Do you have a pet?

February 23, 2009 4:40am CST
When I lived at home I had a cat, he was called Charlie, and he was part of the family. It absolutely broke my heard when he was run over by a car. He was a ripe old age of about 12, so he "had a good innings" as they say. Now that I have left home I don't have any pets. I'm not at home during the day very much, so I don't think it is fair to leave a pet cooped up so long. But I really miss my cat... Do you have a pet? How much do you love them? What would you do if anything happened to them?
7 people like this
29 responses
• Philippines
24 Feb 09
Oh I have my cutie puppy named "snow white". She's energetic. I took her to the veterinarian once a month. I really love her soooo much. She don't like preservative dog food. She rather eat veggies like her mommy julie LOL Have a happy MyLotting my friend :)
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Aww, what a lovely name, is she white by any chance? And she is a healthy eater too, so I'm sure she has a healthy coat. Thanks for your response :)
• Philippines
26 Feb 09
Yes she is... you're welcome :)
@modstar (9605)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
Yes i do! His name is Moochie. He is a mixed Dachshund. He has black tight fur with brown eyebrows, chest and feet. I think i posted some of his photos on some of my discussions. I love him so much! I treat him like my little baby. He is a little bit naughty sometimes. I am in a city far away from him so i am missing him now. My mother is taking care of him right now. When i get back i'm pretty he'd be happy and would jump on me. For now all i can do is look at his photos i saved on my phone. I hope we still have a lot of years to spend.
1 person likes this
23 Feb 09
Aww, that is sooo cute. He sounds lovely, and warm and cuddly. I hope you can get back to him soon. Thanks for your response. :)
1 person likes this
@modstar (9605)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
I can't wait for that moment to happen.
1 person likes this
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
25 Feb 09
yes i have pets at home now. i have three cats and i love them to bits. i used to stay alone but my cats are fine with that. they are nocturnal anyway so they usually sleep the day away. when i return at night, they'll clamour for attention and want to play all night long. now i'm living with my family and my parents are retired so they are at home with my cats. at least i know someone will take care of their needs in the day time. cheers
25 Feb 09
Hi apple! Isn't it funny how cats are able to sleep all day?! I'm glad to hear that your parents are around to look after your pets during the day. I don't like to think of any animals being left alone for long periods of time, even if they are just sleeping. Thanks for your response :)
@Annmac (949)
25 Feb 09
I've rarely been without a pet in my life and that's over 58 yrs. I've loved and lost many and it never gets any easier to say goodbye to a creature that becomes part of your life, but I cant imagine life without them either. As we often rescue older animals or those already with health problems, their lives are heartbreakingly short. At present I have a 4yr old GSD called Willow, a 4yr old cat called Kia, an 18yr old cat called Bell, 5 African Dwarf Frogs and 2 tropical fish tanks. Cats are much easier to keep than dogs. They don't mind being left alone as long as they have food and a clean litter tray available. (Mine spend most of the time sleeping even when someone is there)They also groom and exercise themselves. My younger cat never leaves the house but the old man likes to spend his days outside though now he rarely goes far from the garden. A dog really needs company for it's mental well-being. They are pack animals (which is why they are such good pets) and it's as un-natural for them to be alone as it is for us! I'm lucky in that our lifestyle and jobs make it easy for the dog to be with someone 90% of the time. (I even take her to work with me occasionally)
1 person likes this
25 Feb 09
It sounds like you have it well worked out when it comes to animals. I'm glad that you are able to have so many, and enjoy them so much. Thanks for your response :)
@achinthya (1216)
• India
25 Feb 09
well I don't own a pet as we are staying in a rent our owner is very strict she doesn't allow any pets to keep at home....I don't like cats but somehow I prefer dogs to them...
