I don't know if I told all of you or not, but a coworker and I were asked to do a class for our summer reading program ("Paws, Claws. Scales and TALES"
;). We did it yesterday and it went very well! My coworker, Sue, is a published author of cat books and I with my vast knowledge (insert silliness tone here) know more about animals than most of our coworkers put together, so we taught a class on choosing the right dog or cat for your family.
Sue arranged for four kittens from C.A.T. (the Cat Adoption Team--we both have cats from these great folks!) to visit along with their foster mom and Gyspy was the canine ambassador of good will and face licks. We spoke about responisble pet ownership, altering pets, researching breeds, shelter animals, designer dogs and deciding if a cat or dog (or both) is the best choice for you and your family. We had many kids, but there were a couple of people who made us want to pull our hair out!
Lasdy #1: has five kids and recently moved here from California (we're in Oregon). Wants to know what kind of dog she can have that can be an outdoor only dog. Claims she want to do the right thing and make sure the dog has "enough hair" to stay warm outside all the time! She also deosn't want the mess in the house--youknow, the hair, muddy paw prints and the smell. We mentioned that dogs are pack animals and the dog would develop behavioral issues if lef talone 23 hours a day. I told her that Gypsy is bathed weekly as is her bedding,so there's no doggy smell. I wipe her paws at the door, so there's no mud. As for the mess, I told her that I have five animals and they have done less to mess up my house than my two KIDS. Sue suggested and indoor ONLY cat since she didn't want mud tracked in. As soon as everyone left, we looked at each other and said, "Could you believe the lady with the five kids???"
Lady#2: has kids and a JRT who has been trying to kill cats for YEARS. Rest of family wants to get rid of JRT and get a cat, but mom is resisting. Dog has had minimal training and is heavily bonded to the lady, not the rest of the family. Dog won't even let her interact with rest of family wihtout making a scene. What should she do??? (wondering look from clueless woman). My first instnct was to tell her to put the dog firmly in its place by a swift swat with a fly swatter and being sent to his crate, but I bit holes in my tongue and suggested the NILIF program and more exercise for said terrorist. I sispect that ten pounds of terrier is running four or five people ragged with His Highness' requests. @#%
However, we had a lot of intelligent questions about dog for those with allergies, small dogs that would be good with kids (mentioned a Staffy Bull since her DH didn't want a frou frou toy dog--NOT my words, but hers!), about our shelter and others in the area and much more. It was an hour well spent.