Adopting a Pet - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

REDVAN · 10-13-2007, 12:14 PM

Hey guys/gals,

I am thinking about adopting a pet of some sort. I am trying to decide whether a dog or cat would be better for me. What kind of pets do you guys have and why did you chose that breed or dog/cat? I haven't had any pets since I was a kid so I am basically new to it. I have also wanted a pet for a long time, because I think it'd be good for me to have.

Also, where is a good place to adopt from, other than the Calgary Humane Society?

P.S. Since this will inevitably turn into a thread where everyone posts pictures of their pet, please feel free to do so as long as you TRY to help me out!

ken0042 · 10-13-2007, 12:18 PM

Well, as a different option my last two pets have been rabbits. They do have personality and can be trained, but the big thing for me is how independant they are. I can go to work at 6:00 am, go to the Flames game after, get home at midnight, and my rabbit is just fine and happy to see me.

My previous rabbit was completely house trained, and would have the run of the house. The current one is way more affectionate; prefers to be carried around, and has a run built in one of my spare bedrooms.

SeeGeeWhy · 10-13-2007, 12:32 PM

I adopted two cats from the Calgary Humane Society and one dog from the Cochrane Humane Society.

Why don't you want to adopt from the Calgary Humane Society?

You should choose an animal that fits your lifestyle, and be prepared to work hard to train and exercise it. For instance, many dogs are at the shelter because they are very high energy and haven't had boundaries put on them before - by a person that is able to be in charge. Dogs are a lot of work, but it is well worth it.

A cat is pretty easy, you just have to buy the equipment, keep it fed, watered, groomed, and play with it every so often.

A rabbit I can't speak to.

Also I have found that in the long run, once you get one of ANY type of animal, and you settle in with it, it is much easier to get a second of the same type.

CaramonLS · 10-13-2007, 12:34 PM

Well, I'd say a dog is definitely more of a committment than a cat is - if you have a small apartment, can't go out for walks a couple times a day, leave the house for extended periods at a time - then I'd say a cat is more for you. You never have to worry about 'letting the cat out' or 'taking it for a walk', but as I said, it depends on who you are and your lifestyle.

I find they're cleaner, more affectionate, and in general, more mellow than a dog is. It really depends on your personality though.

For adopting an older cat, another option is the Meow Foundation in Calgary - They've got tons of cats there, ranging from borderline crazy to some of the best cats you'll ever meet. I think about 150 cats are housed in that house, they vary in ages and you can find a cat that suits you, most of the cats there were abandoned.

Dan02 · 10-13-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

I find they're cleaner, more affectionate, and in general, more mellow than a dog is. It really depends on your personality though.

, cleaner possibly, mellow sure, but more affectionate, how you think that boggles the mind. In my life i have met very few cats which are as affectionate as a dog.

cats are for the old lady down the steet

that being said if you don't have a big yard and/or the desire to take your dog to the park every day stay away from the large breeds, though alot of the smaller breeds are fine for apartment living.

Ford Prefect · 10-13-2007, 12:40 PM

Having had pet cats and dogs for my whole life (40+ years), here's a breakdown of my opinions. Take them for what they're worth.

Dogs:
I prefer male mutts. Males because I like their dispositions better and mutts because they tend to be more intelligent and have fewer health problems. When I say that mutts tend to be more intelligent than purebreds, I don't mean to impugn all purebreds. Many purebreds are incredibly smart, but many aren't. On average, I've found mutts to be more intelligent though. Don't get a dog unless you have the time to spend with them, both as a companion and for exercise. They are a lot higher maintenance than cats, and a lot of dogs don't do well if they're left alone all day. Don't get a big dog unless you have the yard and space for them. Right now we have a mid-size mutt and he's great.

Cats:
Mutts or purebreds are equally okay, although I have a personal preference for purebreds. At the moment we have an Egyptian Mau and a Bengal ... both females. I advise getting a female as they have a lot fewer health problems than males. The disposition of both males and females are fine, as long as you're a cat person. One of the great things about cats is that they're so low maintenance. That doesn't mean they can be neglected, but they are fine left alone all day while you're at work, and can even be left alone over the weekend once in a while. Heck, I sometimes think they don't even notice we're gone until their water gets stale.