1 person likes this
25 Feb 09
Most people are either cat or dog inclined, not many love both equally. Sorry to hear that you can't have pets just now, perhaps at some point in the future. Thanks for your response :)
@xhaylea (361)
4 Apr 09
I have two dogs, one is called max and hes a yorkshire terrier cross border terrier, and ive had him since december 2005 i love him to bits, and my other dog is a german shepherd, he isn't black and tan, he's just all black with abit of white on his chest, his name is pricne and we've had him since sometime in 2007, cant remember the month now. I also have a hamster, she is a golden syrian hamster called honey and ive had her since november 2007, shes gorgeous i love her tons! shes soo tame, and sweet :) anyway, yeah, those are my pets and i love them all to bits!! xx
1 person likes this
4 Apr 09
So glad to hear from an animal lover, sounds like you have a lovely houseful. I'm happy that you have pets and that you love them so much. They can give us much love and happiness in return too. Thanks for your response :)
@debny711 (264)
• United States
24 Feb 09
I have a dog he is 15 years old. I also have 2 hamsters and 3 birds and some fish. They are all like part of the family. I always had pets when I was growing up. I have lost many and its heartbreaking but its part of life.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Sounds like you have quite a houseful. I am glad to hear you like pets. I agree that it is part of life, but it is still very sad at the same time. Life is just not fair sometimes. Thanks for your response :)
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
24 Feb 09
I have two cats. They are about a year and a half old. I can't imagine not having them.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
I'm glad to hear that you like cats too. I hope that you have many years of fun with them. Thanks for your response :)
@mymytri (2030)
• India
24 Feb 09
I don't have pets.Earlier we had a dog in my neighbours home.It was coming to our home and it had become a part of our familey.It was very clever and pretty.We moved from there few years ago and never had a chance to see it again.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
I am glad to hear that you got on well with your neighbour's dog. It is good to give animals affection, even if they are not your own pets. Thanks for your response :)
• Hong Kong
24 Feb 09
No I don't have a pet because I live in an apartment and pets are not allowed inside the apartments, so I never get the chance of having a dog or a cat.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
I'm sorry to hear you don't have a pet because of living in an apartment. Perhaps some time in the future you will be able to have a dog or a cat, and experience the joy of taking care of a pet which can love you back. Thanks for your response :)
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
24 Feb 09
I have four dogs and one cat and one fish. They wear me out that is for sure and they are so much like kids it's pathetic.
1 person likes this
25 Feb 09
Sounds like a lot of work, but lots of fun too I hope. Thanks for your response :)
@22angel22 (450)
• United States
24 Feb 09
I have two Newfoundlands, 2 Chinchillas, and 2 Russian Tortoises. I work at home so my dogs are with me all day. So if my husband and I leave then they at least got 10hrs with me all day. They sit in my office most of the day. The Chinchillas really hang with each other and dont need much attention, other than feeding, cleaning, and about 20mins a day each of play with a human. My tortoises rarley move, so very little attention is needed there.
24 Feb 09
I think tortoises would be fantastic pets to keep, I think they are really cool. It is great that you have two. I'm glad that your dogs have company during the day. It is not fair to leave animals by themselves for long periods of time. Thanks for your response :)
@busibee (187)
• United States
24 Feb 09
Since I'm in college and live in a small house, I can't have a dog because I don't have the time to walk it and make sure it can go outside (potty) when it needs to... so I have a cat. She is very sweet and very easy to take care of. She comes and sleeps on my desk when I am home on my computer doing homework. She comes and sleeps on the couch when I am watching TV. Sometimes she even comes in the bathroom and sits there while I am in the shower! Cats are great pets... I think they are very fun and loving.
24 Feb 09
I agree, I think cats are easier to take care of than dogs, mainly for the reasons you have mentioned. I miss my cat terribly, but I'm glad that there are other people out there loving their cats. Thanks for your response :)
• United States
25 Feb 09
I have 1 dog she's chow and sharpai we call her Meso shes 14 now she getting around good still we also have a calico kitten named Kit or Tom hes 2 now he runs from morning till night out side always comes home to eat and sleep we had 2 beagles Buffy she will be 14 this year we had her 8 years and Duke hes 5 now and had him 3 month but one morning someone stole both of them and we know who it is but he wont say where there at it eats at me knowing someone ripped a pet from m arms Buffy was like a 3rd daughter to me and Duke he was a trip I still cry about them they come up missing on November 24th 2008 i miss them dearly.
