Keeping Pets

[Mups]

The University of Kent has now discovered something all us pet lovers have always known -  that keeping a pet is as beneficial for us as having a spouse.  (And without the arguments, too ).

They have said that many people underestimate the positive importance of pet companionship.
They can be healing in so many ways.

I agree with this,  having never been without animals of some sort in my entire life.
They are there for you through thick and thin,  never criticise, never argue, and always pleased to give us a kiss when we come home.   Perfect companions. 

[Scrumpy]

So true ... Polly, my cat was with me for 16 years as was Scrumpy my lovely Springer Spaniel..
They kept me sane when the chips were down..

[Alex]

Same here both my cats were 16 when they died and I still miss them, especially George.

[dextrous63]

Oi.  My older cat is 15years, 9 months old.  I don't want to hear about cats dying when they're 16!!

[JBR]

Our last cat, Poppy, was a real old timer.  23 years old when he turned his toes up.
I'll be very pleased if the new ones, Peanut and Pumpkin, live as long.

(Disclaimer:  the names were Marge's idea.)

[dextrous63]

That's better .  Thanks JB.

[JBR]

That's better .  Thanks JB.

I wish your cats all the best luck and good health.

[dextrous63]

Thanks.  He's getting better, although he's taken a bit of a liking to some cat soup we bought as he's still struggling a bit with solids.  Costing me a fortune!!!  

[Raven]

Thanks.  He's getting better, although he's taken a bit of a liking to some cat soup we bought as he's still struggling a bit with solids.  Costing me a fortune!!! 

As they do, Dageus cost me nearly £1500 in the last few months. Didn't regret a penny, though I thought Bloody Hell at the time, the only thing I was a bit grumpy about was the call out charge of £150 when it was time to let him go. There was no way I could have gone to the vets with him, it had to happen at home with him on his blankie on the couch, and me at his side holding him, and that was bad enough it totally broke me, brought me to my knees and if I'm honest, I'm still not back upright yet.

[Scrumpy]

I agree with Raven..

[GrannyMac]

My daughter's cat was 21 when she finally went to sleep last year.  She was tiny, but ruled the roost with the dogs! 

Our cat, Meg, was almost 19.  We live on a fairly busy road, so won't have another now. 

[Alex]

Oi.  My older cat is 15years, 9 months old.  I don't want to hear about cats dying when they're 16!!

Sorry Dex, how is your cat now ?  they're a bit like kids sometimes and seem to rally round quickly.

[JBR]

it had to happen at home with him on his blankie on the couch, and me at his side holding him, and that was bad enough it totally broke me, brought me to my knees and if I'm honest, I'm still not back upright yet.

I know exactly how you feel.  When our last cat was on his last legs and we took him to the vet to be put down humanely, I cried as we left through the waiting room.  I haven't cried again since, but I'm sure I'll feel the same when either of our two cats die.
Strangely, it's an upset which hasn't happened when either of my parents died.  Perhaps it's because pets are like children, relying on us to help them.

[Alex]

I think you're right JB they are like kids and rely on us for everything. 

[Mups]

As they do, Dageus cost me nearly £1500 in the last few months. Didn't regret a penny, though I thought Bloody Hell at the time, the only thing I was a bit grumpy about was the call out charge of £150 when it was time to let him go. There was no way I could have gone to the vets with him, it had to happen at home with him on his blankie on the couch, and me at his side holding him, and that was bad enough it totally broke me, brought me to my knees and if I'm honest, I'm still not back upright yet.

I understand what you mean about our animals dying at home if at all possible, Raven.

Almost all of mine have always died at home with me holding them if at all possible. 
Only 2,  my Izzy  (Beddie), and Biff (my last GSD)  were at the vets,  but even then I stayed with them throughout the ordeal.

I can't think of much worse than letting an old treasured friend die on their own, with only strangers holding them.