I've noticed pictures popping up, here and there, of some of our members' beloved companions and I thought this idea might deserve a thread of it's own.
To start things off, here's Lucy, my 5 yr. old chihuahua and Mao, my 18 yr. old cat.
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/zapphnath/StinkNPoopsmall.jpg)
When we first got Lucy, she could, literally, curl up in the palm of my hand. Now she's about a foot long and around 8 inches tall, at the shoulders. She's a spitfire, though - barks and growls at EVERYTHING!
Mao has always been an inside cat. She's allowed outside, when it's warm but she never ventures far beyond the porch. Once, she went into the neighbor's yard and was chased around their pool a couple of times by their Doberman - she's no longer interested in anything that goes on beyond the fence. :) She sleeps a lot more, now, but she still likes to play and runs around, up and down the stairs, just for... just to... well, who knows why. I don't think we're meant to ever really understand cats.
Hi Z
I'd need the entire web site to display my 12 individually. Here's the wallpaper on my computer at work with a few of them. I'll try to find a shot of the others and do another composite.
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/glennab-fla/CatsComposite2007.jpg)
They're (starting with the large photo, going clockwise) Sniffles (21 pounds of love bunny), (Top right) Scooter (22 pounds of attitude) and Aaron Neville (talks constantly and sings - hence the name); (Middle right) Aurora, her brother Hunter who died of a heart attack a couple of years ago, and Sniffles; (Bottom right) the love birds, Sniffles and Sara (my miracle cat who survived antifreeze poisoning. Sniffles has become her protector and best friend. They groom each other, eat together, walk down the hall with tails entwined and are often seen spooning as they are in this photo. Too precious!). Sara is Aurora and Hunter's mother and Scooter's grandmother. They're all rescues, and I adore them!
And you're right, there's no understanding cats. When Sniffles' mother was pregnant with him and his siblings, she was a feral stray. After she had the kittens, we tried to find them so we could socialize them and get them adopted. She would lead us all over the neighborhood to keep us away from the babies. We never figured out where she had them hidden. When the babies were old enough to be weaned, she brought them all to my door and left them -- and we never saw her again. (My theory is that she took off because she found a sugar daddy to put her through college, and she knew I'd take care of the kids!) The babies were, of course, feral. One died from the stress of being abandoned. The other 3 were socialized and adopted, but Sniffles was returned to me because (supposedly) he bit everyone who came near him and attacked the guy who adopted him. I don't get it, because he is the dearest, most loving cat you can imagine. Loves being loved, and is always cuddled up to either me or one or more of the other cats. Go figure. Maybe he just wanted to be HOME.
Lucy certainly is a mighty mite! What a tiny little pooch!
Mao reminds me of Panther, whom I lost many years ago to old age. One day (and ONLY once) a huge rottweiler came into our yard and she jumped on him, dug in her claws and rode him out of the yard. Once he was off our property, she calmly jumped off his back and paraded back to us. She was the QUEEN!
Bless all our wonderful critters! I can't imagine being without companion animals.
GG
Here are my pets.
Bits, a stray I took in a few years ago.
(http://i.pbase.com/o6/93/579993/1/76296898.WSKr1tkp.pbasebits.jpg)
Pearl, adopted last summer, an Australian Shepherd.
(http://i.pbase.com/o6/93/579993/1/76296900.5TJz0Ijh.pbasepearl.jpg)
And Hannah, the QUEEN, a Blue Tick Coonhound. Also my avatar.
(http://i.pbase.com/o6/93/579993/1/76296899.vEdCf8ST.pbasehannah.jpg)
Kiska, I can only see Pearl and Hannah, the Queen. And does she ever look like one. Obviously she RULES! Adore the pose. She reminds me of a greyhound. (A regal one, of course!)
And Pearl has a face I'd love to just smooch all over. I've heard Australian shepherds are extremely intelligent. True? She's beautiful.
But where's Bits?
All I can say is you're blessed to have a crew like that to take care of you. I bet they keep you busy! But not lonely. Doesn't get any better than that.
Best to you always,
Glenna
This is a picture of our new bundle of joy! He's a seal point Siamese, and we got him from a family who was giving him away! They had gotten him as a kitten for breeding purposes, but it didn't work out, so they had him neutered and ran an ad in the paper. I guess the cat Gods were watching over me, because I almost NEVER look in the paper under the free stuff column! His name is Blackfoot, as he was born in Blackfoot, Idaho. He's very affectionate and purrs louder than any cat I've know. He's also very playful. We just picked him up on Saturday, so he's still adjusting to the new surroundings, and we are keeping him separated from Winchester for now.
