December Meme - 6th

[vyperdd]

For desertport:

Pets vs potted plants: your thoughts.

Another easy one. I have a dog. I have no plotted plants. Think that sums up my thoughts rather perfectly, don't you?

I have always had pets in my life. Cats and dogs when I was growing up and dogs since I moved out of home 20-something years ago. Because I live by myself, it's nice to come home from a hard day (or night) at work and be greeted by someone who is ALWAYS so happy to see me, favourite toy in his mouth, tail wagging at a million miles an hour.

Back in Jan 2011, I made the very sad decision to put my 14 year old Ridgeback/Staffy cross to sleep. Her name was Scully (yes, that Scully from The X-Files). It was the kindest thing I could do for her as I never wanted her to ever suffer. The next 3 days were the worst of my life since my mum passed away back in '89. I woke up alone (she slept on my bed) and cried, I came home from work to an empty house and cried and I went to bed alone and cried. I was so depressed I didn't want to eat or get out of bed or do anything.

And then came Sam, a 1 year pure-bred black lab my boss found on the street near her home. Because she already had 2 large dogs, she couldn't house him while looking for his owners, so asked me to take him in. And it was love at first sight and, had his owners come forward (we put up posters at shelters and vets all over the area) I would have fought tooth and nail to keep him. Luckily for me, they never did show up, so we ended up adopting each other and the last 4 years have been amongst some of the best of my life.

His nickname is Samifer because when he's in one of his cheeky/naughty moods, I swear he's possessed by Lucifer.

Scully


Scully at our favourite spot by the river



Sam on the day I brought him home.



Sam at Xmas 2011



Sam

Comments

[supernutjapan.livejournal.com]

I'm of the same orientation as you ;) Unfortunately we have too small a condo to house three kids and a large pet, but hopefully we will in the future.
We are all enjoying our hamster at the moment.

Such handsome dogs :D

[toratio.livejournal.com]

What beautiful dogs. Sam is huge, and awww Samifer! I want a black cat so I can call them Lucifer - my Mum had one called Satan years before I was born.

There's nothing like coming home to a pet. Custard waits in the window a meows when she sees me.

[sw0rdy.livejournal.com]

Aww, gorgeous dogs!

We've got two staffies and even though it's chaos now we've also got two children, I wouldn't change it for the world. Staffies have a terrible rep in the UK, but our two have been fantastic pets and although they've both reached double figures, I pray they're still with us for many more years to come.

[vyperdd.livejournal.com]

I just can't imagine not having a pet in my life. It would be cheaper for me to rent an apartment but I always choose houses with yards so I can have my furbaby with me.

[vyperdd.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he is!! Being a lab, he puts on weight really easily so I have him on a pretty strict diet.

He was underweight when he first arrived and then I spoiled him too much. But he's back to a premium weight now. I just need to ignore his pleading 'puppy dog' eyes (Sam and Dean have nothing on my guy, LOL) and not give him too many treats.

[vyperdd.livejournal.com]

I would love a 2nd dog to keep Sam company but as I rent I can only have one.

I think it's more the way a dog is raised and treated that determents their temperament rather than the breed. Staffies are some of the most affectionate dogs I've ever come across and my Scully was just a big sook.

[jalu2.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous dogs! I'm also with you at having always grown up with pets - I couldn't imagine my house without them, they're just so wonderful to have around.

[toratio.livejournal.com]

You can see how painfully skinny he was in the first picture. My supervisor has a black lab called Henry, and he eats pretty much everything.

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Sam (& Scully before him) is gorgeous! ♥

We've always had black Labs & always rescues. There was Rascal who came to us when he was two & filled our lives with love until he sadly passed at 14 & a half. Then came the bundle of fun & love that is Buddy! :)

[firesign10.livejournal.com]

Awww!!! Scully looks like she was a wise-acre - that grin!! :-D And Sam is beautiful, I love his glossy black coat! Sweet pups!! *hugs*

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

Pets, ALWAYS pets. They are such a part of the family and the heart ♥

[matchboximpala.livejournal.com]

So cute. We always had dogs when I was growing, but since I have lived on my own it has always been in places where only cats are allowed -- and I am not a cat person.

Nor am I a plant person. I have never been able to keep a plant alive. I killed a lemon tree in 7 days.

[desertport]

Thank you for sharing your doggies with us! I love their smiles in the photos (dogs totally smile).