BrainKing - Discussion boards (Animals)

Subject: Re: midlife crisis

Bernice: That's a real heart breaker.I bought health insurance for my two girls,vets are more expensive than doctors

8. August 2007, 01:39:00

Subject: Re: midlife crisis

Jim Dandy: Since a recent merger/acquisition, the company I work for began offering pet insurance as a payroll deduction option. At first, that sounded pretty cool! But unfortunately, the participating vets were quite a bit farther away from home than my regular clinics.

My just hate to travel in my , and aren't the least bit shy about letting me know it!

8. August 2007, 01:46:34

Subject: Re: midlife crisis

wetware: That's a shame,one of my girls is so bad about leaving home that I once hired a vet who did house calls.I abandoned that system after a year,but she still goes catatonic when travelling or at the vet and will sometimes let go from both ends when being removed from her kitty kab

8. August 2007, 20:14:16

~Patty~

Subject: Re:

Tuesday: you're most welcome!

14. August 2007, 14:24:48

Subject: Niki is home!!

Well,my new lil pup Niki came home Sunday and her and Damien are getting along very well...At first he thought she was a dustbunny with feet but now he sees that the lil dustbunny has teeth and likes to play tug and jump on him and crawl over him,lol....We are taking her today to get her weighted..she is very petite but a HUGH spitfire!!!

14. August 2007, 17:13:42

Ewe

Subject: Re: Niki is home!!

anastasia: aww I know how excited you were about getting your puppy, now she is eventually there! Glad to hear both dogs are getting on well together

15. August 2007, 20:51:49

Subject: Re: Niki is home!!

Tuesday: Yep..Niki is another sheperd..her and Damien are getting along very well..he snapped at her 2 times now...one was because those lil needle teeth REALLY got him..he just snapped,never made contact and then another was over food...He didn't snap,just gave a low growl (she had already eaten in her crate and then wanted HIS food too!!) I went over and gave the corection because I thought that he may be a bit to hard on her with that one.OTHER then that,lol..he plays tug all the time and lets her win alot actaully.He will lay down and let her climb on him and bite at his ears..He will roll her over and run away and she gets her lil self up and runs right after him..she is a hellcat,lol.DEFINATLY has her Mom's drive..she will make an AWESOME working dog when she gets on the field! I took her tracking for the first time yesterday..just a small 10 pace track,lol.She is really cool!! Als took her to the vet she is a very petite 10.7 pounds at 8 weeks of age...Damien was 10 pounds at 6 weeks,lol.They are both napping now that is why I jumped online for a minute,LOL!!

16. August 2007, 10:31:44

Bernice

Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Punkin

Hope you have the best DOGgone day :)

Lots of Love

17. August 2007, 02:06:50

Dolittle

Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Bernice: Hope the Bear had a great day!!

kisses and hugs to you Bear!!

20. August 2007, 19:14:30

Subject: Re: Niki is home!!

Tuesday: Sheperds in general are working dogs...they herd,protect,gaurd,etc,etc....Mine are being trained in Schutzhund..which is tracking,obidiance,and protection..alot like the police dog training.It is an awesome sport and we absolutly adore doing it..the bonding I have with Damien on the field is incredible!! He is going for his first title this Oct. his AD..it is a 12.5 mile endurance run in which he runs along side a bike I am riding...2 15 minute rests along the way.He will (the same weekend) go for his conformation title....then in Nov.I am going to try to get his Bh (which is a basic obidiance title all schutzhund dogs need in order to advance in compition) and possibly his watchdog or first tracking title on him!!

20. August 2007, 20:07:05

http://www.petsgetslim.co.uk/

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Subject: Interesting site

21. August 2007, 18:53:15

Rose

Subject: Re:

Tuesday: Is that the football guy you are talking about? I'd like to see the same thing done to him that he did to those poor dogs that lost their fights.

21. August 2007, 20:38:37

Subject: This column appeared in our local paper this past Saturday

It describes a recent incident that is big news here in town.I'll reserve comment on the writers commets.