1 person likes this
25 Feb 09
So sorry to hear about your loss, my heart goes out to you Sassy! Take comfort from your energetic kitten, who needs all the love you can give him. Thanks for your response :)
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
24 Feb 09
Sorry for the way Charlies life ended. We have a dog. She is part of the family. Makes her a bit spoiled, but hey that's just part of life. Don't really want to think about anything happening to her.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Thank you for your sympathy. Am glad to hear you have a dog and that she is loved, there is nothing wrong with a bit of spoiling here and there. Thanks for your response :)
@gracie04 (4549)
• Philippines
24 Feb 09
Yes, we have two charming shih tzu puppies at home, Luke and Sherbie.. but here in my own flat, i've got one cute pet.. Her name is Maxie, she's a peruvian guinea pig.. it was Valentines gift from my hubby three years ago.. she stays in a cage which is placed inside our studio type condo unit.. though our room's space is limited, we still opt to put maxie inside.. i let her play outside once in a while so she won't get bored at all.. Maxie is like my own baby, i treat her like my own daughter.. i always feed her with lettuce(her favorite treat) and guinea pig pellets..
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Oh Maxie sounds lovely. I think small pets are really great, and can be so much fun too. I am glad that you spoil her. Thanks for your response :)
• Canada
24 Feb 09
I have a blue budgie named Charlie. He's been with us for about 9 years now. All he does is sit in his cage and poop.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Well I suppose sitting and pooping is life for some people! lol Good choice of name though, hehe Thanks for your response :)
@ronit_mat (176)
• India
24 Feb 09
no i am not fond of dogs or cats or even fish.also having a pet means extra responsibility why to unnecessarily get more work for yourself?
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
It's true that they do mean more work and more responsibility, but the enjoyment which can be gained by spending time with pets is fantastic. People say the same thing about children, or so I understand. Thanks for your response :)
• Canada
24 Feb 09
Hey...We got our dog about 6 years ago just before my dad past away, he was the one who wanted the dog. Anyways, I wasnt too crazy about dogs in those days cause I had once been bitten by one lol. I got used to dogs after a while and now it's my favorite animal. We still have the dog, named Poochie, lol...And he's going on 9 years old since we got him when he was like 3 years old. Anyways, pets are cool. Later guys.
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Sorry to hear about your Dad, but glad that you have still enjoyed getting used to dogs since then. Thanks for your response :)
• United States
24 Feb 09
My cats are a part of the family- if anything where to happen to them I would be very very sad. Just last summer acually, I had a cat named Stubby who was my little angel and sweetie pie. When my family and I got back from church we saw her lying in the street, not moving. We all ran out of the car and tried to see if she was still breathing. She was, but she was in serious pain and her ears where very cold. We knew her time had come... none of us stopped crying for two days straight. We carried her to the backyard and the whole time we whispered things like 'It'll be ok' and 'The pain is almost over' and 'We love you' over and over. We buried her under her favorite tree in the backyard so that she could watch the birds and make sure the neighbor dogs didn't trespass on her territory. We cried and cried and I sat at her grave for hours, just looking at the lump in the ground, wondering how my day had changed from good to bad in one second. The hardest and most saddest part for me was a couple days later, when I went outside an saw my other cat Smokey sitting right next to her sister's grave. She looked like she was protecting her. Anytime I got close she'd hiss. I knew that this was her time to say good-bye to her sister and best friend, so I left her alone but watched her from the window. It was the most heart-breaking ten minutes of my life. (I'm even crying right now!! Gosh! I'm so weak.. haha). Some time has passed since then, and we now have a new cat who is nearing his 1st birthday in a few weeks, but everytime I pass by my little kitty's grave, I remember my little angel and how I used to hold her. But I know that she's in a better place, where squirrels are slow and birds can't fly- tuna rains from the sky and God gives all the kitties back scratches whenever they want. I miss her terribly, but when one door closed, another was opened and my new cat Ty was brought in and I love him just as much as I loved my other angel. [I miss you Stubby
1 person likes this
24 Feb 09
Oh wow, I'm crying just reading your story, and I didn't even know Stubby! I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but also relieved that you now have a new cat to give your love and affection to. Thanks for your response :)