Pets of the flying community!

[RAY-EU]

Our Condolences for losing Bob ! .

[RAYEU]

Our Condolences .

[cardboard_killer]

34 minutes ago, Wardog5711 said:

My current cat is stray that adopted me and now lives like a king as a very spoiled indoor cat. 

 

I wish I could keep the stray I adopted inside, but he won't have it. Just keeping him inside during the last hurricane was a major pain. I keep the garage cracked open and the porch cat door open for bolt holes, but cars are what really worry me more than other animals [edit: and jackasses that like to poison/kill stray cats]. I'm hoping that as he grows older I can adapt him to inside life.

Edited October 13, 2022 by cardboard_killer

[Wardog5711]

I think my cat adopted me, or chose me to be his human slave. Pretty much the same thing but it was all his choice.

'Bud' first showed up at my back door back in the spring of 2019 as a skinny youngster. Little more than a kitten. After almost year of living outside, he began coming in the house to hang out and sleep but would go back out at dusk.

Then one day in August 2020, he decided to move in to stay.  He has not wanted anything to do with the outside other than watching it from his tower perch in front of the window since that day. He even has our dog bent to his will.

 

 

 

 

[Irishratticus72]

2 minutes ago, Wardog5711 said:

I think my cat adopted me, or chose me to be his human slave. Pretty much the same thing but it was all his choice.

'Bud' first showed up at my back door back in the spring of 2019 as a skinny youngster. Little more than a kitten. After almost year of living outside, he began coming in the house to hang out and sleep but would go back out at dusk.

Then one day in August 2020, he decided to move in to stay.  He has not wanted anything to do with the outside other than watching it from his tower perch in front of the window since that day. He even has our dog bent to his will.

 

 

 

 

We need a "love" emoji. Get on it please.......

1 minute ago, Irishratticus72 said:

We need a "love" emoji. Get on it please.......

 Bob, and his "sisters", Ruby and Kim. Not an 80's Depeche Mode tribute band.

4 minutes ago, Irishratticus72 said:

We need a "love" emoji. Get on it please.......

 Bob, and his "sisters", Ruby and Kim. Not an 80's Depeche Mode tribute band.

[BMA_FlyingShark]

2 hours ago, Irishratticus72 said:

This is Bob, Bob died in my arms three weeks ago, after being attacked by several stray dogs, he bled out on the way to the vets, but he went out like a fucking Spartan, fighting with everything he had. He won't ever know old age or failing health, he only knew a full belly and a warm bed for his time with us.

So sorry for your loss.

 

~S~

[Guest deleted@83466]

Quote

This is Bob, Bob died in my arms three weeks ago, after being attacked by several stray dogs, he bled out on the way to the vets, but he went out like a fucking Spartan, fighting with everything he had. He won't ever know old age or failing health, he only knew a full belly and a warm bed for his time with us

 

Man, that sucks.  Been through that far too many times.  We have 3, and two of them are 18 year old sisters, and I cringe, because I know what’s coming.  Unfortunately we have a too-big row of small urns on the mantle.  I’m going to love the ones I have, and never take them for granted.  And I’m never going to get another.  Can’t go through it again.

[Irishratticus72]

2 minutes ago, SeaSerpent said:

 

Man, that sucks.  Been through that far too many times.  We have 3, and two of them are 18 year old sisters, and I cringe, because I know what’s coming.  Unfortunately we have a too-big row of small urns on the mantle.  I’m going to love the ones I have, and never take them for granted.  And I’m never going to get another.  Can’t go through it again.

We said that in 2009 after losing our first. Didn't last long.

[Guest deleted@83466]

Okay, now, you’ve -genuinely- made a grown man cry.  Peace.

[cardboard_killer]

2 hours ago, SeaSerpent said:

Can’t go through it again.

 

I said that after the first, and four years later was leaving for work and came upon a kitten in the middle of the road. I couldn't drive around her, so got out of the car to scare her away. She proceeded to climb up my leg. She lived for seven years (indoors) when she died of cancer. Swore again.

