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 Which Animal Is Best For a Pet?
Do you have a Dog, Cat, something else, both? What characteristics make for a good pet. Some think Dogs make better companions but are too much work, others say Cats are more affectionate but selfish...What do you think?
 29 Jun 2007 12:15
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 “COW PATTY”
This is the TRUE story of the very best friend, working companion, and totally loyal friend a working Cowboy could ever have. And her name was “Cow Patty”! She was half Blue Australian Shepard and Blue Healer crossed, both of these breeds LOVE to work cattle and it’s in their blood to do so, and are the happiest when doing it! To own one of these animals and not allow them to work is a sin!
Ok! You guessed it I am a real “Old Time Cowboy”, and don’t think much of the movies versions of me, either! For 90% of us are laid back, easy going, love nature, love being alone, and a little high-strung in town. For we feel most of you city people don’t have a clue. And you would rather kiss a Rattle Snake in the mouth than slap me!
Cow Patty helped me run the former FBI, States Attorney (12 years), Sheriff, and Florida Senator Quillan Yancey, one of US Senator Lawton Chiles best and trusted friends. This all takes place in the area of Lakeland, Florida, and before Disney World, Florida was the top cattle state.
My family has been here since 1817.
Now about Cow Patty. She was the runt and I had pick of the litter. She had short hair and pointed ears, and almost died twice, but after being the last of the pecking order she love the special attention. I taught to ride on the top of my toolbox, and to only get down when told. She was taught not to leave little presents on my truck too! She went everywhere with me from the first moment too.
Later she would run beside the horse, “Skeeter”, and I, and if she got tired she would jump up and nip at my heel. Then I would put my hand down, and without stopping the horse, she would jump up and bend her neck back into my hand. Then I would pull her up and she would lie in my lap across the saddle, and we would go out to the cattle. Then on command she would go to work!
From daylight to dark for years, and sometimes we would go Bull roping for money.
Two better friends no man could ever have.
When she died I, 6’2” and mean as a snake cried!
There will never be another Cow Patty, not a dog a BEST FRIEND!
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  29 Jun 2007 19:26
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 Just get yourself a dog. Hopefully you can adopt a dog that really needs a home, In that case you will both be blessed to have one another. Good luck.
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  30 Jun 2007 14:23
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 If you are doubtful---get a dog. They are submissive and affectionate (usually)

A cat is an individual who respects him(her)self and expects you to do the same. ...so it probably won't 'do tricks' or silly games. Although they love to chase a 'sticky' ball of wool.

I love them both, and if you're smart you can get one of each, when young, and they'll bond. I grew up with a dog, but for 40 years have had 1, 2 or 3 cats at a time (they play together.)

by   thebee   02 Jul 2007 15:14    
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 i think that cats are really good pets to have. I am a proud owner of three cats, they are really good animals to have around. I have had all of my cats ever since they were kittens, they get to know and trust you better that way. So if you are going to take my advice, get a kitten so you can build a long lasting companionship with it.
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  29 Jun 2007 15:13
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 I have to say Im totally torn between cats and dogs. I have a cat currently but loved my Dog to bits. Theres no doubt that pets become like family members. Getting them from young means that you can really mould their character.
by   Nad   29 Jun 2007 15:16    
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 Rats are great. We have two females, and they are very friendly and great with the children. They do tend to chew things, though, so keep an eye on them if you let them run about the house.
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  29 Jun 2007 19:17
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 I like turtles! Turtles can be a very good pet as they are quiet and easy going. And more important, they live longer so you would not see them die!
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by   awawa
  29 Jun 2007 12:49
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 You are right! I have 3 turtles, they are really nice pets, very easy to take care of, especially in the winter! They sleep all the time!
by   Shujing   29 Jun 2007 14:48    
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 I must say I am suprised that no one has mentioned a pig! I had a pig for well over a year. I found my pig to be a wonderful companion. He (Hamlet) was incredibly smart like a dog and was litter trained like a cat. I lived in a townhouse/rowhome and the neighbors didn't mind the lines of children that would form at my back fence to watch the pig.
The worst part of having a pig, I know this sounds dumb but, it is a pig and therefore has all the bad habits you would associate with a pig: eats loudly with his mouth open, eats any and everything, are as happy in a clean place as they are in a pig-sty ect.
As I said though, the pig is exceptionally bright and can be trained to do tricks. They are as clean as you can keep them. Others are facinated by them and the novelty of a pig draws people to you.
The biggest drawback to a pig is that some dealers will pass off common farm animals as "pot bellied" pigs. A typical farm pig can grow to a couple hundred pounds whereas a Viet Namese pot bellied pig stays considerably smaller.
That was Hamlet's downfall; the unscrupulous dealer convinced my wife that the pig would stay small. When he grew to about eighty pounds we had to let him go back to the farm.
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  01 Jul 2007 16:04
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 A friend of mine has a pet pig and I agree with you, they are great companions it seems. Glad to see someone else has experienced the 'pet pig experience'.
by   Stephen   07 Aug 2007 12:23    
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 I have had both, a dog and cats.... Dogs (if you have the time) are the BEST. They do require work, walking each morning and night. They must be groomed more often, BUT they are WONDERFUL.

