria will have been destroyed. Nope. Rescues all the way - no problems, long long lives... and the great feeling you have saved that dog from a miserable life.