 

Four years later, my neighbor died. She had been feeding two strays that lived under her house. So, I started feeding them. I would get up at 5am, and walk across the street. The male cat would alternatively rub against me and attack my leg. I got to carrying a can of compressed air to scare him away. Eventually, he moved in. Still can't play much with him as he goes into attack mode pretty easily. But he sleeps in here during the day and when it's cold outside.

 

Four years seems to be my breaking point. I'm of an age now that I don't think I'll be able to get another if my orange cat live a long life. But I still dream of my first cat from time to time. She was the best.

[Denum]

On 10/13/2022 at 11:37 AM, SeaSerpent said:

 And I’m never going to get another.  Can’t go through it again.

I think the hardest part of having pets is knowing you'll generally be making the call for their benefit. 

Grew up with pets my whole life. This year was the first time I had to be the one to decide it was time. 

He had cancer in the top of his mouth. We squeezed another 4 months out on the odometer before we had to let him go. He was spoiled with food and taken on as many adventures as his battered old body could handle. 

Walking him into the vet was already to much for me. Here I am with an able bodied dog to be put down.

His pain was to much. Asking him to stay longer was for me, it wasn't for him. 

A sight I must have been. 200lbs+, beard and all and I'm crying so hard I can barely speak clutching a purple collar in the parking lot.  

But I'll do it again. Truthfully we already did. 2 months later another rescue has joined our home.

Our late dog Rinty. Who lived up to his name in many ways. He was big dog at 100lbs and was tall. He could put his chin on the table with ease. Husky Shepard Cross. Very vocal, would grunt at you and make all sorts of noise. I really liked it. He had a ton of character. I miss him a lot. 
 

Spoiler

 

Gizmo, still with us, much greyer then this picture. He's in great health and I suspect he will be around for another few years. He's a very relaxed old man. Never in a hurry. Loves a good nap. 
Rottie Shepard Cross 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Plenty of adventures though. 

 

Spoiler

 

And of course, the tiny terrorist. Our newest rescue Moose. You can see this fellow is riddled with scars. Had a really rough life as puppy. There's a pretty impressive scar on one of his paws also. I can't decide if it was a snare or he tore it open. Lots of energy as he's still young. Very hard to train so far as he's still got the "Unlimited Freedom" brain from the rez. He has quite possibly the loudest bark I've heard from a dog. It makes the glass on my lights ring. 

We can't decide. He's either a Hovawart/Shepard Cross or a Heeler Shepard Cross. 
 

Spoiler

All of our dogs are rescues off reservations in Canada. What can I say, mutts drive me nuts. 

and of course our cat. My friend saved her in a lumber yard. Two kittens fell out of truck and unfortunately one was ran over. 
Koup. She's nearing 17 now. 

Koup has passed on now also, she either had leukemia or FIP. Kept her comfortable for as long as we could.  
 

Spoiler

 

 

Kipling had a great poem about our little friends 

The Power of the dog 

Spoiler

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

 

Edited November 22, 2022 by Denum

[ST_Catchov]

Dogs are truly endearing creatures. You'd never find a better friend. Thanks for the heartwarming stories Denum.

[LLv34_Flanker]

S! 

 

Here she is, the 5th member to be of the pack

 

 

Edited October 14, 2022 by LLv34_Flanker

[Raptorattacker]

On 7/17/2020 at 7:10 PM, =VARP=Ribbon said:

He would love to meet your cats

He's a cracking looking little feller! You can't beat a Jack Russell (well, you CAN but he/she'll make you pay for it!!).

THIS one's half JR and half Staffordshire Bull, ALL terrier!!

[Wardog5711]

Andy, my trusty copilot from Nov 2006 to January 2015. he went everywhere with me.

If he was with me in the truck, he rode in the passenger seat and everyone else including the wife would ride in the back.

