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The Cat That Filled the Hole in Our Hearts
Duhbya, it's amazing how our pets get into our hearts and become family. I too think animals find us, we don't find them. It always seems like the right pet comes into your life just when you need them the most. I am sorry for your loss of your sweet friend, Lucy. If it's any comfort, they know we loved them dearly.— February 3, 2011 3:52 p.m.
Escondido Citizen Speaks Out Against Asociación de Charros
We owned horses when I was young. One of our horses was an old mare named Pic-Streak. She had a white stripe down her nose. My step-dad bought her for my mom. She had scars on her hide - the auction people who sold her explained that the cowboys that kept her used to get drunk and whip her. She was very frightened at first, but we kids showered so much love on her that she became very docile and would let us hang all over her. So, yes, I have some experience with horses. All totaled, we had seven horses. I assisted with the birth of one filly and one colt at the age of 10. We kids were responsible for watering and feeding the horses, brushing them, and cleaning their stalls. Also, we would go with my step-dad to purchase their hay, and would help pitch them into his truck and then load them in the barn. We could ride the Western horses only after our chores were done. My mother and step-dad divorced when I was 12, and the horses were sold as part of the divorce settlement. It was horrible for us. Anyway, I don't want to fight with you. I do not condone animal abuse in any way, shape or form, and I believe what you do inflicts suffering. If you are profiting from it, it raises it to a criminal level. Your concern is financial. You do not care about the animals. There are those of us that feel a bond with animals and understand that we have to be the voice for them, otherwise people like you will continue to exploit them and harm them in the name of sport.— February 3, 2011 1:31 p.m.
The Cat That Filled the Hole in Our Hearts
Surfpuppy, it is truly remarkable what you do. I see the older dogs at the shelter, languishing in their cages because no one wants to adopt an older animal. The reality is the older dogs make great pets, because they are calmer, better trained and just want your love and to give you theirs. I am sure that Teddy will make a full recovery. Just knowing someone cares about him will strengthen his will to live. That is one of the hardest parts (not that any are easy) about having to make that heart-wrenching decision to put an animal to sleep. Even if they are sick, their will to live is very strong. I'll never forget Simon, and I was glad to write this tribute to one of the coolest cats I've had the fortune to share my home with.— February 3, 2011 1:10 p.m.
The Cat That Filled the Hole in Our Hearts
Thanks, everest :) I think our pets are sensitive to the people in our lives, and Gretch's approval meant something special to you. Sometimes after someone significant leaves our lives, our pets become more important - they keep us company and give us unconditional love. Thanks so much for sharing your story...and Tiger thanks you for the pets!!— February 3, 2011 10:22 a.m.
The Cat That Filled the Hole in Our Hearts
I've been wanting to write about this cat for years, nan, but everytime I sat down to do it I was overcome with emotion. I was reading about that cat, Dewey, and I started formulating in my head the story of how Tiger came to us at what we believed (and later confirmed when I brought Tiger in for his first check-up) to be almost the exact time they put down Simon. About noon today I sat down and it just came out. I loved that cat, and I can't help but think that in some weird way he had a hand (paw, maybe?) in Tiger coming to be our pet. We love all our cats, and they each have their individual stories, but Tiger is special.— February 2, 2011 6:02 p.m.
Stupid Chick's Lucky
Riding a bike with earbuds is extremely stupid - no helmet is insane.— February 2, 2011 4:14 p.m.
Escondido Citizen Speaks Out Against Asociación de Charros
"I have abhorred discrimination, since one of my friends explained why one of my neighbors had numbers tattooed on her arm." It took that? What bubble do you live in, Randy, that you would be unaware of the significance of those numbers? Anyone who makes money off of the spectator sports that use animals will always resort to the "animals have no emotions therefore they do not feel pain" argument. Enlightened people with even a modicum of intelligence know better. To condone cruelty to animals in the name of "culture" is ignorant. At one time it was the "culture" to enslave human beings and whip them. We know better now. It's called progress.— February 2, 2011 9:57 a.m.
New York State Takes Over Finances of Wealthy Nassau County
I agree with Mondo - the cost of living is not even close to par with salaries in San Diego. At least in New York you get paid well - and even if you don't, it's still a draw for many people because anything is possible in New York.— January 28, 2011 6:49 p.m.
San Diego's antismoking law – cause of fires and second-hand smoke
No one has ever gotten ill from secondhand french fries, thefrenchpro.— January 28, 2011 1:53 p.m.
The First Whale I Ever Saw
"an imposing art deco erection thrusting skyward from a bowling alley on lower Broadway"!! Ha! Now we have "Gordon's Last Erection"!! This was great, John. "We rode the tons of lumber, lifting sunward on the swells then yawing into a vast trough of aquamarine laced with foam and organic debris from the coastal depths." What a super line. The Reader is just chock-full of gems this week.— January 26, 2011 6:03 p.m.