Cats, depending on their attitude are less work but I think both, cats and dogs are very affectionate..... I had 3 cats at once, 2 (male) were great, the 3rd one (female) was TEMPERMENTAL.

I have shared living arrangements with a bird owner, they are noisy.....and MESSY...

I now am going to go with a fish tank, a small one to see.

GOOD LUCK.......LJP
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  29 Jun 2007 20:38
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 i have fish cleaning thir tank is messy and stinky, you get that fishy smell on your hands and its hard to get it off
by   lmaxwell   30 Jun 2007 23:51    
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 I am more partial to cats. I have 3, and they are all unique in their own way. They can be affectionate, and selfish and then in a blink be playful. They are very loyal and adapt to almost any situation. I have recently moved out of state and then back again to my original location, and they did fine. They stay in side, they do not stray the neighborhood for their own health and safety. They are very clean, they use their litter box faithfully, and have no fleas so this is a plus if you have children. My favorite one is my big white fluffy male samed Simon. He is my confidant and no matter what has gone on with my day, good or bad, he comes and just wants a few minutes of my time, and I forget all about the bad things in my day. I can tell him my troubles and know my secret is safe. They are forgiving of all your faults and ask for very little in return. I will confess, I spoil my cats, and they are treated very well. They are fed well, have free run of the house, and are healthy and happy, I think? They don't talk much, but they do purr alot. I had a cat a few years back that became very ill and I made the choice to have him put down, and that was a very very difficult thing to do. I was there with him at the time he passed, and I still feel the loss in my heart.

He was the perfect house pet in every way, and I had a very special bond with him. I miss him dearly.

I have owned dogs also, but they are a bit more free spirited, and some times are not as affectionate as cats.

My daughter has a full grown Rottie, he is the absolute best for a guard dog, and is exceptional with my grandkids (all under the age of 3). He is passive, loving, and overall lazy, but when its time to defend, he is on the front line ready to defend. He is an older dog, and came from a rescue, but you could never tell of his bad past.

I am just a bit more partial to cats, but each has their own good points. Just think of your lifestyle, cats do better with more alone time than dogs, and a bit less destructive. Good luck.
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by   dja6378
  04 Jul 2007 04:29
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 Chicken,parrots,peagons,cats,dogs,hourses,cows,dounkeys,monkeys,f... are the best one ok....so chooses any one which are compatible with your nature.
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by   mani92
  03 Jul 2007 13:14
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 It all depends on the person, what they have a taste for. Cats can be selfish so can dogs. Depending on the breed of dog, depends on how affectionate. The way a pet act and interacts around others depends on who they were exposed to when they were young as well as how the owner treats them. I have 2 cats, 3 dogs, and a bird. Now birds are more easier to take care of than turtles. Trust me on that. I had a turtle and you have to change the water like twice a day or so because it uses the bathroom in the water, which develops a bad oder if not properly taken care of. But like i said early, if all depends on what the person has a taste for and wht the person is looking for in a pet. If you are looking for a companship, I would suggest either a puppy or kitten.
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