He was very vocal about his displeasure if she tried to unseat him. But she was a good sport about it and let him have his way.

And he was best buddies with our rescue cat Quinn. Both were shelter adopts and were buddies from the day Andy came home with us.

Sadly, we lost Quinn in early August 2020 at the age of 16. to cancer.   

 

[AngleOff66]

On 9/28/2022 at 8:16 AM, 216th_Lusekofte said:

One if my two cats bring in live rats. Dead half eaten too. Problems is he bring in birds too, latest was a relatively rare one, dead. 

We are soon enough moving to a Island with ritch wildlife. And I need to figure out 

What to do about it before next spring

Friend of mine has a home run shelter.  She has had a catio installed that runs the entire width of the back of her house.  Access via a window on the ground floor.  It looks to be cleaned up pallet wood. Reinforced.  The wire looks to be 2" x 2" or 2 x3 galvanized grid-opening fencing wire.  The builder used wood screws and large 1" to 1.5" galvanized washers to ensure that the wire does not shift.

 

The screws are ALWAYS on the inside of a square.  The metal washer pinches the fencing wire right against the wood. I can send a pic if you like.

 

Take a look at these ideas

https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/free-tips/diy-catio-materials-how-to-pick-the-right-cat-enclosure-mesh-for-your-catio/

 

https://www.easypalletideas.com/wooden-pallet-cat-house-design/

 

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/pet-stuff/q-how-to-build-a-inexpensive-catio-out-of-pallets-44445147

 

Some predators can get through chicken wire that other people use.

 

Safe pallet wood to reuse. How to tell.

https://associated-pallets.co.uk/blog/is-my-wooden-pallet-safe-to-reuse/

 

Once built, you could look at a fine mesh stretched taught to stop birds getting in?

Edited October 15, 2022 by AngleOff66

[busdriver]

@Irishratticus72 sorry for your loss mate.

 

We lost our last cat back in 2014 she was 18. Yesterday we gained a new member of the family. She's a little over a year old, barely 2.7 kilos had a bit of trauma in August not sure if it was an accident or intentional according to the rescue folks (gave birth to two kittens too). Likes dogs, but not other cats according to the rescue notes.

 

Anyway...she's a talker...comes at the sound of your voice...rolls on her back and lets you give belly rubs...has no fear of Riley our dog. Doesn't seem to know that her left hind leg is gone. She's a kind and oh so gentle spirit. Haven't decided on a name yet. I was leaning towards "Pi" as in 3.14... but she doesn't have a stump so a neighbor said she would be "Three point oh."

 

It's down to either "Gabby" because she talks all THE time, or "Turbo" because she zooms around. But I do like "Three Point Oh."

 

 

The bed is 70cm high and she makes it pretty easily with a running jump, not so much from a stationary position. When she runs (a bit sideways) she puts her tail horizontally out to the left as an outrigger of sorts.

 

 

 

 

 

[Pajeka]

“It's down to either "Gabby" because she talks all THE time, or "Turbo" because she zooms around. But I do like "Three Point Oh."

 

Perhaps the name “Yard” would be more appropriate for her…… after all she does have 3 feet. Same name was used for our

old Squadron moggie……

 

”Gabby” is good though!

 

Good luck with your choice!

[Wardog5711]

I had a friend that adopted a 3 legged puppy. They named him Tripod.

[Guest deleted@83466]

Those are cute names, but it’s like a paralyzed waterskier named Skip, or Bob.  I think you should name the kitty based on its personality, not it’s missing leg, busdriver.

[busdriver]

1 hour ago, Wardog5711 said:

I had a friend that adopted a 3 legged puppy. They named him Tripod.

That’s what @Requiem suggested. She who must be obeyed gets the final vote, the cat seems to groove on Gabby. We considered two Irish names that fit the cat’s personality, but Americans could never pronounce Caoimhe or Aoife.

[cardboard_killer]

Yea, but we can mispronounce anything, so it all evens out.

