From when I was about 12 years ago, I have had dogs as pets at home. Barring some very unsettled years, we have always had a dog at home. There was also a brief period when I took in a grown up cat whose humans went back to their home overseas.
The cat experience was vastly different to the experiences that I have had with dogs and since that one time, I have not had the pleasure of being the human for a pet cat. I can tolerate them as pets of others, but for me, no thank you.
I have had many varieties of dogs as pets in my life and the most endearing relationship that I ever had was with a rescued doberman pinscher who came to us as a one year old lasted for many years with my parents. I was not around when Kaiser, that was his name died, but he continues to be a legend in my family. The least troublesome have been either crossbreeds or native Indian breeds and my current companion Chutki is a native Indian who is very much part of our household.
My son Ranjan and daughter in law Manjiree are both deeply involved in animal welfare activities in our town and Chutki came to us as a rescued pup with both her hind legs broken in a hit and run accident. Manjiree and Ranjan then nursed her back to health and since then she has been part of our family and how! I can simply not imagine our home without her.
Since two residents at home are so involved in animal welfare activities, it should not surprise you that our home often turns into a halfway home for rescued dogs and recently one cat as well. I don’t actively get involved in the caregiving activities, but I suppose that my benign presence helps.
A problem that usually arises when more than one person is involved in a house welcoming a pet is the naming of the pet. I have written about one such problem here and you may just find it hilarious enough to have a good laugh.
And that dear readers is my contribution to the weekly Friday LBC blog posts. I had suggested the topic for this week during a moment of particular weakness with two dogs at home and life being rather hectic. I hope that you will go over and read Lin and Shackman who are sure to write too.
oh my!
first to see little chutki again… that intelligent darling face.
and to think of how she came to you all… and the shape she was in.
her courage and your love and ranjan’s and manjiree’s brought her through!
they are remarkable creatures.
the link truly was funny.
poor don’t do! LOLOL
actually they ALL probably are used to answering to that …
they hear it enough throughout the day…
“DON’T DO THAT!!!”
Dondu was a class act! You should have seen Chutki when she saw me coming into the house this morning. What a welcome!
nice one …uncle
Thank you.
Your post was very enjoyable, Rummy. Your Chutki is a handsome fella. It’s easy to tell he is happy. I was never a cat person until the day I rescued Gabby. Anyone who meets her likes Gabby. She is friendly and just so nice. Hope you are doing okay.
blessings ~ maxi
Chutki is a beautiful gal! I would not mind keeping a cat again if that is what the children decide to do. It is just that I am more comfortable with dogs who are predictable.
Yes, dogs become part of the family. When our Westy died, we grieved for a long time and didn’t have the heart to replace him in our lives. But now we have rescue doggie Pearl living down the street with our son and his fiancee. Seems the best of all worlds–we visit Pearl whenever we want, conduct her daily walks if we choose, and often enjoy her company as a guest. But we don’t have ownership responsibilities.
That is a very satisfying arrangement indeed! I quite envy you.
Yes, dogs have developed an irresistible way of connecting with humans, and we all benefit. 🙂 I get my doggy fixes every day from blogs.
I know quite how happy you are when the dogs come over and also how much you enjoy reading the blog!
Chutki is very photogenic and love stories about her. I am missing a dog in my life but my yearly trips to Poland do not allow me to get a dog at the moment. I sometimes think that I should place an ad to do some dog walking or better still dog sitting.
That she is indeed. I wonder if she knows that she is! Both dog walking and dog sitting are good for the soul if you do not want the responsibility of full time parenting of a dog.
I have people in my life who are “over the moon” about pets, especially dogs! And whereas I like dogs, I’m not about to own one, although I did, when my children were small. I always felt it was important to give your children the experience of owning animals, and I know that’s when their life long love affairs with pets began!
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Yes, pets when children are young makes a great deal of difference when they are grown up and have to take on responsibility for other lives.
What a beautiful photo of the cute little Chutki. I smiled at your memories of your doberman. Torben remembers their collie in much the same way. Growing up I had gerbils. Very different than dogs or cats, although I loved them just the same.
Gerbils! You have just gone up a notch in my esteem.