Adopting a Pet

[Ford Prefect]

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.

Yep, all the bolded points match the blue point friend I had.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by jschick88

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.

That's fairly normal. Give them time, and usually they'll end up being best buddies after a while.

[Flames_Gimp]

get a dog..

[madisonbtb]

Originally Posted by jschick88

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.

if they are declawed -- i'd just let them fight it out. our cats were about a year to year 1/2 apart. when we brought the kitten to the house, the older one was obviously ticked off. we kept them seperated for awhile and they would hiss under the doors. eventually they just kind of fought and got over it. usually animals of different sex get along better.

[FFR]

Has anyone ever owned a beagle/corgi cross? Or know anyone who does? I've been looking into getting one for awhile but I can't find any information on it because it's a cross breed.

[Hack&Lube]

I can't stand a lot of the smaller breeds of dog or just dogs in general because they require so much attention and maintenance. They will utterly chase you around forever for attention until you want to kick them out. They have nothing but pent-up energy.

I'll prefer a cat. It's like the girlfriend you can leave alone and she'll leave you alone too but every now and then, the cat will come over (when it feels like) and rub up against you. Cats also seem more empathetic and seem to be able to sense your mood.

[FurnaceFace]

Another vote for the Meow Foundation. Their approach is you are "fostering" a cat for the first two weeks so if there isn't a fit, they'll take it back. They also go through a fairly detailed screening process and seem to try and pick the best fit for you. We picked a short list from the website and they recommended which one they thought would fit best.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by jschick88

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.

Keep the new one in it's own room with the door closed, and when it is time to feed them, put both bowls next to the door. When they can smell each other while they are eating, it helps them bond faster.

Cats are very territorial and habit-based animals. If anything gets moved or something new comes into their environment, it can make them upset - especially another cat!

[SeeGeeWhy]

Furever After Rescue - http://www.fureverafter.org/

[MoneyGuy]

Ferrets are the way to go. They're sort of a cross between a dog and a cat.

I also like dogs and cats. But I hate yappy dogs. Our dog is a bijon cocker who seldom barks. Stupid as a chair, but he rarely barks.

As for advice, I'd choose the pet (either dog or cat) that you think best suits your needs, and try pet ownership for awhile. Dogs are more loving, cats are independent. Which do you prefer?

[FFR]

Figured I'd drag this thread up...I am looking into getting a dog. I have owned cats all my life, but my husband has only owned dogs and won't bend on the cat issue. So it looks like we're looking for a dog. We live in a townhouse which has green space behind it but not a fenced off yard, so obviously it's not the ideal condition for bigger dogs, or dogs who need tons of exercise. And also not so great for 'yappy dogs.' We are well prepared to walk the dog twice a day and all of that so really, we just need a dog that is ok without a yard.

Recently we had been looking at beagles, but I've heard conflicting reports on whether they are good breeds for 'apartments' or not.

Does anyone have any experience with beagles? Or any recommendations of good dogs for a 'townhouse'?

[OilersBaby]

I'm a total dog person, have had several dogs, and now I'm about to adopt a cat. I'm used to a pet listening to me and being very well trained (ie my dogs). Dogs are pack animals and will do whatever they need to to please you. Unfortunately, that's why dogs listen when thier owners engage them in dog fights. They will do whatever the owner wants them to do because their aim is to please. My doggy would roll over, sit, listen to my commands, because he knows that if he does, he will get a tummy rub or a treat.

From what I understand about cats..its all about them. They are individualistic and NOT pack animals.

If you're going to be home a lot or have a yard, a dog might work well for you. Be careful on breeds. Dog breeds vary greatly so evaluate your lifestyle. If you are high energy and active, a more active breed such as a Jack Russell Terrier might be better for you than a more mellow dog. Age is super important to, as the younger the doggy, the more energy he's going to have. I've raised a lab puppy who was very active and a senior lab, who all he wanted to do was sit around and be close to his person cuz he was old and mellow (kinda reminded me of Eyore's personality).

I could go on and on about dogs, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I love them because they will listen, are cuddly, and their goofy smiles are so awesome! They are a lot of work though, more than almost any other animal will be that you will have as a pet.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by FFR

Has anyone ever owned a beagle/corgi cross? Or know anyone who does? I've been looking into getting one for awhile but I can't find any information on it because it's a cross breed.

no but i had a lab/corgi mix and he was so adorable..the size of a corgi but looked like a lab! So cute!!!!! yeah, the best to find one of those is shelters or doggy rescue groups.