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Coren_Michael/2007/08/18/4427091.php

22. August 2007, 02:35:53

Subject: Re:

Rose: I heard a story on the radio this weekend about the Atlanta Humane Society having received a number of Micheal Vick football jerseys as donations--to be used as animal bedding, or possibly for cleanup. A worker there mentioned one dog using a jersey as a pillow.

22. August 2007, 20:51:21

Ewe

Subject: Re: This column appeared in our local paper this past Saturday

Jim Dandy: people like that journalist make me physically

23. August 2007, 04:05:26

Subject: Re: This column appeared in our local paper this past Saturday

Jim Dandy: let us know how many people write into the paper to complain about that article,lol.....what a jerk he is.

23. August 2007, 21:05:48

Subject: The article

Modified by The Col (24. August 2007, 11:35:14)

My jaw hung open in amazement the whole time I read it.I thought he was being ignorant on purpose,I have my doubts.I read one letter to the editor regarding the article on Tuesday,let's just say they shared my opinion.

This is kinda cute

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnapzB-4tAk

23. August 2007, 21:20:20

Subject: Re: The article

Jim Dandy: Ummmmm, I've never had a cat for a pet (unless a pack of neighborhood strays that came to get fed, along with the birds and the squirrels, count) but I've had a few doggies in my lifetime, and throwing them in a pool seems kind of cruel

Even my present doggie, who's not too fond of water, will go swimming in creeks, lakes, and the ocean with me.....but it's always been her choice.....what does that do for a cat's "well-being"? I think it's abusive

23. August 2007, 21:50:31

Subject: Re: The article

srnity: I have two girls that I treat like royalty.It was taken from a comedy done in the 70's,they probably weren't too fond of the water,but I'm sure they were fine

23. August 2007, 22:16:39

Subject: Re: The article

Jim Dandy: By "girls" I'm guessing here that you mean cats, not children? I think what people like anastasia do with their animals is amazing - to be able to train an animal humanely and lovingly to learn SO much (and I know that dogs love to be useful, and admired for it). But to randomly throw an unwilling animal into a scary situation to fend for themselves? A person wouldn't (shouldn't) do that to their child, why would anyone do that to an animal? I see it as abuse ...

23. August 2007, 22:20:33

Rose

Subject: Re: The article

srnity: I had to turn the you tube video off. I found it very disturbing. (had no sound on so no idea if the speaking part was cute) You could see the visible fear in the cats as they tried to swim back. Not cute in my books.

23. August 2007, 22:25:25

Subject: Re: The article

Rose: I didn't watch it either......the guy that did that to those cats should come back as a "mistreated" cat in his next life and see how it feels to be terrorized like that

23. August 2007, 22:59:10

Subject: Re: The article

srnity: Yes,they are cats,and we don't even bathe them,though they do love playing in the tub.For about the last 40 years or so strict regulations have been in place in regards to the treatment of animals in film.Horses for instance are no longer allowed to be tripped by wires in westerns.The clip I posted was done by the cast of Saturday Night Live, a film called Mr. Mike's Mondo Video. I can assure you that the cats tossed in the water were cats that have no major issues with water or swimming.Pretty much the entire cast of SNL were in the film.

23. August 2007, 23:15:01

Subject: Re: The article

Jim Dandy: Totally sucks that SNL didn't have a problem doing that to animals - cats are creatures that feel pain, angst, terror, etc. just like we do. I spent a couple years volunteering at a city SPCA, and most every animal - be it dog, cat, bird, ferret, snake, rat - were not there because they were dearly loved and well-treated. The only pets I've ever (and will ever have) had were from shelters because of what those poor things probably went thru at the hands of humankind. I just don't think a higher power put them on this earth for our amusement &/or entertainment

23. August 2007, 23:27:39

Subject: Re: The article

srnity: You're preaching to the choir,and I mean that with respect.Animals used in films are hired from companies that are very diligent in their treatment.They get the utmost care and inspectors are on the set at all times.I can understand how on first blush it may invoke a feeling of "poor little kitty",but have no doubts they were fine.

