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Community > 'The Tin Mom' Blog > Tin Mom Blog: Dogs vs. Cats
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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?

Russ Dotson
28 Dec 2009, 01:06
I love dogs – to me, they are best animals to have as pets. They have personality, protect, play and entertain. This is the best telling about the dog i like it it is awesom.

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Russ Dotson

<ahref=http://www.purrinlot.com /index.php?id=griff> rel="dofollow" rel="nofollow">Cat Grooming</a>
Valerie Kelley
24 Apr 2009, 23:20
The random act of kindness I would like to write about involves my daughter-in-law,Marianne Baldwin, being very aware of the health aspects of walking, not only for humans but for dogs also. Her neighbors had a large dog that they put in the back yard and left him, soon they got a beautiful blonde lab puppie that they put in the back yard and left her. ?The puppy barked and cried all the time. Marianne has always walked her two dogs, so she offered to take this pup with her and maybe walk off some of her energy. This did help her , but she still required too much attention, so they got rid of her. Marianne's attitude was that the third dog was simply one more for the pact, they knew they had to obey, it didn't take the new puppy long, to learn how to follow orders and be obediant, Marianne was sad that they gave up so easy. They later got a small house dog that lives in the house with them and they all have really bonded with the dog, this family has two small children and a small dog suited them so much better. The lesson to learn from this story is before going and getting a pet you need to consider all of your living facts, like do you live in a small apt., then maybe you need a small pet, cat or dog.
Mary
24 Apr 2009, 12:25
I have a cat, sometimes I call him the Boss! and I have a dog and he knows he is spoiled, and know they are my very best friends, they dont yell or lie or steal or demand anthing oh wait a minute sampson the cat does, he will meow until I give him what he wants. And I usually do, I grew up with both kinds of animals all of my life, my parents are animal lovers and passed that down to us, my mother is a cat lover, and my Dad who passed away was a dog lover, they showed such love to our animals, and We are a family of 13 children. and I look to every day sharing it with peanut our dog & Sampson My Cat.
Annette
18 Apr 2009, 09:31
I thought this would be more one sided, but it appears to be somewhat equal. I can't believe how many people have dogs AND cats. Who said they cannot co-exist?!!?
Ron
12 Apr 2009, 22:36
I suppose I'm both a dog and cat person...
We've been blessed with wonderfull dogs. Our first Corky was a meduim terrier mix rescued dog. We lost her at 12 yr after a move when she got out and was hit by a car. Since Sher and I were vol. firefighters, we got CC (Cookies and Cream)... A DALMATION - of course! Then Backdraft - a liver spot Dal. We had them both for over 15 yr. Great high energy, intelegent, companions. Now we have Duchess (Lab, Boxer, Ptt mix) and Lady (Golden Retever, Shepard mix). They were both rescued. Lady lives to retrieve toys/ sticks/ anything! Duchess lives to play, run, tumble, and generally be mischevious.
All our dogs have been loyal friends and helped challenge us physically.

The cats in our family have been WAY too numerous to list. The main difference between the dogs and cats are that three cats were especially helpful in surgery recovery.

EndFirst a tabby cat delivered breach by our (way too prolific) white Persian was always near me and there to chear me up after an accident and spinal fussion. Then Splatter our calico clown cat was there to cheer me on after cardiac bypass. Tom E Kat, our gray.... tomcat, has been there for 2 hip replacements.

All the pets through the years have been great companions - I can't pick a favorate animal or even species. They have all been a full part of our family.

Happy Easter to all,

Ron
Rita Hughes
08 Apr 2009, 16:18
I had always liked cats and was afraid of dogs, having been frightened by one as a small child. Then Whitey came into my life when my now 38 year old son was only 2 years old. She was a sweetheart and even the cat (Stanley) liked her. We would go for walks and the cat would come along, but not on the sidewalk. He would follow us by walking behind the bushes and next to the houses. Like Stanley did not want to be seen walking next to a dog! When I could not walk so well, Whitey would wait for me and turn around as though to say, "Are you coming?" We had to have her put down right before one of my major surgeries. I think I cried for her as much as I did when my parents passed away. Pets become a great part of the family. Stanley too was depressed and died a few months later. I did have a cat briefly after I was widowed, but she died too. I don't think I will have any more pets in my life now. Loosing them is too painful and my disease making life difficult for me. At this point, I am lucky to be able to take care of myself! When I need a pet fix, I visit my two grandoggies (Steve and Henry) and two grandkitties (Lester and George.
Linda
08 Apr 2009, 15:47
Dogs rule! I have four and 2 cats, all are rescues. I had 3 dogs when my husband was ill and died, the one that was his sensed that he was sick and quit jumping on him, would just go sit by his bed and lay his head by my husbands hand. Bear is gone now along with his "brother" dog, Bradley, who was mine, I miss both of them. I still have the female who was a puppy then along with a new, funny crew of hounds. They are my family. The cats are sweet in their own way but don't have the same relationship with humans.
Jim
08 Apr 2009, 15:02
Without a doubt I am a dog person, as the saying goes I care more for my dog than what I feel for most people I have met. Dogs give unconditional love, and always seem to have a hidden sense of when things are difficult in your life. Often an illness creates a very lonely place inside your own head, dogs have a way of making it seem a little less lonely. As for cats, I suppose they are easier to care for, but so are goldfish, and I don't want a goldfish either. Sorry cat people.
Karen
08 Apr 2009, 13:31
I'd have to say that I'm both - a dog-person and a cat-person! I've had both my entire life, and love them all.

I have a Shetland Sheepdog, who has way too much energy. He is playful, fast, and very busy. It's amazing, though, how gentle and careful he is with me. He knows I'm "different" from everyone else, and he is a wonderful companion. I believe that he can sense how I am feeling, both physically and emotionally. When I am really hurting, I can see the painful look in his eyes. I feel like he is crying for me.

I also have two cats, who don't have quite as much energy as the dog. They are both very loving & love to snuggle. Even though the two of them get into all kinds of trouble, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Last Fall, I had my 52nd surgery. Like you, through every single one of them, I had a dog and/or a cat who helped me through the recovery process. They are the BEST medicine!!!

I had visits from our local pet therapy group, during my last 6 or 7 stays in the hospital. It really lifts your spirits to see a dog or a cat walk through the door of your room. In fact, I plan to get started with a pet therapy group soon. I know how much my pets help me and I'd like to share that with others in need.
Cathy
08 Apr 2009, 08:24
My dog is Houdini - yes, he was named after Harry Houdini because even as a puppy, he was figuring out how to get out of his cage!

My daughter and I have always wanted a dog, but my husband did not want a house dog. We finally wore him down three years ago, when my daughter was a freshman in high school. Now the two of them are best buddies. In fact, my husband goes to training in other states sometimes and the first "person" he misses is not his wife or daughter, but his "buddy."

Houdini perks all of us up - even if you don't feel like playing with him because you are having a bad day, he'll poke his nose under your arm and force you to at least pet him. He loves taking walks, so I feel guilty if it is nice outside and I don't take a walk, so he helps me with exercising, as well.

I love my poochy - he's a shitzu - so if you ever need a small lap dog that doesn't shed - they are perfect!

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