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John Byrne
Grumpy Old Guy
Joined: 11 May 2005
Posts: 134522
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:27am | IP Logged | 1
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We always watched what SHE wanted to watch!
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Dan Marcoux
Byrne Robotics Member
Wha’ Happened?
Joined: 16 April 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 1433
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:33am | IP Logged | 2
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As you know with Sam, those ticks and urges last a long time! Loading the dishwasher the other night, I realized Hunter wasn't there to pick up scraps that happened to, ahem, accidentally fall of the plate while they were being rinsed. Hunter was put down a couple of months ago. I still have Skippy (10 years gone now) and Morgan (6 years) moments.
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Matt Reed
Byrne Robotics Security
Robotmod
Joined: 16 April 2004
Posts: 36338
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:34am | IP Logged | 3
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My cat is a talker as well. When I first got her as a kitten (long, complicated story), I was annoyed that she talked SO much! She always announces her presence when she enters a room and very rarely lets an opportunity go by without adding her voice. As the years have gone by, 14 and counting, I've grown to love her talking. I actively speak to her to get her to say something, always greet her when she walks into a room meowing, and often have "conversations" with her in which she'll respond. My life wouldn't be complete without her voice in it and dread the day when silence fills that void. I've had to compassionately put down one of my beloved cats nearly six years ago and it broke my heart. One of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. He's still with me even to this day. Reading your thoughts on Sam and now Florence, I know they'll be with you forever as well and that you'll most surely hear her talking to you for a very long time.
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John Byrne
Grumpy Old Guy
Joined: 11 May 2005
Posts: 134522
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:38am | IP Logged | 4
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The interesting thing in this -- and I am surprised to find this to be so -- is that I feel I could go out today and pick up another cat, and I would not feel in any way that I was "betraying" Florence. Yet, after 2 years, I still cannot get another dog.In some ways I think this speaks to the difference in the relationships. The old saw about "dogs have masters, cats have staff".
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Matt Reed
Byrne Robotics Security
Robotmod
Joined: 16 April 2004
Posts: 36338
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:45am | IP Logged | 5
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Dependency plays a big part of it, to be sure. Both cats and dogs are dependent on their human companions to care for them, but cats are ever so much more independent that dogs. For one, it's an expectation. For the other, they're just grateful. Certainly depends on the personality of cat you have as well. I've had cats where it didn't seem that they could be bothered with me except when it came time for feeding and changing their litter and others, like the one I mentioned above, where she has many more dog characteristics than cat. She's an attention whore, loves to sit in my lap for long stretches of time, and rolls around on the ground enticing you to pet her. In short, she is an active part of my life. Not all cats are like that, but certainly most dogs are.
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John Byrne
Grumpy Old Guy
Joined: 11 May 2005
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:51am | IP Logged | 6
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Last picture taken of Flo.
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John Byrne
Grumpy Old Guy
Joined: 11 May 2005
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 8:53am | IP Logged | 7
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Both cats and dogs are dependent on their human companions to care for them, but cats are ever so much more independent that dogs•• Again, the other joke. . . The dog says "My human feeds me, shelters me, cares for me. He must be GOD!" The cat says "My human feeds me, shelters me, cares for me. I must be GOD!"
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Ryan Maxwell
Byrne Robotics Member
Joined: 16 April 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 12974
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 9:11am | IP Logged | 8
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My parents bred Persians when I was a kid. We had a lot of them. But there was one that was mine, Autumn. Like a dog, if I whistled, she'd come running. When I picked her up, she'd put her front paws around my neck to give me a hug. I still remember in detail when I found her in the garage, passed away. It's been 25 years and no cat will ever compare.
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Bill Collins
Byrne Robotics Member
Joined: 26 May 2005
Location: England
Posts: 11389
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 9:23am | IP Logged | 9
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We have attention seeking neighbourhood cats,one lives across the road,and if he sees us pull onto our drive in the car he comes padding over for a bit of fuss.If he sees us taking our dog Sam for a walk,he waits until we return then comes across.Some days we open the front door and he is sitting waiting,which never fails to startle Sam.We have another neighbourhood cat who sits outside miaowing if the window is open,until he gets a tickled tum,both cats are well fed and looked after,they just love fuss.My wife knows most of the local cats by name as they come to her when she`s walking Sam.He tolerates all these cats just fine.Yet if one dares to set foot in HIS back garden,they are soon chased off! Dog or Cat,a pet really does enrich our lives. Edited to add,regarding J.B.`s comment about feeling able to get another cat straight away,but not a dog.I had exactly the same feeling when our last dog died after 16 years of being a family member,you just need to take the plunge,you will not regret it.
Edited by Bill Collins on 14 August 2012 at 10:12am
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Michael Penn
Byrne Robotics Member
Joined: 12 April 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 12929
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 9:25am | IP Logged | 10
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Last picture... what a sweetheart! It's a great thing to know she was well-loved.
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Joe Alexander
Byrne Robotics Member
Joined: 18 November 2010
Location: United States
Posts: 572
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 9:26am | IP Logged | 11
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JB, like everyone else, I almost literally feel your pain. I hate that you are having to go through this.
When I had to put my cat of 17 years down last year, I second guessed my decision ("maybe another doctor could cure her"), I would break down days later as I would find her stuff that I missed in the initial cleanup. Seeing your picture of Florence on your lap, looking so contented, immediately brought back how tough it was initially to watch TV after my Lovebug was gone. I was so used to having her sitting on my shoulders, legs, somehow in contact with me.
It feels insufficient to say "hang in there" knowing it is so tough, but if it helps even the smallest bit I am sure there are many forum members feeling for you right now. The bond between pets and humans, the little things that were shared with just the two of you, they are irreplaceable and only you know them. It looks like Florence was a great pal and she had a good life with a great pal and nothing can ever change that.
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Robert Bradley
Byrne Robotics Member
Joined: 20 September 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 4927
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| Posted: 14 August 2012 at 9:30am | IP Logged | 12
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