23. August 2007, 23:36:41

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

Jim Dandy: With all due respect.........you don't KNOW that.........it wasn't you, in the body of a small animal, that was thrown into a huge body of water.........it was (and always will be) abuse, just because the cat can't tell you it's scared, worried, frightened, or terrorized, doesn't make it so....try to do that with a dog, you'll only do it once, the second time, they'll bite you, guaranteed - my dog would, without a doubt, and you'd deserve to get bit

24. August 2007, 00:04:10

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

srnity: I respect your opinion.I may have had a differant experience than you.I had a dog who couldn't wait to get in the water,and I know of cats who love water too.With the tight regulations in filming and the inspectors on site I would think the company hired to provide the cats would choose cats that like water.If they didn't,their name would be toast in the movie industry.

24. August 2007, 00:12:15

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

Jim Dandy: One question - did those cats that they were tossing into a swimming pool have claws? Doubt it. Like I said, try doing that to a dog and see what happens - right is right, and wrong is wrong

24. August 2007, 00:19:00

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

Jim Dandy: I had a dog for over twenty years who LOVED water, he even went out past the breakers in the ocean with me (WAY too deep to stand) but NEVER, EVER, was he picked up and thrown into any body of water, I respected him more than that - you really don't seem to think that a small, defenseless cat has the right to feel safe in it's surroundings - sorry, but I don't "get" pet-owners like you.....

24. August 2007, 03:20:13

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

srnity: I had decide to finish reading the posts and then go back and watch the video BUT after reading the posts of those of you who DID watch..I feel no need to go back and click the link.Throwing any animal into a situation is cruel...If the cats had gone in on their own then that is different.

When Damien was going through his fear stage,for some reason a HUGH fear were manhole covers (I dunno either,lol) but I never FORCED him to go next to them.He got over it tho,thankfully,lol...point is that I didn't FORCE him to do something like I am guessing the cats were forced into the water.Thats just stupid.

I do train humanly...ONLY positive reinforcment for my animals..if they are having a bad day then off the field we go so I don't get upset..I need and WANT everything to stay fun for my animals....They absolutly LOVE to please me on the field and the way I feel about them,the bonding I have with them I cannot put into words...Thank you Srnity for your kind words :)

24. August 2007, 03:36:22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U0dSxVCiKc

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Subject: Now This Is A Cat Who Made A Choice To Swim :)

24. August 2007, 03:40:00

Subject: Bathtub Hockey

I'm one who'd never fling my cats into water. I haven't viewed the video, but what I've heard reminds me of one of my cats (Comet) from decades ago. Her name came from her habit of ranging unseen in far corners of the apartment, then every so often racing past wherever I was, only to disappear once again. She made me think of a comet's trajectory, and their occasional speeding passes near our Sun.

One of our play habits was sliding a plastic button around inside the bathtub, where it would follow nice curvilinear paths around the banked sides. She enjoyed it so much that sometimes when she saw me headed that way she'd race to the bathroom and leap right in, anticipating another wonderful play session. Once--only once--she leaped into the tub to find that I'd drawn a bath about 15 minutes earlier...

24. August 2007, 03:53:59

Subject: Re: They absolutly LOVE to please me on the field and the way I feel about them,the bonding I have with them I cannot put into words

anastasia: As much as the "average homebuddy" dog loves to please a human being, I can just imagine how much a dog that's being put through actual "training" must want to make you proud. I think it's a great life to give a dog, it gives them purpose and accomplishment. I had a neighbor once who was an undercover narcotics cop with a canine partner. No one (and I do mean no one) could go near his beautiful dog, but the way he trusted that man was an amazing thing to see. I used to tell my neighbor that nothing ever better happen to him, or that dog would be heartbroken, and I believe it would've been. Go You for having the patience, perseverance, and understanding to get Damien to trust you SO much that he would follow you blindly

It took me three months just to get mine to come swim with me, this summer I've been trying to get her in a canoe, but I think she somehow knows that the water that far out there is way too deep for her liking

24. August 2007, 04:04:40

Subject: Re: Bathtub Hockey

wetware: I had a ferret (a lot like a cat, but more attention-hungry, like a dog) who used to play in the tub (or sink, or a bucket) with a little bit of water, and occasionally walk right into the shower with you, but never, ever did he want to be submerged, and he never was, we'd just soap him up in the shower (keeping his head dry, and hold him close to rinse him off). I guess I always thought that's how a cat would like to be bathed, if they had to be.