Dan02 · 10-13-2007, 12:42 PM

though i must point out house breaking a dog in a apartment is significantly more difficult then if you own your own house with a backyard.

CaramonLS · 10-13-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan02

, cleaner possibly, mellow sure, but more affectionate, how you think that boggles the mind. In my life i have met very few cats which are as affectionate as a dog.

cats are for the old lady down the steet

that being said if you don't have a big yard and/or the desire to take your dog to the park every day stay away from the large breeds, though alot of the smaller breeds are fine for apartment living.

Maybe I've just had a good run with cats, dunno.

My cat curls up beside me on my bed every night and goes to sleep, you can always pick her up and give her attention when you want to, or if you're watching TV she'll jump on your lap or beside you and want you to rub her stomach.

Ford Prefect · 10-13-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan02

, cleaner possibly, mellow sure, but more affectionate, how you think that boggles the mind. In my life i have met very few cats which are as affectionate as a dog.
/snip

The cats I've had have all been at least as affectionate as the dogs I've had, in some cases more so. The thing with cats is they don't give their affection unconditionally like most dogs do ... it has to be earned. Unless you're a cat person, cats will react to you cooly and they'll give you the impression they're aloof and uncaring. If you know how to relate to a cat though, they can be incredibly affectionate and caring, just like a dog. The most incredible cat I've ever owned was a blue point siamese, which is a breed that cat haters tend to hate more than most. This guy was incredible though ... one of the best friends I've ever had.

REDVAN · 10-13-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

Why don't you want to adopt from the Calgary Humane Society?

It's not that I don't want to, I just want to find out where else I can adopt. The Humane Society is likely where I will end up going.

I am looking for a pet for companionship, and I don't mind to train it and take it for walks and to the park etc... but at the same time, members of my house are not home from about 9-5ish every day except weekends. Is this too long of a time for a dog to be left at home alone? I likely won't have a problem establishing rules for an adopted dog, but you never know.

As for a cat, I know they will be fine on their own, but I also know they are typically less affectionate, but I am not sure it matters if too too much.

As for the rabbits- I am not sold on rabbits (no offense Ken). I just think that I want to go "mainstream" for my first pet.

Reggie Dunlop · 10-13-2007, 01:02 PM

You can try the Animal Rescue Foundation as well. They initially place animals in foster homes (as opposed to a shelter environment), so they're usually ahead on things like basic training.

Here's their website:

www.arf.ab.ca

Dan02 · 10-13-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Maybe I've just had a good run with cats, dunno.

My cat curls up beside me on my bed every night and goes to sleep, you can always pick her up and give her attention when you want to, or if you're watching TV she'll jump on your lap or beside you and want you to rub her stomach.

yeah well my dog jumps up on my chair and sits beside me while i'm cruising CP or pounding on the keyboard playing TF2 til 4 in the morning, beat that

anyways it sounds like you've had some good luck with cats, i've had enough bad i won't own another one. I used to be a cat person, but now i find them to be a bit.. well... catty.

madisonbtb · 10-13-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan02

, cleaner possibly, mellow sure, but more affectionate, how you think that boggles the mind. In my life i have met very few cats which are as affectionate as a dog.

cats are for the old lady down the steet

that being said if you don't have a big yard and/or the desire to take your dog to the park every day stay away from the large breeds, though alot of the smaller breeds are fine for apartment living.

my cats are incredibly affectionate. both male cats, i think that makes a difference. one likes to be carried around like a baby. we have 2 cats and 1 dog (all male). the cats are definitely much less work. they are all work in their own way, but if we want to leave for a day or two...give them enough food and water and they are good to go. not so easy with a dog. anytime we go anywhere we have to arrange for boarding, which can be a pain. the cats have the same, if not more, personality than the dog. hair is always an issue and can be a constant battle to keep up with.

FlamesKickAss · 10-13-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDVAN

It's not that I don't want to, I just want to find out where else I can adopt. The Humane Society is likely where I will end up going.

I am looking for a pet for companionship, and I don't mind to train it and take it for walks and to the park etc... but at the same time, members of my house are not home from about 9-5ish every day except weekends. Is this too long of a time for a dog to be left at home alone? I likely won't have a problem establishing rules for an adopted dog, but you never know.

