Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Dogs or Cats?


I've always had pets for as long as I can remember. When I was a child we had dogs, cats, chickens, and ponies. Animals were an integral part of my life and I couldn't image not having dogs and cats around the house.

Since I've been married we've always had cats and dogs along with gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs for the kids. (Which I ended up caring for, of course!)

Stroking an animal, especially a much loved dog or cat, is a peaceful and relaxing experience. During stressful and upsetting periods in my life, having a furry friend to hug has made all the difference. I fully understand how therapy dogs are so effective in helping people recover.

When I was a teen, I had a black furry rescue dog called Brandy, and I was convinced I was a "dog" person. Later in life I had a cat that chose me when I went to view the litter. I'd gone there intending to have a boy and this little female kitten came to me and curled up in my hand. She stayed with me the whole time I was there and a few weeks later I went back and brought her home. She is now nearly eighteen and still a happy calming presence, and still healthy, thank goodness.

I also have a Westie cross who is my baby. (Empty nest syndrome, I think!) I'm afraid my husband and I are very soft with her and she even sleeps in bed with us at night.



Now I know I'm a dog AND cat person, although I know many people have a preference. (My daughter is definitely a cat person!)

I guess we all have our ideal pet. My brother-in-law loves lizards and snakes. Those aren't for me, I'm afraid!

Do you have pets?

Helen lives in South West England near Plymouth in Devon between the windswept expanse of Dartmoor and the rocky Atlantic coast. As well as her wonderful, long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a burmilla cat. Helen has one of her Army Doctor stories in the Hearts & Kisses boxed set. (This set includes both sweet and steamy books.) Find Helen on FaceBook and Twitter, or visit her website.


20 comments:

  1. I think I'm both. My dog growing up was a border collie named Shelley. She was the best. There were always cats too. I'm in an apartment so can't have any pets, plus I work long hours. Right now my parents have 3 cats, the Irish trio: Bailey, Murphy & Molly. They're my cats too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Working long hours does make it difficult to have pets. At least you have cats in the family!

      Delete
  2. I'm more of a dog person, but that seems to be because cats don't like to cuddle (at least with me).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think it's you, I think it's cats. They can be very finicky. My cat is a cuddler, but I have had some that weren't. My daughter's cat pretends to want a cuddle then bites!

      Delete
  3. I've had both, but I think I prefer cats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did read that cats are a better suit for creative people. Maybe because they have an air of mystery about them. With dogs it's what you see is what you get.

      Delete
  4. Definitely dogs! Due to allergies, we can't have pets at the house, but I go to the zoo to make up for it . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My daughter couldn't have a cat when she was married as her husband was allergic. As soon as she separated she went straight out and got a cat!

      Delete
  5. I like cats, but I'm definitely a dog person. My neighbor's cat comes over to visit sometimes. He's so fat, though, I'm sure he must use a forklift to get over the fence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your son renamed Cassia the kitten to Purpee. ...as all she does is purr and pee on your grandaughters bed. He much prefers dogs ;)

      Delete
    2. This is Hailey btw...I have no idea what that listed me as anonymous? !?;)

      Delete
    3. I always love watching the interaction between cats and dogs. Your dog obviously gets on with the neighbor's cat if he visits you.

      Delete
  6. I love the photos of your pets. So sweet! I'm a bit of both, I suppose. Probably leaning a bit more toward dogs. Hubby and I have a "baby" English lab, who is our empty nester child, I suppose. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your pup is adorable, Helen! I've always had both cats and dogs, but growing up on a farm, my heart definitely belonged to the dogs. My favorite was a Border collie my husband and I raised from a puppy when we first wed. She was the biggest sweetheart. Now, we just have a neurotic cat with superiority issues. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My inlaws had a wonderful border collie. He was always trying to round up the children when they were little.

      Delete
  8. I'm a dog and cat person, too. Beautiful pics. Right now I have three cats who rule my house.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm a total cat person. I used to have a Siamese who was my best friend. I'm not all that fond of dogs. But I am allergic to both, so I don't have any pets now.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an adorable little Westie mix! I have the sweetest Sheltie in the world and two Siamese cats that could double for the Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp. I love them all equally.

    ReplyDelete