Dekker Speaks Up
Do you listen to your dog or cat (or even chicken or horse) to hear what they have to say about life?
One of the things Dekker wants people to know is that the animals we live with have much to teach us.
All we have to do is really listen. Following is Dekker’s response to some recent ‘people questions’. He would love to hear what you have been asking your fur (or feather)–friends lately.
Dear Dekker,
Thanks for all your advice Dekker! I live with a cat named Finn who thinks the house was truly built only for him. He owns it!! He will wake me up on the middle of the night just to get a drink from the tap in the tub. He won’t drink anywhere else. Don’t get me wrong. I love Finn. I just wish he would understand that I am the one who pays the rent and mows the lawn. Don’t I have any rights here?
Thank you. Ellen
Woof woof, Ellen— The question you ask is a good question, although from a cat’s perspective the answer is no. I don’t know much about pets with feathers or fins (no pun intended) but I do know a thing or two about cats and dogs.
When a puppy is born he looks around to see what human is going to love him and then spends the rest of his life trying to make that person happy.
A kitten, on the other hand, is born happy. He or she doesn’t need a person any more than you need a giraffe.
If you were born in a zoo you would be more like Finn, choosing where you are comfortable sleeping, and whose water dish you will drink from. You wouldn’t give a hoot who pays for the cage you find yourself in.
Dear Dekker,
My daughter just gave me the cutest little puppy for my birthday. My problem is I like to travel and I cannot take this little one with me. I will find someone to care for her while I am away but do you have any recommendations on how to keep her happy while I am gone? And a word of wisdom for my daughter?
Thanks. Chris
Woof Woof Chris – Congratulations on your new pup. Cuddles, kibble, and constant companionship will keep her happy while you are gone, but the bottom line is that she is going to miss you and may have a lot to say about being left anywhere.
The bigger question is what will keep YOU happy without her puppy-licks and offers of unconditional love?
You ask about wisdom for your daughter—a human-pup from my perspective. Perhaps you could find a nice kennel for her whenever you travel, perhaps to share with your new pup? I notice humans learn more from experience than from being woofed at.
Dear Dekker,
My kids really want a puppy but I have been loooking at the rising cost of food and vet care, plus training and toys. Then there is a cost to the time it takes to exercise a dog and I don’t think it is worth it. What can I tell my kids?
Thanks, Michael
Woof Woof, Michael – I watch humans get all floppy eared when they see a little puppy and they will bring him home without counting the cost.
I understand.
I met a homeless golden retriever one day and I really wanted to bring her home with me.
I would have someone to play with and curl up with at night. Of course, I don’t buy her food, and neither do your kids. I have to earn my kibble-keep by doing what my person asks like picking up my toys, walking nicely next to her, and helping her in whatever way I can.
If your kids are trainable too, then they may be ready for a pup, and my answer is yes, it is worth it. If not, you may end up with more poop than you bargained for and it would be best to wait.
Dear Dekker,
I have the greatest little schnauzer who brings me my slippers every evening and then sleeps on my feet while I read the paper. It’s a great relationship except for one thing. Mitzie will eat anything that isn’t nailed down. Just now she scarfed up a greasy paper towel she got out of the trash. Last year she had surgery to remove a piece of string from her gut. I don’t know why she does this and I am afraid I will lose her to this risky habit.
Thanks, Lee
Woof Woof, Lee- I live with someone who eats anything she can find, although she doesn’t eat paper or string.
Even though she has me on a strict diet for my weight, she doesn’t seem to think about her own weight.
If I had a leash I could put on my person it might help, but she gets pretty stubborn when her hand is in the cookie jar.
She tells me she does this when she is bored or when she is upset.
Does Mitzie have anything else to do besides bringing you your shoes? Perhaps increasing her exercise followed by cuddles with you would help.
But keeping all trash (and cookies) hidden and out of sight is the best control for indiscretions of both dogs and people.
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