Just curious on what everyone's views are on this...
We were just discussing this tonite amongst family and friends... It started with discussing having pets around newborns, and then just having pets in the house in general...
We dont plan to get a dog for AT LEAST 5 years (maybe more if its up to me - I didnt grow up with pets, so right now just having children is MORE Than enough responsibility , although I LOVEE dogs and think they are great to have as companions, protect the home and the children (especially with a pool ) ANYWAY, our discussion led to mentioning where to draw the line as far as what the boundaries are in the home. Does the dog get free reign of the house, go into any room at any time? Sleep on your bed or the kids beds? or be confined to part of the house? (or some people even outdoors, which Id NEVER DO). I DO agree with NOT confining a pet, since if its part of the family, it should be treated as such. But im just not one to kissie kissie a doggie on the mouth and have one sleep on my bed... or maybe when its MY DOG and I clean it and care for it, I dont get that ECK feeling from it being on my bed?
and then what about your furniture and floors? Does it get destroyed and you just let it happen? Is disciplining a pet just as hard as disciplining a child?
Id love to hear feedback, so I might be a little more openminded in the VERY DISTANT future when we consider this....
and just out of curiosity, since we've mentioned 'whats involved' in caring for a baby, and everyone says, having a dog is like having another child what are the true expenses and expectations and responsibilities in everyday life for these guys?
Thanks
LizD
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Member since
Re: PET LOVERS...Where do you 'Draw the Line'?
We always had pets growing up and they always had free reign. I now have a cat, and she sleeps in the bed with us. When I was growing up the dog or cat always slept on the bed with me. It's funny, sometimes it bothers me, but I could not imagine sleeping without her.
Sage10.03
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Member since
Re: PET LOVERS...Where do you 'Draw the Line'?
My 2 cats have free reign of the entire house....as does my mom's dog in her house. We are TOTAL animal people!!!!
I never understand people who get animals and then leave them outside, chained up or otherwise....especially in dramatic climates.... I understand restriction from certain rooms or certain furniture....but not restriction from the house....(as anna said)
I just think the poing of having a pet is to keep benefit from the companionship... What fun is a pet if it spends it's life outside? What enjoyment are either the pet or the owner getting out of that?
ps - I know that was a bit of a tangent, but I just have strong opinions on animals... I am glad to see that all the LIW ladies love their pets so much!!!!
MrsTC
Posted:
Member since
Re: PET LOVERS...Where do you 'Draw the Line'?
Posted by Sage10.03
My 2 cats have free reign of the entire house....as does my mom's dog in her house. We are TOTAL animal people!!!!
I never understand people who get animals and then leave them outside, chained up or otherwise....especially in dramatic climates.... I understand restriction from certain rooms or certain furniture....but not restriction from the house....(as anna said)
I just think the poing of having a pet is to keep benefit from the companionship... What fun is a pet if it spends it's life outside? What enjoyment are either the pet or the owner getting out of that?
ps - I know that was a bit of a tangent, but I just have strong opinions on animals... I am glad to see that all the LIW ladies love their pets so much!!!!
I feel the exact same way - and my 2 cats have free reign as well.
Sage - I think we have had this convo before re: feeling bad for everyone / everything!! ESP animals!!
Sage10.03
Posted:
Member since
Re: PET LOVERS...Where do you 'Draw the Line'?
Posted by MrsTC
Posted by Sage10.03
My 2 cats have free reign of the entire house....as does my mom's dog in her house. We are TOTAL animal people!!!!
I never understand people who get animals and then leave them outside, chained up or otherwise....especially in dramatic climates.... I understand restriction from certain rooms or certain furniture....but not restriction from the house....(as anna said)
I just think the poing of having a pet is to keep benefit from the companionship... What fun is a pet if it spends it's life outside? What enjoyment are either the pet or the owner getting out of that?
ps - I know that was a bit of a tangent, but I just have strong opinions on animals... I am glad to see that all the LIW ladies love their pets so much!!!!
I feel the exact same way - and my 2 cats have free reign as well.
Sage - I think we have had this convo before re: feeling bad for everyone / everything!! ESP animals!!
I know...we're just big saps!! that's all....
Xelindrya
Posted:
Member since
Re: PET LOVERS...Where do you 'Draw the Line'?
I love all animals I've had ferrets, snakes, spiders, fish, birds, mice, hamsters, cats, dogs and rabbits. Plus the occasional lizards, turtles and such.
I love dogs but I am HORRIBLE at training them. I haven't the heart. I had a huge red doberman and he had free riegn of the outdoors. Loved him to death... For a while I lived with a guy who had a German Short Haird Pointer.. very well trained and slept with us.. talk about a space hogger.
I have this 'thing' against a few smaller dogs. Specifically the Malteze. Had one when I was younger.. and pretty much despise them now. I like other small breeds though.
Still no heart to train them, I like other people to do that for me.
For now we have a cat... pretty easy training.. 'Here's the box' and we're all good to go. Even cats Im pretty picky about. They must be well behaved, but Cats I find easier to train. I haven't master the 'fetch' yet but that's cause Im lazy. A good friend of mine has 3 cats.. all fetch for him, which is amusing.
I find that I am slightly allergic to cats.. so I guess there is NO LINE. I just take my clartin and deal with it.. i love the compainonship. Jim and i want to get a dog and a kitty later on. I want to get them together so they will grow up together. We'll see.
Buddy owns us.. have you seen all the photos I have of him!!!? hehe I love the carefree and complete attention he gives us. No language necessary.
