[astrianna]

I was reading away, typing a bit, and generally getting up to date on the goings on here when Tasha (my shep/collie cross) and Cleo (my SO's shep/husky cross) both raced into the room, jumped up on either arm of my chair and gave me kisses, along with a reminder that rope toys and leashes are far better than keyboards and monitors. It occured to me that I would be completely incapable of living a satisfying, contented life without a dog.
Thought I'd share the insight.
Are animals woven into the fabric of your existence? Or are you one of those who can survive on purely homo sapien interactions?

[Erebus]

What can I tell you? My dog is the second most important person in my life, after my wife, of course! :)

EDIT: Oh, and if anyone cares to give him a pat, you can do so HERE (http://www.wn.com.au/clubclad/jester.htm).

[EnderW]

And I'm just above the socks. =( But yes, I too am a animalarian! (Have no idea how to spell that)

[Zsinj16]

Well, I have a German Shephard/Australian Shephard/Collie mix dog named Mike. He's a very kind dog, but when any strangers come to my house he's very defensive of me, so he acts like he's going to bite their heads off!! Then he calms down and is more friendly once he knows the stranger is friendly.
I also have a Siamese cat named Rajah, but I won't talk about him because I know some people on this board have a fear/paranoia of cats! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Zsinj16 (edited February 10, 2002).]

[astrianna]

Zsinj16, an Australian Shepherd is the only dog I would ever consider getting purebred (once an SPCA volunteer, always an SPCA devotee) I just love them. A blue eyed, blue merle, small female.
When I fell in love with Tasha it was like being hit by lightening. My whole perception of the world shifted. Tilted. It's hard to describe the way I was affected by dogs, but I think my soul found the collective canine soul and bound itself.
I'll try to find pictures to scan later this afternoon.

[Sammie]

Ummmmmmm......

*raises cautious hand*

cat person?

[Rob B]

I've been around dogs most of my life. First dog was a gentle German Shepherd/Black Lab mix, at 80 pounds, he often thought he was a lap dog.

Second dog is your basic mutt/junkyard dog--My parents picked him up from a great organization in the area called People for Animals. We think he is half pit bull-half german pinscher. Strongest thing (person or animal) I've ever known.

My wife, before we got married, had a golden retreiver/yellow lab mix. Nice dog, but not the brightest. I went with her to pick it up, too.

Sadly, since I've been married both my wife and I have been dogless, long work hours and long commutes for both of us (we both average 10-11 hours away from home per day) just wouldn't be fair to the dog to leave him/her alone that long.

[Cygnus]

Great topic Astrianna! We all love to talk about our pets as much as our kids (well.. I guess those that have kids anyway).

Though this is a topic for canines I have to throw my support out to Sam because I too am a cat person. They are my lap warmers. When they see me curl up with a book they know that I'll not be moving for a long time, so they just make themselves comfortable.

I've owned some magnificent dogs in the past but now I only have two cats. After my yellow lab died two years ago I haven't even been able to think about owning another dog. I grew up with him and losing him hurt as much as losing a brother. I'll have to get another dog someday though.. my life just isn't complete without one.

[AuntiePam]

Erebus -- your dog and I share the same birthday. Neat-oh.

I'm a cat person -- hubby's a dog person. It works out pretty well. Our Boomer is a stray -- Lab mix -- came to us three years ago, fully trained.

His only "fault" is that he's afraid of loud noises -- thunder, firecrackers, gunfire. We've wondered if he didn't work out as a hunting companion because of that and someone dumped him. We advertised all over the place when we found him, but no one came forward.

But he's a peach -- loves to climb up on hubby's lap. He also likes to lick toes.

[astrianna]

Oh, you cat people. I like cats too! Of course you can gush. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif
Tasha was severly mistreated by at least one of her previous owners, and she's got some quirks to show for it. Loud noises, startling movements, raised voices, all make her run for cover. Also she was never socialized, which means I don't get to play with other dogs when I'm walking her lest she get scared, threaten them and then get beaten up. (She's beautiful, but she's got three scars on her face from fighting. She'll threaten the other dog, then back off, but the other dog's angry, and bites her. Happens every. single. time.)