Dogs vs. Cats – Which Pet to Get?
May 26, 2009 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Filed under Parenting
Coco Conundrum struggles to free herself from the grasp of Tru!
Rick says we need a family dog. I’m a cat person. I’ve never lived with a dog. Growing up, Rick had dogs. He says every boy should have a dog, and according to him, our son is missing out.
Truman says he doesn’t want a dog until his cats “die and go up to heaven.” He worries dogs would hurt his two cats. Our cats were strays. We’re lucky to actually see them in eyeshot of Truman. They are frightened of him, and yet he adores them. He begs me to catch one so he can hold it. When he does, the cat yowls and threatens to rip him to shreds.
If we got a dog, I would be the primary caregiver. I work from home and would be spending most of the day with the pup. I would have to walk him and feed him and make sure he is potty trained. Since I’m not sure how dogs work, I told Rick I wanted to buy some books and take a class before a dog joined our family. And I gave him a distant deadline – Truman’s 6th birthday. But that deadline is drawing near.
Sweet Little Probie needs a home.
The other day the humane society brought an adorable field-breed golden retriever on Rick’s show. Probie is 13 months old and very mild tempered. And he’s adorable. Rick sent me this TwitPic of him. Over the weekend we went to the shelter and visited Probie. He was very sweet with our little boy and Truman enjoyed playing with him. Since we were about to leave town I suggested we not make any hasty decisions. And so we’re waiting. And waiting. And I suspect someone will snatch up Probie before we are (I am) ready for a dog. Which would probably be a good thing. Still, I’m just not convinced I want a dog. And Truman seems lukewarm.
After a few minutes playing with Probie, Truman’s focus immediately turned to the cats. He was smitten. Unlike our strays back home, the kittens there had been around people since birth. They were rag dolls in my son’s arms. One even purred as he slug it around.
Rick rolled his eyes. He says it’s beginning to look like we may end up with another cat rather than a new dog. I think two cats are plenty for this household. Truman says he wants a kitten. And a lizard and a bluebird and a tree snake and a fish and a mouse.
We’ve got about six months before Truman’s birthday. I’m just not sure… What do you think? Can I grow to love a dog like I love my kitties?
Photo, JWJourney
I have been hearing a lot of these new toys which are turning out to be a great substitute for getting a new pet for a child! They are called GoGo Pets. I heard that they are only available in Phoenix currently but can’t wait for them to be launched across the US. Check them out and see what you think!!
Both are great animals to own. I own both a cat and a dog so i can’t really decide what animal is better. Cats are great because they are all similar in size whereas dogs can get to big to deal with. So i guess if you really can’t decide which animal to pick you should go with a cat because they cost the least usually and everyone right now could save some money.
Don’t do it Jennifer!!!!!!!!
Jennifer, here’s a couple of suggestions from a former cat-only person on how to “ease” into being a dog person, too:
1. Watch the Dog Whisperer; rent an entire season, if you can. Great for learning about what dogs really need from their owners. Dogs need a 100% engaged owner, so you are right to be concerned about the additional responsibility. But remember, too, you’ll get a million percent more love and affection and fun out of a dog than you will a cat. Yes, it’ll take some effort and education, but if the state has not taken your kids away, you can certainly handle taking care of a dog!
2. Offer to baby-sit a friend’s dog for a week-end. This is a great way to become familiar with how a dog will affect the household before making the commitment. Then try it again for a whole week, perhaps with a different breed, to see what sort of personality works best for your family. And then, talk to friends who have dogs, and visit them at their houses to observe how owner and dog interact and ask yourself “Can I see myself with a dog like this?” Ask lots of questions about how much exercise the dog needs, where the dog likes to sleep, etc.
I fell in love with a friend’s Westie puppy – it was so cute! But after baby-sitting it for a week, I decided this breed was not for me. While visiting friends who had a pair of miniature dachshunds, I discovered this breed (which had never appealed to me before) was perfect. Not too smelly or hairy, very loving and protective, small enough so that my cats wouldn’t feel too threatened. I now have a pair of my own, and am totally in love with them! Hope this helps!