24. August 2007, 05:21:51

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070818/capt.a70e3a5e03a144e0b0b71f9fe12647ee.surf_dog_contest_cadp106.jpg?x=262&y=345&sig=Ot01Jni.R4_KJ3yMBnUBVw--

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Subject: I Wish I Could Get My Dog To Do This With Me :)

24. August 2007, 05:29:47

Subject: Re: Bathtub Hockey

srnity: I like seeing the ferrets at local stores.

Tomorrow, there will be an experiment in wetware manor: all cats will be given the option to join me in the shower. I'm guessing: there will be no takers. But these girls aren't done surprising me, so who knows what may happen? A couple of them are usually waiting for me to emerge afterward, one of them does most of her day's vocalizing at that moment--I have no idea why. Maybe she's wanted to join me all along, and I just never realized it. Or maybe she's telling me how brave I am to voluntarily battle the spraying water-beast...

24. August 2007, 05:42:04

Subject: Re: but have no doubts they were fine.

srnity: Saying that you don't "get" pet wners like me is dissapointing.I'm sorry you feel that way without knowing my involvement with both my two girls and stray animals at large.I personally did not throw the cats into the water,my only comment was that I was comfortable that it was done under the strictest supervision and only cats that had been trained by trainers used for film work were tossed.In hindsight it was probably not a wise idea to post the video,but if you would like me to give you both the website I have for the adoption of pets or info on the time and money I donate to the love of animals I will gladly do so.

24. August 2007, 05:59:02

Subject: Re: all cats will be given the option to join me in the shower

wetware: LMBO - I should say that my one bathroom has an actual "walk-in" shower, so other than slinking his roly-poly-fat-self over the lip at the bottom, he was home-free (he was in a shelter for over two years & boy did he fatten himself up when we bought him home with us). First thing in the morn, when I went to brush my teeth, he'd climb his old-as-dirt-big-self up into the sink and lay there belly-up to get petted. But he would shower with you, ferrets (even fixed) get stinky after a couple weeks, and I think the "bath" thing, even holding onto him in the sink, scared the heck outta him. Also, we kept his nails cut short - have fun with those claws (ha-ha)

24. August 2007, 06:17:13

Subject: Re: cats that had been trained by trainers used for film work were tossed

Jim Dandy: Sorry, but that statement in itself says it all....."Cats" (or ANY animal) should never, ever be "tossed", anywhere, at any time.....You could cause an animal to have heart failure doing that, nevermind damaging them psychologically.....there's a "trust" that an animal should be able to have in a human, I've been with my present shelter-dog for over three years and she STILL doesn't trust me.....probably because of what another human has already done to her in the past.....it just worries me that you (or anybody else that has a pet) would find that funny - I don't "get" it, I truly don't, I think it's abuse

In my mind, if you wouldn't do whatever to a child, then you shouldn't do whatever to an animal, pets are like small children that never grow up & except for some teeth and some claws, they are defenseless against whatever a human wants to do to them...I wonder if any of those cats used for "entertainment" in that video were forever damaged because of "tossing" them - I don't see a "pet" as my child, I see a "pet" as a beautiful animal entrusted to my care & if I don't have it in me to do right by them, then maybe I shouldn't call them "mine". But, just like my kids, money has nothing to do with it, it's all about them knowing that they can always trust me to do right by them

24. August 2007, 06:25:38

Subject: Re: cats that had been trained by trainers used for film work were tossed

srnity: I have no interest in an argument,I made my point.I can do so without putting into question your or anyone elses commitment or love of their animals, good night

24. August 2007, 06:34:46

Subject: Re: cats that had been trained by trainers used for film work were tossed

Jim Dandy: Your obviously feeling insulted. The SPCA that I volunteered at put down over 40,000 animals a year at the time that I was there, so I saw a whole lot of abused/neglected/and just not properly cared-for animals, I guess that makes me a bit jaded, but I don't think it necessarily makes me wrong. I apologize, your entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine.

24. August 2007, 06:46:07