Would you put your life on hold for a pet?

[Hannathy]

Yes I would and have.

Now when they are young and healthy I will put them in kennels have so many times or had someone come to the house. But if they are sick or just too old to go then yes I would rearrange my life. I also think about my pets when I am planning something.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have one dog, age 9 years, who is very healthy right now. (Knock wood!)

Since he's getting up there in years and he's been my one and only pet as an adult, I can't say how I'll react when and if he's elderly and can't go to a kennel.

 

[Mrs.Prince]

Sorry, but I tend to place human life above animals.

Animal die be it cat or whatever you can always go get another one, but it's not so easy replacing human life.

 

[Aisling]

Sorry, but I tend to place human life above animals.

Animal die be it cat or whatever you can always go get another one, but it's not so easy replacing human life.

That's fine for you, but many people love their animals in such a way that they'd never ever think "oh well I could always go get another one." It's a love that you don't seem to understand, and that's ok. I'm not criticizing you. Just understand that people who put their lives on hold for their pets should be respected for their feelings even if you don't understand them.

 

[dngnb8]

I would put my life on hold for my pets. I did recently. My boy has since passed and I miss him terribly.

Our baby girl passed 3 years ago. I know how you feel. People view pets 2 ways

1. Pets

2. Family

People who dont understand this thread are in category 1. Personally, I can understand how someone can treat something that gives them unconditional love so freely and totally committed, so casually. its heart breaking.

 

[JessicaR]

That's fine for you, but many people love their animals in such a way that they'd never ever think "oh well I could always go get another one." It's a love that you don't seem to understand, and that's ok. I'm not criticizing you. Just understand that people who put their lives on hold for their pets should be respected for their feelings even if you don't understand them.

Thank you. I tried replying but the old adage, "if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing," kept me from posting. You said it nicely.

 

[Wall-E1]

Pets are family in our house... ranked just above teenagers. So yes, our lives would be put on hold. We would drop everything for our pets.

 

[Hannathy]

Sorry, but I tend to place human life above animals.

Animal die be it cat or whatever you can always go get another one, but it's not so easy replacing human life.

I totally agree with your first statement and I don't think anyone here is saying they would save their pet's life before their child's life! (altho there are days I don't guarantee this especially with a teen)

I don't completely agree with your second statement. I don't feel they are disposable or completely replaceable. But it is easier to get another one I will give you that, they do frown on buying humans in most places in this world.

 

[JessicaR]

Pets are family in our house... ranked just above teenagers. So yes, our lives would be put on hold. We would drop everything for our pets.

I'm telling my boys this when they get home!

 

[dngnb8]

Sorry, but I tend to place human life above animals.

I do too. But I dont place human entertainment above my animals life. nobody here mentioned a choice between a human and an animal.

Animal die be it cat or whatever you can always go get another one, but it's not so easy replacing human life.

Yes, you can always get another animal, but that doesnt "replace" what you lost no more then adopting a child replaces one you lost.

Animals are not light bulbs that burn out and are disposed of. We love them and they love us, implicitly and without question.

 

[dngnb8]

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required....

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and Don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are easier to raise than kids because they:

(1) eat less,

(2) don't ask for money all the time,

(3) are easier to train,

(4) normally come when called,

(5) never ask to drive the car,

(6) don't smoke or drink,(although, my cat enjoys sticking his paw in my wine glass...think he's a wino)

(7) don't want to wear your clothes,

(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,

(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and

(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

 

[Uncle Remus]

(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

 

[FergieTCat]

I do too. But I dont place human entertainment above my animals life. nobody here mentioned a choice between a human and an animal.

Yes, you can always get another animal, but that doesnt "replace" what you lost no more then adopting a child replaces one you lost.

Animals are not light bulbs that burn out and are disposed of. We love them and they love us, implicitly and without question.

This!

Once you assume responsibility for an animal, you can't just walk away if something else better comes along.

 

[Beachangel]

Absoultely. My Pebbles is 16 and this year decided not to travel as often since I don't want to leave her so frequently for long periods.

 

[MM27]

My dog just turned 15 this month. She hates going to the vet, which is where we usually boarded her, ever since they did a biopsy on her a few years ago. She shakes uncontrollably as soon as we enter the waiting room. At this point in her life, I would not put her through that so that I could go away. If I can't find someone to watch her at home when I'm gone, I won't go. I like my dog more than I like some people, so I don't consider it putting my life on hold.

 

[dngnb8]

I like my dog more than I like some people, so I don't consider it putting my life on hold.

Let see, that makes you

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

Yep youre a number 3!

 

[Aisling]

(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

I like this one.

 

[7165red]

Pets are part of the family.

 

[Robindianne]

My dog just turned 15 this month. She hates going to the vet, which is where we usually boarded her, ever since they did a biopsy on her a few years ago. She shakes uncontrollably as soon as we enter the waiting room. At this point in her life, I would not put her through that so that I could go away. If I can't find someone to watch her at home when I'm gone, I won't go. I like my dog more than I like some people, so I don't consider it putting my life on hold.

I'll watch her. She can snuggle with me and mine.

 

[LisaTC]

I've had some pets in my life longer than some people! I've not gone places because I've had geriatric pets with health issues I couldn't put on somebody else to care for me. Pet owner is a responsibility. I admire those who take it seriously. I had my first dog that I got when I moved out on my own for 16 years. I have a cat now that is 16 and a dog that is 10 and cat that is 9. My 16 year old cat has issues, I don't think he's long for this world. I don't think he'll be around for our October trip. If he is, I will put him in the hospital for the week. It's not that my family would mean less, I just take my responsibility for them seriously.