How About the Dogs?
Let's hear about your dogs. Cat's can be talked about too. Just don't let my dog hear about it. For a few years now I've really understood how dogs got the descriptor of "man's best friend". I am on my 2nd aussie cattle dog. I don't buy from breeders, ever. But, I rescue. Finding one to rescue can be a challenge because they don't last in a shelter long. They're amazing animals and companions. Our current one took, literally, months to really accept his new family/home situation. I could see the slow transition of him warming to his new surroundings. Now he's all in...the first to greet me at the door when I come home - very affectionate.
We've since downsized to a female Maltese and a male Havanese, rescued together, since they'd been companions since they were puppies. The Maltese has become the "other woman," climbing on to my chest and staring adoringly into my eyes. She's also our alarm system, with an ear piercing yelp that would wake the dead. The Havanese, all 10 pounds of him, is my wife's guard dog, challenging all who approach her. Once they realize we welcome someone, they become the greeting party.
That makes the two of us (at least). I have been getting flak for my belief and do not broadcast it in an environment where it may backfire among the "just an animal" crowd.
Dogs and some cat breeds are exceptional b/c they are without vice. That is why we love them. You would never be backstabbed or betrayed by a loyal animal friend.
About nagging: don't know what you are referring to. We have had several generations of Abyssinian cats but they never bothered us with their problems, regardless. Same with the Rough Collie, Lassie we had the good fortune to own a long time ago.
They never complained, even when in pain. I know there were times they had pain but they never cried about it. They tolerated in silently.
If humans had only a fractions of the attributes these animals possess, this world would be a much more pleasant place to live in.
I had a serious issue with that when I worked for a biotech firm engaged in testing and had to sit through meetings where their status was reported. They are exposed to this torture from age 6 months.
One of my colleagues rescued one of them.
Animal testing should be banned with no exception. The sanctimonious Swiss voted against the ban since they have a huge interest in the Pharma sector, with several global HQs operating in Switzerland. When it comes to their well being, all humanitarian aspects are gone out the window.
Early experiences do seem to have lasting effects. One of them was just dumped off on a remote road and left to fend for himself. Its 9 months later now, but he still gets very concerned when we leave the house and he stays behind. I think he still remembers being abandoned . He is getting better about it now, as we always return.
I would say that this is one of the difficulties of adopting rescued pets, but I do think the pets appreciate a good home now that they have one.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Warning- very sad story.
and there is a movie
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red_...
'Red Dog' was a regular rider on the mining company bus which I knew well tho' a few years before.
The Australian Kelpie is known for hard work, loyalty, playfulness, intelligence, gentle with children and sheep, and firm with cattle.
see-
http://wkc.org.au/About-Kelpies/The-W...
from The Working Kelpie Council of Australia
and see the pics from our Olduglycarl-
- Trump putting a medal on a dog
- Beware of the Dog, a Kelpie (surely) as tank commander!
He was an amazingly intelligent friend and companion. He never barked except once. They say Collies never bark unless they have a reason to.
It was Winter, with the paths covered in ice around the house. I woke up in the middle of the night hearing Lassie bark. It was incredible so I got up to investigate. Then I heard footsteps and the ice cracking. Someone was moving around the house and Lassie was warning us.
We no longer have him.
Now it is Abyssinian cats, filling the void with equal intelligence. They come when you call them (popular belief that cats don't answer calls. These ones do) Every time they hear movement outside they jump up and listen, sometimes growl, ready to attack.
They definitely dislike moves. In fact, one of them had a heart attack and died shortly after we moved. But his sibling took to it as a good little trooper, so it probably is a function of individual predilections.
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I adopted a Russian Blue seven months ago. My first experience with this bred, having had Abyssinians before.
She is an absolute pain when trying to hold her or stroke her: she cries when I lift her up. It is not as bad now as it used to be but still, her behavior is the striking opposite of the Abys.
Recently she added to the fun by exhibiting a decisively choosy and finicky attitude to food, by simply refusing to eat what I present her with.
I think part of their behavior is genetic, part of it is how they are socialized when in the "socialization period" as kittens, and then later on as a result of the expectation and behavior of the owner. I got sematary from a breeder at about 6 weeks of age and have had him ever since. Sematary is very curious and has to inspect anything that enters the house. He also loves cardboard boxes for some strange reason, and bosses around the two pit bulls I have also. dogs have owners; cats have staff.
I got my Abys from breeders but Hera, my Russian Blue was adopted at 6 mo of age. Similar with any animal, early training and conditioning are critical as to their behavior later.
When I took her home, she was much wilder than she is now. I attributed that behavior to her being traumatized. Who knows what conditions she has been exposed to. Being shy by nature, she has a long time building up trust in people. When I get a chance to hold her, I keep sweet talking to her and stroking her. She likes it and she is mellowing by an inch every day, although she will probably never be as friendly as my Abys were.
I searched the web for Russian Blue traits. One entry said the same thing: the owner said one stroke on the head, no matter how loving, and his cat is not seen for two days, hiding, She hides all the time.
They are smart when it comes to getting what they want- thats for sure
There are legends about him how he is able to control/guide huge flocks of sheep.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...
The little black specks on the screen are Pulis.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQbFe...
cats. He is fun but.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
Oldest is up there, 15+. Still can catch a frisbee, but slowing down. He was 95 lbs of rippling muscle, and wanted to do what you want so bad he would shake if he couldn’t figure it out. He is a “fox red lab”, yellow by AKC. Great dog!
Middle one is a Lab’s lab. He is smart, soft, sneaky, and would eat until he exploded. We do keep him fit though. No fat dogs here. Very light colored yellow.
Youngest is about 5, black lab, very mild temperament. VERY good nose, but the others are pretty good too. He can tell blood sugar by breath from another room. It is amazing. He is about 90 lbs, American Lab shape. He needs a lot of exercise. He is very snuggly.
All are friendly (I did say Lab, right?). The oldest is alpha, major. He is friendly to other dogs...if...they understand he is alpha.
We’d have ten if we had space
She would do the springer move when in fields of tall grass. I Miss that one a lot.