I’m 68 and my husband is 69. His dog Sable died 3 years ago and my cat about 2. We both wanted pets but knew that whatever we got would most likely be our last. Two and a half years ago we adopted two brothers, half black lab, half black German Sheppard. All big (110lb as of last week). The size comes from their dad, the GS, their looks from their mom. Anyway, it’s been both a joy and a pain in the ass ever since. I’m retired so I became their primary trainer/person. I tap out when hubby gets home from work (and yep, he’ll probably work until he can’t. Found his favorite job at 60). They’re big, crazy and I can NOT walk them both at the same time. Just too much muscle ya know? We love them so damn much. We figured correctly that we’ll all run out of life about the same time so no regrets. Time moves FAST. Or the perception of it does. It’s nice to have animals to grow old with you. Now that they don’t tear everything apart lol the time, lol.
Pet math is hard when it comes to figuring out who will stick around for how long. And as soon as you figure it out, somebody throws a curve ball by living way too long or leaving way to soon. Your dogs sound like the ultimate workout. Maybe all that extra exercise will keep you young.
Howdy! Our standard poodle pulled relentlessly, no amount of training helped. And then we bought a harness called easy walker. The leash attaches to the chest rather than the neck, and ended her pulling for good. However…..if we attempt to walk her on a leash with her collar, its pull city again.
I think it's entirely legitimate to have the "hard conversation" with Onyx's people by text, especially if they didn't show up when they said they would. Text might actually be easier.
I also think you're right to do everything in your power to find Onyx a better home. Living with animals that don't get along is stressful on everyone, including the animals. I faced this when my younger sister moved in with me and her elderly and difficult cockapoo didn't get along with my cat. We thought the situation would work itself out eventually... it never did. My cat lived upstairs during the day and downstairs at night, while my sister's dog did the opposite. But my cat was never quite the same, and died suddenly of acute kidney disease when he was no more than middle-aged. :-( I still feel guilty about that.
Put those ads up, and best of luck to you. I hope you find the perfect place for him.
Sorry to hear about your cat. Getting animals to get along is just as hard as doing it with people. I started the hard conversation yesterday by test. They now have a deadline. We'll see how this goes.
Sorry to hear about Pixel moving past the Rainbow bridge, but thanks for telling about it. He lived a long life full of love, tranquility and comfort, which is the best quality those of us being pet owners and caretakers can provide them. I think the way you care for animals speaks volumes that you are a good person!
Everything has its proper time - I feel your decision to not outright replace the passed furry friends is suiting the current and upcoming stage of your family life. And I agree with Vivian that it might be time to have that hard conversation with Onyx's owners - you watch over and supported him for quite some time, and well enough Lola & you deserve to pass him on.
I may have missed following the beginning of the pig saga as it happened, but picking up reading about their (and other animals) adventures has always brought plenty of smiles on my face. The way you reflect on the time passing and future to come is very beautiful and I like to see the love you have for all of those under your guardianship flowing from it.
As for me, May this year is when my family's cat should turn seven. So far Kofi has been nothing but joy to see growing, hunting, and seeking our attention. She's been healthy and playful, which I hope will be for many years to come. What only changed is that she's sleeping for longer recently.
Cats are a mystery. They all have such different personalities, and we're just side characters in their lives. I've known some that stuck around practically forever. Hopefully your cat is in your life for many years to come.
I’m old and on my last cat. He’s only 9 and will probably out live me but my beautiful daughter promised to take him. He will be problematic because he’s a one person cat. He only likes me even though my husband gives him treats every night. He’s by far the weirdest cat I’ve ever had.
We’ve been slowly emptying our nest as well. At one point, we had two teens of our own, a bonus teen, four cats, two dogs, a hamster, a guinea pig, and a beta fish. Our oldest got married. The bonus teen reintegrated with his family. Our pets aged and began crossing the rainbow bridge. We are down to one young adult, one dog, and two cats. (One of the cats belongs to a friend, and the puppy is a long, long story.)
It’s time to send a registered letter to Onyx’s owners. They have effectively abandoned him. It’s been two years, plenty of time to find alternatives to a house that isn’t repaired. Give them 60 days and if they haven’t collected him by the end, he’s yours to do with what you will. At this point I’d drop him off at the animal shelter and let them figure it out.
Our county animal shelter doesn't take pigs, and last I heard, the closest pig rescue is full. I texted the owners yesterday and gave them a deadline to find alternate arrangements for him. Sadly, I think them rebuilding their house is the least likely outcome. Hopefully the find someone else who can take him in while they try.
If the owners give you permission to put him up for adoption (or fail to make other arrangements), then you might tell the pig rescue that you will foster him if they will advertise him for adoption. They might be willing to put in the legwork to advertise him to potential new owners and vet them, if you can hang on to him while they're doing that.
James…..I started reading this article not knowing you or the topic….
I was laughing out loud at the vet eye appointment.
Still reading and loving your writing…… but I had things to do which was pulling me away and just wanted to finish the article. But your article was just too long for one sitting. I saved it and will read it later but just some advice shorten your article…..I want to LOL.
It's pretty.... ballsy... to discover a writer and immediately tell him how he should be writing his work. His sizeable cadre of subscribers generally appreciate the length of his articles and wouldn't want them shortened. If you've got the attention span of a gnat yourself, you can always, as you say, break it up into smaller chunks.
