Dogs vs. Cats

Which pets rule the world?

By Annette Beach

Are you a dog person, cat person, or other?

I am and always have been a dog person! I love dogs – to me, they are best animals to have as pets. They have personality, protect, play and entertain. I know people who claim their cats are all of these and more, but I’m still a dog lover!

Throughout my life, I have been around dogs, mostly because my allergies do not tolerate cats. Growing up, I had 57 dogs, counting all of the dogs on our farm and their puppies. (We had a farm about 10 miles from our house.)

When my son was three years old, he got his first dog. We set this 9-week-old puppy on the ground in front of him, told him it was his and asked what he wanted to name it. Without delay, he said, “Barney” (yes, after the dinosaur). The next day, we went to the pet store to buy her a purple collar.

Barney was the greatest dog ever! She was smart, well trained and loved by all. I’ve always said that she grew up with my disease (just like my son) and knew when to offer comfort or when to make me laugh. She was literally by my side while I recovered from 21 operations. We had her for almost 14 years. I will love her forever and miss her every day.

Now I have a dog named Puna (like tuna with a “p”). Years ago we visited a black sand beach in Hawaii called, Punalu’u Beach. Since my dog is all black and her last name is Beach, I named her Puna Beach.

Puna is nothing like Barney. Her personality is just plain goofy! She’s like the mischievous, problem child in every kindergarten class. Her actions are unpredictable and strange, yet completely innocent and hilarious. Last fall I looked out the window and saw her standing on my bench swing, moving her body to make the swing move back and forth. When Puna is around, everyone laughs and rolls their eyes.

A few years ago, I was with a friend and we stopped to visit someone. When we walked into the house, I noticed a dog and a cat. I immediately started petting the dog and asked its name. The owner said, “Dog”. I’m sure I gave him a strange look; then I asked, “What’s the cat’s name?” Sure enough, he said, “Cat”.

What are your crazy pet stories? What names have they had? What pets have you had? How have they helped you cope with your illnesses?