I’m still stuck on Candice’s Cavalier/Bichon mix…huh!? You’re kidding, right, Candice?

Pets are a beautiful thing. When I was three years old, my parents decided that we would get a cat. I picked him out, my then eight year old sister named him. Tigger was with us for fifteen years. Some of my favorite memories include him greeting us at the door whenever we came home, then laying down for a great big belly rub. I remember in the summer when there would be afternoon thunderstorms - sometimes I’d sleep during them when I was home by myself, and he would sleep with me. I knew that it was because he was protecting his young friend and that he, too, felt protected from the loud racket outside. I love cats, but I know that I’m hesitant to consider getting one for myself. That new cat would have very big shoes to fill.

Oh Ladies! Love us, love our pets. Liz, I have a mini doxie. She is my first of that breed. Who knew what clever adoring little people with fur they could be! Mine sits-up at will (hers, of course). She looks like a piece of cooked spaghetti sitting up watching tv or on her chair at the dining table. She makes me smile every day.

Love the images of Joni and her hair look alike. I would like to know if you act alike?

What a beautiful way to start my day! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos with me and my tiny dog Lacey Jayne!

We could learn a lot from our intuitive animals…they predict our behavior, run to high ground when there is trouble, drink the well water, and know when we are leaving them. I have a blog, “do you talk to your cat?” I do. All the time. Camilla tells me I have to figure things out. So I do.

Candace, your Jerry looks exactly like my Nicky, also a poodle/retriever mix. Only Nicky sheds like the dickens!

Oh, I’m a dog freak! Have always had dogs. At my “peak” I had five. Now, we share our home with a 127 pound Rottweiler, a sweet golden lab/coonhound mix, and the old dog who is a true mutt…but she is wonderful. The Rottie is the only male, and the girls keep him in line! We also have a 20 year old cat who my husband belonged to when I married him. I often tell the cat that I am not a “cat person”…she says she doesn’t give a damn, just put the food in the bowl and hand out the treats!

What beautiful animals, all!!! I absolutely adore dogs. Mine were often my only friends growing up, and I miss them all dearly: Rex, Charlie, Butterball, Spot, Frisky, Togo, Tar Baby, Shaver. When I go into people’s homes, the owners are always trying to keep the dogs off me. I tell them, “Let them have at me. They just want to say their ‘hello’s’ like people do. The dogs will calm down a lot quicker that way. I always bend down and let them smell my fingers. That’s the first step toward a great friendship. Cruelty to animals will always infuriate me.

thanks for the animal pics! especially the beardy! i had a bearded collie named golda for 12 wonderful years. rescued from humane society as a pup. the best dog EVER! i miss her daily.