It's a Jungle Out There

 Animals. Oddly enough I find that most people either love animals or they don't. You rarely see people who have pets 'just because'. There are many people who don't have pets because of their lifestyle - which is smart - but who truly love animals. Like children, the thing with pets is you don't realize how much you love them until you have one.

I have never owned a dog, but from the dogs I have known their wants seem to be clearly interpreted. They want food, a walk, company, attention - basically just to be loved. Dogs will display their unhappiness by growling or barking. Cats on the other hand are not as easy to read. A cat can approach you, want to be pet and cuddled and 2 seconds later rip your face off! It doesn't mean that they don't want to be loved - they do, just as much as a dog does - they are just different.

I have had many cats throughout my lifetime. Like people, each cat has its own personality and no 2 cats have been the same. Yes there are some traits that all of my cats have had but really each one has been different.

 

Sometimes cats get a bad wrap for being "stand-offish", aloof and picky. Dogs are often seen as more outgoing, friendly and sociable. I honestly do not believe one is better than the other - they are just different.

Like people, animals have different traits. Most people pick a pet that "fits" with their personality type and lifestyle. Whether it be a dog for their companionship, devotion, and protection. Or a cat for their independence, curiosity and affection. There is no right or wrong choice, it is just what works best for you.

Why is it that people can be so tolerant of their pets unique characteristics yet be so narrow minded about the characteristics that make us each unique individuals?

Simple answer - because people try to be something that they are not. Imagine buying a cute little puppy at a pet store and bringing it home. You spend years caring for it, raising it and loving it and in 5 years you realize you have a fully grown snake (or a spider or lizard). There is nothing wrong with these animals but when you bought the puppy you were expecting a dog.

I think that I am going to take a lesson from the animals on this one and be true to ME so I don't get returned to the pet store.

Peace