 

I understand that cats respond best to one or two syllable words that end in a long e sound. My cat's names have been Sydney, Emmy, and OC (Ohsee).

[ATAG_SKUD]

My 7 yo border collie and my 2 yo rescue dog. I had his DNA done. Quite a story in his genealogy, the long version includes bits of Mexican Street Dog and Dachshund. He's the sweetest dog I've ever had though.

skud

[Guest deleted@83466]

Mexican Street Dog? Are you sure that isn’t a strain of Cannabis?

[Irishratticus72]

20 hours ago, busdriver said:

That’s what @Requiem suggested. She who must be obeyed gets the final vote, the cat seems to groove on Gabby. We considered two Irish names that fit the cat’s personality, but Americans could never pronounce Caoimhe or Aoife.

We struggle to pronounce those at times too, ?

14 hours ago, ATAG_SKUD said:

My 7 yo border collie and my 2 yo rescue dog. I had his DNA done. Quite a story in his genealogy, the long version includes bits of Mexican Street Dog and Dachshund. He's the sweetest dog I've ever had though.

skud

So, a German / Mexican angle? Nothing bad ever happened with that combo in history......

Edited October 19, 2022 by Irishratticus72

[cardboard_killer]

Somebody had to go to the vet. Cats are never more affectionate than after a trip to the vet.

 

[Trooper117]

Thomas, one of my cats, howls like he's being murdered as soon as I put him in the car and head off to the vets... if I stop at a junction or traffic lights, people look into the car to see what on earth is going on.

[Voidhunger]

I had for many years many tarantula spiders (almost all of them African Harpactrinae) and Ctenidae (Phoneutria)but children came and I had to sold them(spiders :))

I really really miss them:( 

Right now I have only this whip spider , genus Phrynus cf Whitei.

 

 

Edited October 21, 2022 by Voidhunger

[sgtrdking]

My boy Gaffer likes flying in the sidecar

Edited October 21, 2022 by sgtrdking

[Guest deleted@83466]

52 minutes ago, Voidhunger said:

I had for many years many tarantula spiders (almost all of them African Harpactrinae) and Ctenidae (Phoneutria)but children came and I had to sold them.

I really really miss them:( 

Right now I have only this whip spider , genus Phrynus cf Whitei.

 

 

I think it’s very cruel of you, in my humble opinion, to have sold off your children so that you could have a household of spiders.

[Voidhunger]

2 minutes ago, SeaSerpent said:

I think it’s very cruel of you, in my humble opinion, to have sold off your children so that you could have a household of spiders.

hahah oh god my English

[DD_Arthur]

47 minutes ago, sgtrdking said:

My boy Gaffer likes flying in the sidecar

What a great picture?

[Guest deleted@83466]

I didn’t know Santa had a dog. +1

[LLv34_Flanker]

S! 

 

Some chillin' during weekend ? 

 

[cardboard_killer]

Someone hasn't moved much since I got him a pet heating pad.

[busdriver]

Gabby just chillin'. This little girl is something else. She's more like a dog than our dog, she comes running to the door when we come home. Loves attention. And likes to dick with stuff. Basically hilarious.

 

[LLv34_Flanker]

S! 

 

5th member of the feline clan arrived. She was a bit scared at first, being a colony cat. But once ice broke she has been all snuggles and purrs Named her Luna.

 

[LukeFF]

Edited November 22, 2022 by LukeFF

[busdriver]

@LukeFF your photo doesn't show up on my end.

 

Beginning to think we should have named Gabby, "Dain Bramaged"

 

[LukeFF]

12 minutes ago, busdriver said:

@LukeFF your photo doesn't show up on my end.

 

Ok, thanks! It's fixed now.

 

14 minutes ago, busdriver said:

Beginning to think we should have named Gabby, "Dain Bramaged"

 

Ours used to love to roll around in the litter box when we first adopted him. Made us wonder at times what was going on inside his head. ?