Love it, Roneida! Your dogs were critical of communism - reckon they would have taken a shining to Ayn!!! ... and to this video, "I think my dog's a Democrat" Check it out - it's hilarious: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3VLqLLWxbQ

Herb, I am very well aware that Ayn was an atheist ... as was I for a period of time. Please focus on my given name of Joy. Being "easy", as you say, you will certainly not be offended by the source of my joy ...

You said it.
I have come to love her more than most people I know.
There's a bit of nuttiness in that, perhaps, but I know it is the good kind.

By the way, Joyinchrist, you are aware that you're in a blog dedicated to the works of a militant atheist, are you not? To many, the name you use is intolerable. I can tolerate it - but then, I'm easy.

Astute observation, Wiggys! Ayn Rand did her best to save her cat ... and as we all know, her country, as well.

Herb, animals have such distinct "personalities" and traits. Your beagle reacts to other animals differently, according to their behavior. Amazing creature, isn't she?

I have had one cat,a male Persian who we named "Ayatollah", this was in the early 70's and over the years 4, female Samoyed dogs. The dogs came from Siberia originally and were critical of communism from birth, but the cat was totally unconcerned with politics. Loved them all.

People tell me I am a cat. Cats are independent, and need to make their own decisions. If I call my cat, he generally waits until he can figure it as HIS decision, and then comes over...

We have lived in a rural setting for 20 years now.
Early on, cats began adopting us.

The first one was a 3-legged cat that we named Shorn. Then came Mascara Loo and on and on...

There have been at least 50 cats who have come and gone. Some die of old age or disease. Some just disappear. We suspect that some have been taken by either the bald eagles or osprey...or perhaps wolves or coyotes.

We even raised an abandoned newborn kitten. She is still with us. Her name is Dolly Doodle.

What a crazy thing that they trust us to take care of them!

If you ever meet a person that hates pets, you can be pretty sure they hate people as well.

My neighborhood abounds in cats and dogs. Previous to where I now live, I had never experienced so many pet lovers. Since I have a beagle which is a small hound, she loves to chase cats, squirrels and the occasional rabbit. With cats, however, if she manages to corner an old lazy one she just stares at it and eventually bonds with it. So, now we have a situation where she chases some cats, and doesn't chase others. It's as if she is saying, "hey, I'm a senior dog, I'll reserve my chasing for a select few".

Miss Rand probably had the same thoughts about the country and that is was dying and tried her best to explain why. She did know that her cat could not be helped and she also knew the country could not be helped.

I have had about 10 cats, 2 that sailed with me. I have fond memories of all. Now I have a dog and when she goes if it is before me I will have fond memories of her. Is there a difference, for me absolutely none. All have brought the same enjoyment in their own way.

Yes, I have had both ... a black lab named "Anthem" (!) in the 70's and numerous cats before and since. And, yes! I agree cats, in general, are sooooooo very different than dogs. The word I hear most to describe cats is "independent". It could be that was why Miss Rand was so drawn to her feline companions, eh?

I have both a cat and two dogs. They are totally different, except they all immediately know when a person is OK with themselves and safe for the animal. There is no manipulation or discussion with an animal- they like and accept you or they dont.

There are teeth and claws that come out when they dont like you. If they like you, they curl up at your feet and stay with you.

Absolutely...The dogs too...whole nother story.

Seems like your "tree kitty" had quite a life, surrounded by others who loved him ... and loved life! These animals/pets/critters can bring such joy and pleasure to us! And Carl, regarding the pain of loss, I can relate to that. I have 2 precious cats myself, Maya and Zoe, sisters I rescued. Next month they will be 6 years old and I occasionally allow myself to realize that in another 6 to 8 years, they will be gone ... a thought I can barely stand. So, when you expressed your feelings of not wanting to endure that pain again, I can understand. And ... I suspect we can both relate to what Ayn was feeling about her beloved Frisco.

The amazing part is that he choose me.
I've actually had three like that...the most recent in the nineties I rescued from a tree, a 8 week old kitten...I took care of him and brought him up, he loved the dogs, Maltese and thought he was one, he loved going for rides and we took him and the dogs with us on our sailing yacht every week end...he roamed free in the neighborhood but was always waiting for me when I came home...one day he wasn't waiting...we never new what happened. I haven't had one since...I can no longer endure that pain.

Carl, what an amazing cat you had - you guys must have really bonded!!! I think of it as an honor when a cat befriends you to that extent. I have been trying to tame "Ethan", my neighbor's cat for 6 years now. He finally now alllows me to pet him, almost every day. I used to feed him treats in the early morning and he got so used to it, he would greet me at the front door, awaiting his treat.
: )

Your probably right...spirituality and Rand...Oh my!
It'll be interesting to see how everyone else responds to that...

I've had both...I'm a dog guy but the few cats I've had were as attentive as a dog. I had one cat that took a liking to me when I was in college, when I was home, he had to be apart of everything I did...even when I was working on my 240Z...I'd swear, he would of handed me a wrench if he could. If I went away, he hid in the storm drain till I came back...I do miss that cat.

I think her focus was, almost exclusively, on the care of her beloved cat, Frisco. Though Dr. Higgins' philosophy did not mirror hers, he was an excellent veterinarian (who also realized it would benefit no one to verbalize these opinions to her.). Miss Rand had many dealings with professionals who didn't agree with her - and was very gracious. Her attorney, Eugene Winick, her literary agent, Perry Knowlton and even Phil Donohue likely had similar opinions of her, but they all enjoyed mutually satisfying professional relationships.

Had the veterinarian told Rand that she was in denial, speaking subjectively, and "spiritual", he would no longer have been Rand's veterinarian.