Depends on the dog. I have a lab and a bichon/shihzu/toy poodle at my house and the lab we leave outside if it's not raining, and the other one we leave in the house, but it's not from a full 9-5 its about 8:30-3 and then some days someone is home all day. My dog's do just fine, but if the lab doesn't get to go for a walk for a couple of days if I get busy at night he starts going squirly (sp?) Dogs are awesome.

That's my lab "jake" in my avatar.

Bobblehead · 10-13-2007, 02:17 PM

Enen though my wife and I would love a dog, since we both work we didn't think it would be fair to leave a dog at home alone all day. We considered a mature dog, but my wife wanted to raise and train a puppy. So we decided to hold off on the dog until we would be available to devote more time to it.

We ended up getting a cat from the MEOW foundation. http://www.meowfoundation.com/

They were really good. You go to a house with all the cats they have rescued. You can play with all the cats and the foundation has a good idea of the temperament of the cats. Then you get your cat, and if you don't bond with that cat they pick it back up and you can try another. It is very important that you get the right cat.

Our cat had an ear infection a month after we got him, so MEOW paid for the vet and the medicine. It was a good experience.

kootenayguy9 · 10-13-2007, 02:42 PM

I seconded Bobblehead's sentiment. Our two cats are from the Meow Foundation and they are wonderful pets. They even love watching hockey on the TV with me so what could be better.

Ironhorse · 10-13-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Prefect

The cats I've had have all been at least as affectionate as the dogs I've had, in some cases more so. The thing with cats is they don't give their affection unconditionally like most dogs do ... it has to be earned. Unless you're a cat person, cats will react to you cooly and they'll give you the impression they're aloof and uncaring. If you know how to relate to a cat though, they can be incredibly affectionate and caring, just like a dog. The most incredible cat I've ever owned was a blue point siamese, which is a breed that cat haters tend to hate more than most. This guy was incredible though ... one of the best friends I've ever had.

I can vouch for the Siamese being extremely affectionate (and I've had dogs also). We currently have a Blue point Siamese and a red tabby Oriental Shorthair (essentially a Siamese with a red body). We've also had a Lilac point and a Chocolate point Siamese.

The Chocolate point in particular was so affectionate that he would sense if I had a bad day or was sad, and he would immediately slink over and sit right beside me. One of the best friends I've had, and it really hurt me when he passed on.

One thing with Siamese & Orientals though: because they are so social, you cannot get just one if you're out a lot -- they tend to get lonely from lack of companionship. Their intelligence level is also quite high.

Flames in 07 · 10-13-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

I can vouch for the Siamese being extremely affectionate (and I've had dogs also). We currently have a Blue point Siamese and a red tabby Oriental Shorthair (essentially a Siamese with a red body). We've also had a Lilac point and a Chocolate point Siamese.

The Chocolate point in particular was so affectionate that he would sense if I had a bad day or was sad, and he would immediately slink over and sit right beside me. One of the best friends I've had, and it really hurt me when he passed on.

One thing with Siamese & Orientals though: because they are so social, you cannot get just one if you're out a lot -- they tend to get lonely from lack of companionship. Their intelligence level is also quite high.

we made that mistake for awhile. It got to the point where if we were late from work by even 15 minutes all our crap, pillows, blankets, shirts, socks etc would end up at the front door waiting for us. Some breeds like siamese and torti's are about as smart as dogs.

Antithesis · 10-13-2007, 02:59 PM

We have two cats, they are littermates and have awesome personalities. Obviously I am biased towards the feline end of things ... but when it comes to dogs, you might as well have a kid - forget just leaving for a weekend, forget taking a vacation without planning for the dog, forget being out longer than 8 hours at a time ...

Cats are way easier, and they are quite affectionate - they are just way more independant than dogs are which seals the deal for me. I like other people's dogs, but I wouldn't want one of my own.

jschick88 · 10-13-2007, 03:28 PM

Since we are on the subject of animals, I was wondeirng if someone could give me a few pointers or tips. I have a male cat who is just over a year old and just got him fixed. I recently just had a roommate move in who has a female cat. We have tried for them to get along but all they do is hiss or make growling noise at each other. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we should do to make them get along or even tolerate each other without wanting to fight.