My cats

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

If you are undecided about getting a cat...please consider going to the local ASPCA or animal shelter and see if you can adopt a cat or dog. There are so many wonderful inmates looking for good homes.

I agree that it's kind to rescue animals and have done so several times. My Great Dane was rescued but has some major issues. She is sweet, but she definitely suffered some form of abuse which still lingers even though we got her at eight months old.

Shelter animals are great if you have time to work with some of the issues that they may have. I have two toddlers and two big dogs, when I got my cats I needed to know exactly what the traits of my animals would be. It was the responsible choice for my family in making sure our new additions would fit into our lifestyle.

I know too many people who went to the shelter and picked out an animal who's breeds were unknown. Unfortunately, these animals ended up back in the shelter because the family and animal didn't match in regards to lifestyle.

I also have a friend who was a dog trainer, she rescued a Great Dane from a shelter. She is very familiar with the breed and dogs in general. Unfortunately, this dog had so many undisclosed issues that she had to return it because it almost cost her her home.

I am all for rescue, but sometimes the responsible choice is seeking out a breed that you know without question will fit into your lifestyle. A pet is a commitment that requires time and research. And I think that there are many different options for acquiring a pet for this reason.

[RandomGemini]

Rescuing shelter dogs is one of my passions. I also purchase the occasional puppy from a reputable breeder.

I have heard this myth about shelter pets having "issues" for years. There are many more shelter dogs and cats that have NO baggage at all. I've had both kinds. Out of seven dogs I have rescued, one had serious behavior problems that required private lessons with a obedience trainer to correct. Shelter staff will talk to you about which ones these animals are. They do not want your pet to come back any more than you do.

Many behavior issues that you run into with cats or dogs, will be behavior issues you will have regardless of the age at which you acquired the pet, or their breed. Every pet owner will need to consult a professional at least once in their pet's life on average.

I have rescued dogs for 20 years. I've only had one that had completely inexplicable baggage and at least his was simple. I've been in private training sessions for behavior problems with one of my current dogs and yet, this dog still adores children and would guard little ones with his life.

This time of year... Our animal shelters are stuffed with unwanted cats and kittens. If that consistent personality is important, then find a reputable breeder in your area that does genetic testing for health problems. This will not be cheap, but that genetic testing on the parents is worth it.

If it's not that big a deal, then go save a kitten from euthanasia. Animal shelters call spring "kitten season" because they receive more pregnant momma cats and unwanted litters of kittens in spring than any other time of year. You can adopt a well adjusted kitten from your local animal shelter right now.

[silken]

All of our multitude of cats over the past 35 years have come from the SPCA or were headed there if we didn't take them. We've never had to take one back but I think it might be a bit harder with a dog if there are behaviour issues. Some of our cats needed vet help for things such as a fractured leg, severely damaged tail and damage from being thrown from a moving car out onto a gravel road. It's sick what some people will do and I am so thankful we stumbled into those cats lives and got them the care they needed. They've all rewarded us with love and companionship and many, many laughs!

Some shelters have foster parents that keep the animals until they are determined to be adoptable and over any illnesses they might have. Any issues are noted so an adoptee family has a good idea what they are getting. My sister is a foster parent for cats and kittens.

[nikkik]

I wasn't at all trying to say not rescue animals. Simply that rescue doesn't fit all families all of the time for many reasons. One of those reasons is possible issues, which isn't a myth because my rescue dog has issues and so did several of my friends' dogs. I also agree with the fact that many shelter animals have NO issues.

I simply wanted to share a picture of my cats, that's it. The shelter issue with animals is a complex one where emotions run high. So I hope that this thread doesn't turn into a debate about shelters and rescue. And again, I would like to reiterate that rescue is fantastic and noble just make sure you do your research before adopting or buying any animal.

[silken]

Originally Posted by nikkik

I wasn't at all trying to say not rescue animals. Simply that rescue doesn't fit all families all of the time for many reasons. One of those reasons is possible issues, which isn't a myth because my rescue dog has issues and so did several of my friends' dogs. I also agree with the fact that many shelter animals have NO issues.

I simply wanted to share a picture of my cats, that's it. The shelter issue with animals is a complex one where emotions run high. So I hope that this thread doesn't turn into a debate about shelters and rescue. And again, I would like to reiterate that rescue is fantastic and noble just make sure you do your research before adopting or buying any animal.

Regardless of where people get their pets from, it is just nice to see them and hear of the happy life they lead in loving homes. Thanks for sharing, yours are gorgeous.

