Dogs have Owners but Cats have Staff

Having had the pleasure of sharing my life with both cats and dogs, I can truthfully say that they each have their own pleasures and pains.

When I was working, I had to get up an hour and half earlier to make sure the dogs got in their 45 minute to 1 hour work each morning. That was rain or shine, snow or sleet, hot or cold. They also got walked again for at least 45 minutes, as soon as I got home. The upside of all this walking I was in much better shape. The downside was they expected at least 45 minutes twice a day no matter what. I could be at death's door and they would need to go out. I can't tell you how many tv shows got interrupted because they could not wait. Lest this sound like I am complaining, I am not. I loved my dogs and wouldn't have had it any other way. When I came home no matter how long I was gone, I was greeted like a returning hero.

At the same time I owned my dogs and currently I provided care and comfort to 2 very spoiled cats. They don't need to be walked but I do have to clean the litter boxes daily and totally clean them at least once a week. The consequences of not doing so .... well let's just say that cats have a knack for getting back at you if you don't fulfill your duties and it is never pretty. But there is nothing like sitting in a chair reading with 2 cats curled up next to you or on you.

Also there is nothing so frustrating as a cat. Many times they ignore you, really ignore you. The dogs would have selective hearing. An ear would twitch in my direction but they would pretend they didn't hear me. The cats on the other hand, will turn their backs on me and totally ignore the fact that I am even addressing them. Cats will snub food if they decide they don't like it anymore. My dogs would eat anything even the cat food if I let them.

Cats are fastidious and groom themselves to perfection several times a day. My dogs loved nothing better than being dirty. When I took them to the groomer for a bath, they would smell so good, their fur would shine. I would let them out in the yard to go to the bathroom and the first thing they would do is roll in the dirt. If it smelled bad, so much the better. Thus a $60 grooming would last all of a couple of hours.

Dogs and cats both have their fans and opponents. I love them both because each species satisfies portion of my soul. Other than a child, there is no living creature that unconditionally loves us humans as a cat or dog. There are exceptions to everything but by and large the problems with these creatures lies not within them but within us.