I’m 68 and my husband is 69. His dog Sable died 3 years ago and my cat about 2. We both wanted pets but knew that whatever we got would most likely be our last. Two and a half years ago we adopted two brothers, half black lab, half black German Sheppard. All big (110lb as of last week). The size comes from their dad, the GS, their looks from their mom. Anyway, it’s been both a joy and a pain in the ass ever since. I’m retired so I became their primary trainer/person. I tap out when hubby gets home from work (and yep, he’ll probably work until he can’t. Found his favorite job at 60). They’re big, crazy and I can NOT walk them both at the same time. Just too much muscle ya know? We love them so damn much. We figured correctly that we’ll all run out of life about the same time so no regrets. Time moves FAST. Or the perception of it does. It’s nice to have animals to grow old with you. Now that they don’t tear everything apart lol the time, lol.
Pet math is hard when it comes to figuring out who will stick around for how long. And as soon as you figure it out, somebody throws a curve ball by living way too long or leaving way to soon. Your dogs sound like the ultimate workout. Maybe all that extra exercise will keep you young.
Howdy! Our standard poodle pulled relentlessly, no amount of training helped. And then we bought a harness called easy walker. The leash attaches to the chest rather than the neck, and ended her pulling for good. However…..if we attempt to walk her on a leash with her collar, its pull city again.
I think it's entirely legitimate to have the "hard conversation" with Onyx's people by text, especially if they didn't show up when they said they would. Text might actually be easier.
I also think you're right to do everything in your power to find Onyx a better home. Living with animals that don't get along is stressful on everyone, including the animals. I faced this when my younger sister moved in with me and her elderly and difficult cockapoo didn't get along with my cat. We thought the situation would work itself out eventually... it never did. My cat lived upstairs during the day and downstairs at night, while my sister's dog did the opposite. But my cat was never quite the same, and died suddenly of acute kidney disease when he was no more than middle-aged. :-( I still feel guilty about that.
Put those ads up, and best of luck to you. I hope you find the perfect place for him.
Sorry to hear about your cat. Getting animals to get along is just as hard as doing it with people. I started the hard conversation yesterday by test. They now have a deadline. We'll see how this goes.
Ooo, I hope it goes well. I admire all you've done for them and for Onyx, and I hope they are appreciative.
Sorry to hear about Pixel moving past the Rainbow bridge, but thanks for telling about it. He lived a long life full of love, tranquility and comfort, which is the best quality those of us being pet owners and caretakers can provide them. I think the way you care for animals speaks volumes that you are a good person!
Everything has its proper time - I feel your decision to not outright replace the passed furry friends is suiting the current and upcoming stage of your family life. And I agree with Vivian that it might be time to have that hard conversation with Onyx's owners - you watch over and supported him for quite some time, and well enough Lola & you deserve to pass him on.
I may have missed following the beginning of the pig saga as it happened, but picking up reading about their (and other animals) adventures has always brought plenty of smiles on my face. The way you reflect on the time passing and future to come is very beautiful and I like to see the love you have for all of those under your guardianship flowing from it.
As for me, May this year is when my family's cat should turn seven. So far Kofi has been nothing but joy to see growing, hunting, and seeking our attention. She's been healthy and playful, which I hope will be for many years to come. What only changed is that she's sleeping for longer recently.
Cats are a mystery. They all have such different personalities, and we're just side characters in their lives. I've known some that stuck around practically forever. Hopefully your cat is in your life for many years to come.
When the nest is empty it’ll be time for the next pupper. It’ll find you.
That's the scenario I'm trying to avoid, but animals have a way of showing up.
I’m old and on my last cat. He’s only 9 and will probably out live me but my beautiful daughter promised to take him. He will be problematic because he’s a one person cat. He only likes me even though my husband gives him treats every night. He’s by far the weirdest cat I’ve ever had.
I hope you find a home for that difficult pig!
RIP Pixel.
We’ve been slowly emptying our nest as well. At one point, we had two teens of our own, a bonus teen, four cats, two dogs, a hamster, a guinea pig, and a beta fish. Our oldest got married. The bonus teen reintegrated with his family. Our pets aged and began crossing the rainbow bridge. We are down to one young adult, one dog, and two cats. (One of the cats belongs to a friend, and the puppy is a long, long story.)
It’s time to send a registered letter to Onyx’s owners. They have effectively abandoned him. It’s been two years, plenty of time to find alternatives to a house that isn’t repaired. Give them 60 days and if they haven’t collected him by the end, he’s yours to do with what you will. At this point I’d drop him off at the animal shelter and let them figure it out.
Our county animal shelter doesn't take pigs, and last I heard, the closest pig rescue is full. I texted the owners yesterday and gave them a deadline to find alternate arrangements for him. Sadly, I think them rebuilding their house is the least likely outcome. Hopefully the find someone else who can take him in while they try.
If the owners give you permission to put him up for adoption (or fail to make other arrangements), then you might tell the pig rescue that you will foster him if they will advertise him for adoption. They might be willing to put in the legwork to advertise him to potential new owners and vet them, if you can hang on to him while they're doing that.
You should consider fostering animals after Waffle leaves the house
James…..I started reading this article not knowing you or the topic….
I was laughing out loud at the vet eye appointment.
Still reading and loving your writing…… but I had things to do which was pulling me away and just wanted to finish the article. But your article was just too long for one sitting. I saved it and will read it later but just some advice shorten your article…..I want to LOL.
And your writing does that!!!!!
Thanks
It's pretty.... ballsy... to discover a writer and immediately tell him how he should be writing his work. His sizeable cadre of subscribers generally appreciate the length of his articles and wouldn't want them shortened. If you've got the attention span of a gnat yourself, you can always, as you say, break it up into smaller chunks.
Soon enough, you’ll be with the rest of us hanging on to every word as the treat to your day and even wishing they’d be more!