[RandomGemini]

And any decent animal shelter will guide people with children to dogs they have seen interact well with children though. You just have to ask the shelter staff for help.

There are shelters that are not decent. We have two here that are horrible and one that's good. Most of the dogs from the not decent shelters, wind up at the decent one because our local shelters transfer dogs around to each other to get them maximum exposure, so I just go there.

I have a dog now that most dog owners should not adopt. He was the only dog in their shelter with serious behavior issues. Even so, Jet's behavior issues have nothing to do with aggression. He's an adrenaline junkie that is addicted to barking and he has the doggie version of anxiety disorder. It takes the right sort of person to own a dog like that and you can tell a decent shelter from one that isn't so decent by whether they stop and ask you about your ownership history with dogs.

I agree, some dogs are not a good fit for some families. I imagine that Jet would not thrive with someone who needed quiet. A good shelter identifies those dogs quickly and guides inappropriate matches away from them.

[RandomGemini]

Originally Posted by nikkik

I wasn't at all trying to say not rescue animals. Simply that rescue doesn't fit all families all of the time for many reasons. One of those reasons is possible issues, which isn't a myth because my rescue dog has issues and so did several of my friends' dogs. I also agree with the fact that many shelter animals have NO issues.



I simply wanted to share a picture of my cats, that's it. The shelter issue with animals is a complex one where emotions run high. So I hope that this thread doesn't turn into a debate about shelters and rescue. And again, I would like to reiterate that rescue is fantastic and noble just make sure you do your research before adopting or buying any animal.

Oh goodness! I didn't mean to make you feel bad about sharing your picture of your cats! They're beautiful and you obviously love them and provide a wonderful home!

You are right, folks who rescue pets are very passionate about it. I am not one of those crazy people who believes that all pets should come from the shelter though. I have a hang up about adopting puppies from a shelter because I did once and the shelter did not make sure she was vaccinated before placing her with the adult population. She died at ten weeks old... So when I want a puppy, I go to a reputable breeder who does vaccinations and genetic testing and am on a waiting list for a puppy now.

I just wanted to dispel some of the myths about adopting shelter pets is all.

[RosieC]

Such gorgeous looking cats, I love the look of the long haired ones like that

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

And any decent animal shelter will guide people with children to dogs they have seen interact well with children though. You just have to ask the shelter staff for help.

There are shelters that are not decent. We have two here that are horrible and one that's good.

Exactly, if you are at a decent shelter you will get the required guidance and education, but if not you may end up with an animal that doesn't fit. If you're unlucky enough to be in an area that doesn't have great shelters some make the choice to purchase from (hopefully) a responsible breeder. Which was what I was trying to say in my previous post.

---------- Post added at 11:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 AM ----------

Originally Posted by silken

Regardless of where people get their pets from, it is just nice to see them and hear of the happy life they lead in loving homes. Thanks for sharing, yours are gorgeous.

Thank you! I agree with you 100%.

---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 AM ----------

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

Oh goodness! I didn't mean to make you feel bad about sharing your picture of your cats! They're beautiful and you obviously love them and provide a wonderful home!

You are right, folks who rescue pets are very passionate about it. I am not one of those crazy people who believes that all pets should come from the shelter though. I have a hang up about adopting puppies from a shelter because I did once and the shelter did not make sure she was vaccinated before placing her with the adult population. She died at ten weeks old... So when I want a puppy, I go to a reputable breeder who does vaccinations and genetic testing and am on a waiting list for a puppy now.

I just wanted to dispel some of the myths about adopting shelter pets is all.

Thank you! And I think it's a great thing you do. You should be applauded.

I am sorry to hear about your puppy and hope your next puppy is a much better experience. Post pictures when you get it.

---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------

Originally Posted by RosieC

Such gorgeous looking cats, I love the look of the long haired ones like that

Thanks so much, Rosie! I love long haired cats too, I just hate the tumble weeds of hair they leave around the house! Lol! With two dogs, two cats, two toddlers and a husband, I do A LOT of vacuuming!

[RandomGemini]

Thanks. I don't know if it's great. It's just what's right for me. I feel good about rescuing. I know I am giving my dogs a life they would not have without me. There's a lot of positivity in that.

My puppy won't even be born until this fall, but when he or she is, I will be sure to post pics! I hope you will post more pics of your kitties too. They look like troublemakers. I have a soft spot for troublemakers.