We call Big Boy "healer cat". When ever anyone isn't feeling well, he will curl up with them. Sure makes me feel better! Just something about curling up with our furry kids that does the trick!

I spend more time with my kitty than I do with my hubby -- is that weird? :lol: :lol:

My pets have always been here for me.

They listen better than just about anyone.

Our children have grown up and flown the coop but my
dog babies will always be here.

They are family members (and probably better treated
than a lot of kids in the world).

Animals have always been really important in my life. I grew up in a dysfunctional home and my dogs and my birds were my comfort. I will never be without an animal no matter how much it hurts when they get sick and die. The cruelest thing you can ever do to me is take away my critters.

In the last week, Mr. Bean has supplemented our dinner by schlepping home a rabbit and a duck. This morning he brought me a fat rat - it was still alive, and I had to put it back in the field. Not too fond of touching them.

Then the great hunter stands in the kitchen and YOWLS for his canned food.

I can't imagine life without fur kids. (2 dogs and 2 cats at the moment)

We've had to put quite a few down including a donkey and a mule. The heart ache is strong and it is nice to have companionship of people who understand. I'm on another forum where someone actually wrote once that it's not as if a person had died. Needless to say, I'm not active with that group.

I don't like people who think like that. I understand that there are, but those are the ones I just want to smack!

Growing up, it seemed like my family were the odd ones. I'd talk about my dog and how she was great and I'd get that look from people that frankly said you're weird. Until I worked for my Dad full time at his hospital I didn't know there were others. I've been so happy to find those on the quilting board that feel the same.

And if your cat doesn't like someone, get them the hell out of your life!

(Are dogs the same way???)

Don't necessarily judge the group for the thoughts of one person. I know I grieved as much if not more for my dog that died then I did for some people. I think it is because of the unconditional love. I was thinking about my animals today. Everyday I grab each of their heads in my hands and kiss their faces. It is kind of amazing that they have all gotten used to it and just accept that I will be capturing their heads and kissing them. I can't think of another person who's animals would not go nuts if I did that. Do any of you do that too?

Yes Sewjoyce they are.

My kitty HATES to be held and his little face kissey, kissey -- but I do it anyway. When I first got him from the Humane Society, he would not let me hold him for a long time -- I had to stretch to pet him. And then the day that he came and got in bed with me and turned over to show me his belly while purring like crazy -- well, then I knew he loved me too :wink:

But I still kiss his little face and he still doesn't like it (or pretends he doesn't) :wink: