SPECIAL PETS.

angel1
angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
edited 5. Mar 2010, 08:37 in Community Chit-chat archive
You all know that I`m thinking of Amber today, even more than usual.

I thought it would be so lovely, if everyone was to share their memories of their own special friends. Maybe those you still have, or those from childhood, or later years. Tell us their names, and some of the funny things they did, and how much they meant to you.

Come on, I`m really looking forward to your stories........Ange.

Comments

  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ange,
    what a super idea ...... and so positive.

    Well Littlelegs is my special one .... she needed a home 6 years ago and I needed a lot of company. I know she was the rescued one, but she has rescued me from the depths of despair many times.

    We walk together, and in doing so I have gained so many new friends, have got much more exercise, can walk further for longer, and well, the supply of stories goes on and on!!

    My hubby has gained so much from her too. Sitting stroking littlelegs is so relaxing!

    today I have been feeling very tired .... littlelegs curls up on the bed and guards me, making sure that she is touching part of me. She always seems to know when I'm feeling off, and she asks less of me on those days.

    well, it think I should stop now or I'll be taking over this thread!!!

    love and hugs to you Ange ......
    Wonky
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange,

    had a lot of animals in my time i guess and all to varying degrees have been special.... well side glance at Gimpy and an old dog I lived with for years..... and Eeyore of course, oh and TS...... :wink:

    The most special..... oh couldn't choose between a T/B mare, my first dog, Hateful the cat, Squeaks a very unwell, neglected and lovely lamb I only had for 9 moths then Ilks and Pips who I still miss so much. then the living well...... the other sheeps, Velc's, Scoppy, Hops, and Monst are very special..... why..... cus they own me :lol::lol:

    Then there was a neurotic T/B mare who really was into knee capping and biting but her and I bonded, a shire horse. I had 2 for a while and they were like a couple of naughty school kids and lead each other astray any chance they got...... A beautiful St. Bernard cross who was a giant of a dog and used to think I could carry her..... There are so many and to narrow it down would be very hard.

    One of the lodgers who I so wish I could afford to buy, some calves are getting there.... why I don't know :lol::lol::lol: My old cow who was the same as the neurotic T/B though slower on her feet...... A foal who is now nearly 16 and well like Wonky said I also will shut up cus i could go on for hours..... :lol::lol::lol:

    Love and a ((( )))

    Cris xx
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ours was Heidi, a yellow labrador. She was a rescue. When we got her she was the same age as our eldest daughter - 16 months -our youngest at the time was less than two months old.
    We got her originally because at the time hubby was working night shifts and didn't want me left in the house at night without some sort of guardian.

    She was in a bad way, bald patches and very nervous. She spent the first week with us cowering under the kitchen table - so I took all her food and water to her there. She came out after that first week and then never looked back.

    Within a few weeks she became part of the family, fitting in as if she had been made for us - I often felt as if I had 3 children, not two. Her basket became a refuge for our girls - often I found one of them curled up in it either with or without her there and fast asleep. Or they would crawl in with Heidi if they had been naughty and got a telling-off.......and if I was in a shouting 5 mins they all got into her basket until the danger had passed! The entire family loved her and my family are not dog people. My mother loved taking her for walks when she visited us.

    She wasn't the sharpest knife in the dog box and she made us all laugh so much (canine dumb blonde) but she was unbelievably protective of the children and there are so many funny stories about her that it's impossible to pick one out. She was frightened of so many things, sounds mainly.....leaves rustling about, the wind in the trees, the telephone - and the number of times I'd have a very large dog trying to get on my lap for a cuddle, well, it was daily! She did get used to the phone in the end.


    She lived happily with us till she was 15, a good age for a spayed labrador. Her kidneys began to fail then and eventually she became very distressed and we had to do the best thing for her.

    I still miss her and it's now nearly 30 years ago.........I still dream about her sometimes.

    We're well past taking on any bigger dog again, but just lately I have found myself thinking about a smaller one.........don't like yappy ones, though.

    Annie
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Wonks, Lynn, Cris, and Annie, these lovely tales are just what I`d hoped for.

    How very lucky your girls are Wonks, and Lynn.

    Cris, I thought of you first when I started this - obviously - and - realised that you could write a book.

    Annie, your girls sleeping with Heidi made me smile. When Amber was about two, my younger son got a lovely chocolate lab. The first time he brought her home, she was about 5 months old, and, even then, three times the size of Amber, who was, whilst not scared, very wary of this strange, lolloping creature. Chomsky couldn`t work out why she kept hiding away from her, so decided on shock tactics. After looking around, brain ticking over, she grabbed hold of Amber`s favourite toy, and ran off down the garden. Oh Boy did she get a reaction. Amber went banana`s! After much discussion between them though, mostly from Amber, they became the greatest of friends. Chom always knew her place. Amber would say "Jump", and Chom would say "How high?". AND, they slept, cuddled up, in the same basket, whenever they were together. To this day, Chomsky can`t work out where Amber has gone. She is eleven herself on the 22nd of this month, so that is one good anniversary that I forgot about.

    Keep the memories, and stories coming please.........Ange.
  • snowball
    snowball Member Posts: 3,465
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange fondest memmories are of Penny she was a black lab cross. My mum and dad got her when i was 16 dad worked nights sometimes and he thought she would look after us at night. As a puppy she used to lay up my jumper with her head peeping out at the top. as she got older she didn't make a good gard dog when dad came home in the early hours he would find her hiding behind the soafa peeing with fear, from then on she slept with me. When i left home and had my children she became very protective of them. I remember she didn't like dog beds if we ever bought her one she would give us dirty looks and sulk, but when i was pregnant with my first child i was given a baby bath as a present and when i put it on the floor Penny got in it :) . Penny lived to 14 her heart was very weak and like many others had to make the hardest decision to let her go. My dad said he would never have a dog again, a few years ago he was walking past a pet shop and there was a women with a guide dog puppy collecting money he talked to her about puppy walking and now he and my mum puppy walk for guide dogs, they've adopted one called Nellie who didn't make it but they love what they do helping someone too get around,better stop could go on for hours. julie xx
    ((((hugs)))) n xxxxx to ya all
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange and a hug for you.
    mine was my first dog, a scotty called Jimmy.
    we got him when i was about 12 and he became my best friend, he was a Jekyll and Hyde character and didnt realy like anyone else except the family, but he was very loyal and i always felt safe with him he was small but brave and wouldnt let anyone near me.
    he was only 4 when he died and well it was heart breaking and if i think about him too much i will be in tears.
    i also had a lovely but naughty rabbit called lockie, i was ment to look after her for a friend for 2 days and i had her for 9yrs :lol: she would do tricks for cereal and she played football. she died about 4 yrs ago, i have other rabbits but they dont have a patch on her.
    i have 2 ferrets at the moment and they are full of fun.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,336
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange

    Mine at the moment is still eric who I lost in July withe feline kindey failure.

    I loved that puss :( He was a smasher. He was my friend and the kids didnt know life without him.

    Daisy is doing a great job of healing the wound. Today she is chasing off the local cats who have taken over Eric's territory. I am proud of her. She still sucks my dressing gown like a teat and I love it when she does that :D

    You take care Ange. Amber is still around and watching out for you I'm sure

    Love

    Toni xx
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks so much Julie, Sharon, and Toni. I hope the memories aren`t too painful for you. I`m finding it helps.

    Julie, I`ve got a picture in my mind now of Pennie, in your jumper.
    Kudos to your mum and dad, for doing a great job.

    Sharon, a footie playing bunny. I love it! Before Amber, we had a Westie - Misty - who would have been similar in size to your Jimmy.

    Toni, I once knew someone else who had a puss named Eric. After Eric Cantona, when he was at Man U. You obviously adore Daisy, but nothing will replace him in your memory. I am hoping I get to that stage soon, and can welcome another cuddly creature.......Ange.
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Many cats have chosen to live with me over the years, and they have all been wonderful characters, but Ollie, who died 7 years ago, was perhaps the one that I miss the most.

    He was found tied up in a bag, and thrown at the side of the road when he was a tiny kitten. To add to the cruelty, someone had poked out his eye. He was rescued, and taken to the vet, but his eye had to be removed, and the lid stitched closed. He was such a pitiful little thing when I first saw him.

    Despite this cruel start to his life, he was the most loving, affectionate cat that I have ever met. He also had sixth sense, and seemed to know things which we mere mortals don't.

    He grew up with my children, and he lived to 20. His grave is at the bottom of my garden, and his spirit is always with me.
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  • mellman01
    mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We have two dogs Murphy who is a 7 year old rescue terrier collie cross, the poor old devil was found in a dustbin in Cardiff as a pup, all his sister and brothers were dead, he then made his way to the hearing dogs centre and the lollypop lady at my daughters school was socialising him, when he finally went in for training he failed and we quickly phoned up and they let us have him and he’s been with us ever since.
    Our other dog is a Parsons Jack Russell cross called Ozzy, he’s 16 months old and totally mental, and he is really affectionate little lad he can also jump up to eye level, he can also do loads of tricks spin round role over play dead, all taught to him by Hannah.
    Hannah alos lets him sleep by her side at night and she calls him snuggle puff as he’s so warm and cuddly.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange
    Big hugs for you((((())))) what a lovely thread, it is always good to talk about these things sad or happy.
    Mine was Susie, she was my fathers jack russel, when he died she came to live with us, she was long haired and was pure white.
    She would sit on my lap and my hands would sink into her lovely soft coat.
    We bought her some peices of sheep skin for her bed, and at night she would bring it up stairs and plonk it at the side of our bed, and go to sleep
    Its a few years now since we lost her, she was part of the family and we still miss her a lot.
    Love
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Joan, Melly, and Barb.

    That poor little Ollie, what he must have suffered before he got such a loving family, Joan. And now you have Tommy Tucker to cuddle.

    Melly, How do your two get on? I have visions of poor old Murphy getting bawled out by Ozzy. (Snuggle Puff, I love it )

    Barb, I`ve known lots of people with Jack`s, but I don`t think I`ve ever seen an all white one, like your Susie. What have you got
    now?
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    angel1 wrote:
    Thanks Joan, Melly, and Barb.

    That poor little Ollie, what he must have suffered before he got such a loving family, Joan. And now you have Tommy Tucker to cuddle.

    Melly, How do your two get on? I have visions of poor old Murphy getting bawled out by Ozzy. (Snuggle Puff, I love it )

    Barb, I`ve known lots of people with Jack`s, but I don`t think I`ve ever seen an all white one, like your Susie. What have you got
    now?
    Hi ange, we got a mongrel from the manchester dogs home, part labrador , but one day she just dissapered, she was chipped, but she has never been found, its just short of a year now.
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange

    What a nice way to remember Amber with this thread.

    Just popping in here to tell you about a lovely black labrador called Misha who belonged to some friends of mine. I often stayed at their home weekends and got to know the cat Freya and Misha the lab. When they went away they asked me to house/pet sit. I was a bit nervous about looking after Misha as had never owned a dog but she was a delight to walk and we got on famously she even came and slept on my bed each night.

    I stayed an extra night when my friends returned. Misha was of course thrilled to see them back especially her Master. However I awarded the ultimate honour that evening. Even with her Dad back at home she still came and slept on MY bed :D:D I'm not sure he ever forgave me. Sadly although still young she developed heart problems a short time later and had to be spared the pain, but I have not forgotten her.

    Hugs to you today Ange (((( )))) Amber and Misha will be playing together with all the other special pets remembered here.

    Chris xx
  • annebr
    annebr Member Posts: 730
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My pets have always been cats. Mischa is my beautiful (baby) girl. She seems to know how her Mummy is feeling and is always there with a cuddle. Wouldn't have got though the months after my op without her.

    She can be cheeky, mischevious and loving. She is a very pampered house puss and can hold her own in a conversation. The last few months when the weather has been bed, she has been sneaking back to 'her' bed, which is our bed under the duvet like a little human.

    We are definetly her slaves but so glad we are.

    Ange, I hope this thread helps.

    anne xx
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Almost at the end of this special day, and it`s been lovely to share your stories........Thank you all so much.

    Chris, Misha obviously recognised how much you cared. I bet you missed her when you had to leave her.

    Jan, yep, I was waiting to hear about your boys. But Lady sounds a real character - like her mum!

    Anne, now your Mischa sounds a very elegant puss indeed, and has certainly got you well trained.

    Again, many thanks and much love.......Ange.
  • mellman01
    mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
    edited 5. Mar 2010, 14:37
    Hi Ange Murphy and Ozzy get on OK, Ozzy is all pup and very dynamic but seems to defer to Murphy at the moment, I/we also give as much if not a little more attention to Murphy as we do Ozzy so Ozzy understands Murphy is top dog as he was here first, I do worry about problems when Ozzy gets older but Murphy has a strange aloofness about him that seems to put Ozzy in his place as murphy only shows him who's boss when he really needs to other than that they seem to get on fine, also we have a proper pecking Alpha mail/femail set up in our house as suggested by Cesar Malan the dog whisperer, the key is to keep doing it, dogs do live for the moment and will take any advantage if they think they can, it's just how they are weak pack leader the pack will go into flux. :roll:
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi his name was coffe as when we got him home he started drinking oh coffee and was that colour as well was 14 when we lost him he was such a great friend and made me go for walks did me the world of good he would go around the lake when we got near the path home he would give me a look to say you can find your way back now and off he would run little so and so he would head up to mum and dads sit near the buiscuit tin then the back door for lift home . so bright missed so much
    val
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,336
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Toni, I once knew someone else who had a puss named Eric. After Eric Cantona, when he was at Man U. You obviously adore Daisy, but nothing will replace him in your memory. I am hoping I get to that stage soon, and can welcome another cuddly creature.......Ange.[/quote]

    You sure that wasnt me??

    My Eric's surname was Catona :shock:

    He is still here I know keeping Daisy safe and Ange yes you will be able to share your love with another little one very soon. You will know when the time is right.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 8,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange.
    last jan my treacle seemed to be walking slow so i took her to the vet and the said she had to have tests in the end it was cancer in her spleen and liver she had a heart mumer from when she was attacked by 2 greyhounds she would not hurt a fly so after a week she died she was a week of being 14.
    she was a standared red longhaired dachshund.
    i now have a mini chocolate dachshund.
    but i still miss her i have her as wallpaper on the comp. i know how you feel. joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • chahoua
    chahoua Member Posts: 29
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange,

    What a lovely idea. I'm quite new to the forum and have just read your post about the month of March - big hugs. ((()))

    We have two little rescue dogs, Molly and Belle (Molly Moomin and Tinky Belle to give them their full names....lol). They are such a joy to have. As others have mentioned, they've rescued us many times.

    Molly is a little white mongrel (she's more like heinz 87 than 57....lol) and was ill treated as a pup. She'll be twelve in April and has been with us since she was six months old. Bless her, she was such a little scrap when we chose her. Her previous owners kicked her down the stairs when she was three months old and shattered her hip. She developed arthritis in that joint as a result but it doesn't stop her getting about. On our daily plods we call her tripod. She tucks her bad leg up and charges around for England. Oh she's brilliant.

    Our other dog Belle is a Border terrier x Staffy and is daft as a brush. We've had her since she was 1 and she'll be 10 in May. She was born in the NCDL (Dogs Trust) and on her 1st birthday her then owners took her back saying she was too distructive. She hasn't destroyed a thing in the 9 years we've had her. She's a wonderful dog. She's so laid back. As long as her tummy is full she's as happy as larry. She's almost an ametuer dog for the disabled. If the phone rings she runs to it and waits until I get there. If I drop something she picks it up and brings it back to me. She hasn't been taught any of these things - she's just so eager to please.

    Jackie xxx
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange

    Sorry not been able to reply to this until now.

    We had many cats and dogs in our life. Most of our dogs have been Pedigree Yorkshire Terriers.

    Our last dog was a recued one. Her name was Suzie who had been beaten with sticks.

    She was a lovely puppy, growing up to her was a life full of fun. We never went near her carrying anything that she might have been a reminder of her previous life.

    She went to trips out to the coast. She would sit on a bench eating fish and chips. Then a little while later it was an ice cream. She loves that licking the icecream out the cone, once the ice cream was gone she then ate the cone.

    Before we left for our journey home, she went for a dip in the sea and could she swim.

    At Christmas time she loved nothing better than opening presents, everyone's.

    Cristmas crackers were good fun to her too
    At Christmas time she had a box to herself. We used to take out all the bits you get with them and just leave the snappers, in which was the bit she liked the best.

    She loved thunder and lightening and would sit by the back door watching it.

    At night when we said it was time for bed, she used to get up and take her toys one by one up the stairs and into our bedroom, she would put them all in her basket.

    Then when hubby and I went to bed she would wait for us to get into bed then she dived in. There she was in the middle, laying on her back, paws in the air. We would get up and take her toys out the basket and put her in there. Next minute in she came again.

    This happend so many times. We made a pact she could sleep at the bottom of the bed. That seemed an acceptable deal to her.

    In the morning, she took all her toys back down again. This happend everynight, until she became sick and had to be put to sleep.

    Suzie loved the garden as well, did she lay on the grass, no she was always found asleep on a sunbed.

    These are just a few things about my Suzie, there are so many I could fill quite a lot of pages on here.

    I know how much it hurts when they pass away. Now, if I get a bit down I remember all the happy memories of her. There are only a few sad ones but volumes of good ones.

    People tell me to get another dog, but I don't think I could look after it, the way you should do.

    I do have a lot of adopted animals as well now.

    Trish xxxx
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It would be really hard to go through all the pets, I have loved and lost.

    I have a female Shitzu called Isabel (Isa - for short) and will be 2 years old 23rd March. She is gorgeous, toffee colour patches and white. She has a lovely nature yet protective. Understands both spanish and english. She sleeps at my side and always happy to see me. In fact she follows me everywhere.

    She is my baby and I will admit I spoil her. She has and is rescuing me.

    Eve
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,336
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    [.

    She is my baby and I will admit I spoil her. She has and is rescuing me.

    Eve[/quote]

    I know what yu mean Eve

    Daisy is rescuing me too :D
    Love

    Toni xx
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I have read about all this special pets, they all sound wonderful, a lovely way to remember Amber, I have had 3 dogs and 2 cats, but our 1st cat, Tigger, will always stay in my mind, she was a great tabby cat, she was a rescue cat and afraid of being out doors, one day however she managed to get out and chased her enemy, Muppet.

    She raced around chasing it and ended up in a tree, it was quite windy, Muppet ran off leaving Tigger in the tree, she had a look of horror on her face as she realised she couldn't get down, Malcolm had to get a torch and shine it on every branch encouraging her down one branch at a time, after a breath taking 30 minutes she reached the ground, she raced straight up to Malcolm and I and had a big cuddle.

    We loved her dearly but love our cat Jasper too love Jaspercatxx