Christine
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n140/cmpentecost/Cats007.jpg)
Chris, he's gorgeous! I'd love to just bury my face in his fur. I knew the right guy was out there waiting for you! And oh, those eyes!
Congrats on the addition to the family.
Glenna
Nice one Chris, he looks a beauty and seems to be settling in quite comfortably.
Max
Purty kitty!
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c5/tassie_devil/Ladytable.jpg)
This is my little girl 'Lady'. She is a border collie cross and will be 18 in October this year. As you can tell, she thinks she's a human and loves to sit up at the table. (http://209.85.48.9/867/137/emo/D2.gif)
Hi Tassie
I'm glad you added your precious senior citizen to the pet gallery. She's adorable. I'd love to smooch that face!
I've heard that Border Collies are exceptionally smart dogs. Is that true?
Glenna
Most definitely true. This girl knows exactly how to get her own way especially at dinner time.
Tess
Ok, so this isn't a "pet" but the fawns are used to us, and seem pretty tame. This is one of a set of twins that wander through our yard daily. He's a little cutie, huh?!
Christine
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n140/cmpentecost/Fawn.jpg)
OMG that is so cute...the only thing I get to see around here are kangaroos!!
Sanbie
I'd love to see a kangaroo!!
Christine
I'm envious, Chris! To see a fawn in one's yard. That's awesome. And Sanbie -- a kangaroo -- I'm with Chris on that one. I'd love to meet a live 'roo. We once had racoons, possums and beautiful black racer snakes, but now that they've paved paradise the most exotic creatures we see are the big birds (great blue herons, egrets and sometimes wood storks) in the pond across the street. Even though we have a gator warning at the pond, I think it's a nearly 40-year-old joke, because I've yet to see one in our vicinity.
Glenna
What a beautiful little creature Christine, it it always so great to see animals in their natural state and feeling safe enough to grace our yards.
Though I think that Kangaroos are so commonplace around here you tend to almost overlook them, but for the Roo deprived here is one, well two, note the extra legs, under our clothesline.
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6145/rootwoef4.jpg)
Max
Max, I absolutely LOVE that face! Looks like a mighty large baby Mama's carrying. Quite a set of legs hanging out. Great shot! And I DO feel 'roo-deprived! Trade you a 'gator for a 'roo!
Glenna
Wow you got a great shot there Max!!
Sanbie
That is a great shot Max. I'd say thats one joey who won't be getting in the pouch much longer. :)
The fawn is gorgeous Christine. My daughter immediately called it Bambi and hubby said dinner. (http://www.smileypad.com/v221/Feelings/Doh3.gif)
Lol :funny: Awww poor Bambi!! Have you tried kangaroo meat Tess? They reckon it's beautiful nice and lean no fat and yummy is what I was told!!
Sanbie
I haven't but hubby and brother in law eat quite a bit of it. I know when it's cooking there is no fat coming out like ordinary meat. I just can't bring myself to eat Skippy lol.
Nah that doesn't worry me...My rallies were farmers and we used to have what we called pet lambs and cattle ...then one day they would be gone...and they tasted beautiful...I used to thank them for giving their lives to feed me...Everyone used to laugh at me!!
Sanbie
I grew up on a small farm where we raised a few beef cattle. I'd name the ones we were raising for our own table "Fred". They were all named Fred, and I have no idea why.....so it was always "what's for dinner? Fred!"
Christine
Quote"what's for dinner? Fred!"
EEEEUUUUUWWWWW!!!!!!!!
It's weird what you get used to isn't it? I don't think anything of it...yet so many go yuk!!
Sanbie
Okay, guys
Let's start another thread about the animal friends that we EAT, please. How did we get from glowing descriptions of our beloved companion animals to eating "Fred??" Jeez, Chris! And 'roos. Blechhhhhh!
Sanbie, I appreciate your thanking animals for giving their lives so we can have food (I wouldn't have laughed at you. I take plenty of flack for rescuing animals and being a "tree-hugger." My nephew usually adds the F-word to that description). Honoring animals used for food and shelter is an ancient native American tradition that I think has a lot of merit! We shouldn't take them for granted or be indifferent.
But we've digressed! I want to see more photos of our precious, pain-in-the-tush furry companions. Haven't seen anything from the newbies yet. If none of you has a companion animal, my heart goes out to you. You're missing so much pain and agony and mess -- and love and laughter and special friendship!