My favorite website to find animals as pets is petfinder.com

I've found a couple of my pets and a couple of prospective pets that way

[mykalberta]

I am in a condo, more than willing to walk the dog at least once a day.

I was looking into an Olde English Bulldog. Small footprint and dont require alot of exercise. They are not cheap, there is a breeder near Kelowna with a batch coming in September.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by FFR

Figured I'd drag this thread up...I am looking into getting a dog. I have owned cats all my life, but my husband has only owned dogs and won't bend on the cat issue. So it looks like we're looking for a dog. We live in a townhouse which has green space behind it but not a fenced off yard, so obviously it's not the ideal condition for bigger dogs, or dogs who need tons of exercise. And also not so great for 'yappy dogs.' We are well prepared to walk the dog twice a day and all of that so really, we just need a dog that is ok without a yard.

Recently we had been looking at beagles, but I've heard conflicting reports on whether they are good breeds for 'apartments' or not.

Does anyone have any experience with beagles? Or any recommendations of good dogs for a 'townhouse'?

Dogs that will do okay in a townhouse:
-Yorkies
-Retired Greyhounds (after they have retired from racing, they like to just sit around and sleep for about 18-20 hours a day)

THrough my experience, Jack Russell Terriers will not do well cooped up in a townhouse unless you walk them for at least an hour a day, take them to doggy park etc.

Older dogs regardless of breed might be better for you as they dont require to be taken out to pee every couple of hours like baby puppies....and arent as energetic as the lil guys

I also found this website:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

[REDVAN]

So I am still looking for that perfect pet.

I think I have decided to get a retriever type (lab or golden) dog. I know they take a lot of work and attention, but they are also very loyal and rewarding friends. I am trying to get one for free or cheap, and not necessarily a puppy, because older dogs or unwanted puppies need homes too! Wish me luck.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

So I am still looking for that perfect pet.

I think I have decided to get a retriever type (lab or golden) dog. I know they take a lot of work and attention, but they are also very loyal and rewarding friends. I am trying to get one for free or cheap, and not necessarily a puppy, because older dogs or unwanted puppies need homes too! Wish me luck.

Forget free or cheap... Do the world, a dog and yourself a favour and rescue a dog. The adoption fee is nominal (~$150?), but the rewards are much greater.
It may be hard to believe, but animals are well aware of their old lives compared to their new lives. You'll never meet a more appreciative dog than one that got "sent to the pound" by crappy people and rescued by someone that actually put a little consideration into the decision to get a pet.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Forget free or cheap... Do the world, a dog and yourself a favour and rescue a dog. The adoption fee is nominal (~$150?), but the rewards are much greater.
It may be hard to believe, but animals are well aware of their old lives compared to their new lives. You'll never meet a more appreciative dog than one that got "sent to the pound" by crappy people and rescued by someone that actually put a little consideration into the decision to get a pet.

i couldnt agree more. i just got an adult cat from Town Cats, a rescue group in Morgan Hill California (one of you CPers posted a link and thats what led me to the site) and the adoption fee was 125 but so worth it. with rescue groups, they generally know the temperment of the doggy and can assist you in finding the right cat/dog for YOU (ie if you lead an active lifestyle and want a high energy pet or if you are more mellow and want a more laid back kitty/doggy they will match you up). Also they will have all their shots.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

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.

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.

Its really important to know what kind of lifestyle you want to have with the dog...some dogs are uber-intelligent and require major committments of time and training (Border collies etc.) and some are so dumb that they probably wouldn't even know you were gone until 4:30. Some require major excercise while some are really low maintenance.

Also, this is hopefully going to be a loooong friendship, it is IMO really important to have a dog assessed by a professional (I can help connect you with one) to ensure that you are getting the right dog for you...we adopted from a rescue foundation and found a sweet puppy who had some untrainable issues (likely arising from early separation from the mother, BTW it is really important that pups stay with their moms for at least 8 weeks after birth).

[dissentowner]

[quote=Dan02;1025902], 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.[quote]

My one siamese cat Drizzt is the most affectionate needy thing on earth! When I am home he will not leave me alone, if I am laying on the couch or bed he is on my chest, sitting he is on my lap or shoulder, toss him away he comes right back. He is actually too affectionate.