As in my moose cat sleeping in his toy box!
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/glennab-fla/Snifintoybox.jpg)
Glenna
Ok, ok...no more Fred stories! And for the deer, even if they do eat all of my geranium blossoms, I still love them.....I think!
My two kitties are doing great, and have become best of friends now after 3 months of testing each other.
Chris
Sorry, I have no pets right now. My wife and I do have a child coming in 8 weeks! Yikes! Does that count? :D
Congratulations Phischer! You'll have to keep us posted when your new bundle of joy arrives!
Christine
Congratulations phischer, hope everything goes well.
Phisher -- does that count? Yikes! Are you kidding. That's absolutely wonderful. We'll have to start a new thread just for the beautiful new babies of OPR. (or old babies, or grandbabies – whatever babies we happen to be mad about!) Congratulations! What an exciting time. Is this your first child?
Glenna
we'll have to see if we can whip up an OPR bib. ;)
Oh wow how exciting a new life...It's funny you know you get to my age and you love the new little ones..and I think that's mainly because we can love and spoil them...Then hand them back!!
Congrats and look forward to seeing the photo's when the little one arrives!
Sanbie
Sanbie -- I don't know how old you are, but I'm 61 and have 7 grandkids. After my son was grown and my stepdaughters moved out I didn't have much interest in kids. Whoa! Then the grandbabies started coming, and I just went bananas over every little kid I saw. Still do. Some sort of "grandparent" syndrome, I'd wager. I once again adore little ones. They make life seem so fresh and new and wonderful. I just spent the weekend with our 16-year-old granddaughter, and she always perks me up. All that young energy. Love it.
Glenna
Quote from: John on July 24, 2007, 07:26:25 PM
we'll have to see if we can whip up an OPR bib. ;)
Here we go, complete with ragged edges, missing bits, in need of a restoration. :funny:
(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3163/bibck0.jpg)
Glenna you have beaten me by 2 years!!
I must admit I think new born to the age of say 3 are the cutest...then about 9 ...I have older grandkids but I can never keep up with the talk!! I am forever asking my grand daughter to repeat what she just said into english!
Tess that bib is awesome..Awww could you see it on a baby...Awww
Sanbie
Hahaha Tassie, that's excellent... :up:
As for pets of OPR, I don't have any at the moment.... We lost our 2 dogs basically to old age over the
last 2 years and have been holding off for a bit before acquiring any new ones... But, we've had a ton of
racoons around here causing a fair bit of damage to Bren's water garden almost nightly... So, we've
resorted to live trapping and relocating the pesky critters... Last night, 2 young ones entered the cage
together... Here's their photo...
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/Pcraft_photos/racoons.jpg)
And here they are in their relocated area, scurrying off...
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h293/Pcraft_photos/Racoonsgetaway.jpg)
Awww aren't they cute!! I can say that because we don't have them over here!! Bet they will remember where the garden is!
Sanbie
lol they certainly are cute, though not when they're wrecking your garden. I love the masks on them, makes them look like bandits. :)
Thanks for all the kind words...I'll be sure to post some pics when my son is born. And yes this is our first child and my Mom's first grandchild. I expect my Mom to come down with that "grandma" syndrome. ;D
Robert, the photos of the raccoons are precious. They ARE rapscallions, though. We learned our lesson camping at Ft. DeSoto, when my son & I first started spending weekends there. I left my car windows open while we went for a walk, and we had to go grocery shopping when we got back, because all the food had either been eaten or picked over. They even knew how to open the coolers -- the "locking" ones.
One of the funniest things that we've experienced with raccoons was on a camping trip to Myakka State Park, south of the Skyway. A crowd of us had gotten together to cook our meal at the campground, and we sat around gabbing with our tummies full and our bodies totally wrecked from a day of hiking and biking. All of a sudden one of the storage containers disappeared off the end of the table and up a nearby tree. A few minutes later a quite empty container AND lid hit the table. Stinkers! It was good for a laugh, and the story is still making the rounds.
Tess, they look like bandits, and bandits they are!
Phisher, knowing this is your first child and your Mom's first grandbaby is even more exciting! And I guarantee she'll have the "grandma" syndrome. I love the t-shirt that says "If I'd known how much fun grandchildren were, I'd have had them first!" You're in for a wonderful ride! Enjoy every minute of it.
Glenna