Pets and people who love them: Sometimes a cat or dog chooses you

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Most of the pets in my life have chosen me, rather than the other way around. 

Among my current furry family, Dexter was a dog at an adoption event at which I volunteered. When he wasn’t adopted at the event, I volunteered to foster him should he ever be placed on the list of animals whose time at the shelter was coming to an end. That time came, and within 10 minutes of entering my home it became his home as well.

Ollie was a neighbor’s indoor-only cat who was the victim of a broken relationship. The woman moved out, taking the dog with her. The man kicked Ollie out to fend for himself.

Bob was a sick stray, and Gracie and Andy were two of three siblings adopted, sight unseen, before they could be taken from their foster home to a local shelter.

I never thought to adopt a boxer or Rhodesian ridgeback (take your pick,) but Dexter resembles those breeds. I’ve never really been all that fond of tortoiseshell-colored cats, yet Gracie is the third cat I have adopted with such coloring.

All this is to say I love cats and dogs, and if possible, I will adopt whichever one needs me at any given time. That isn’t to say there aren’t breeds that I particularly like or could imagine one day incorporating into my family.

When I was a teenager, we had an Irish setter named Louis. I adored that big red dog, and I’ve always thought I’d like to have one when I had the space needed for that hunting breed. I think Shelties may be the best combination of a big dog disposition in a smaller, more manageable, package. I wouldn’t object if my next adoption was a Sheltie that needed me. Great Danes, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels…all on my list of great dogs.

As for cats, I’ve never been a big fan of the skinny pointy-faced or flat-faced varieties (Ollie is an apple-headed Siamese). Other than that, I don’t know much about varieties. I know I like true calicos, yellow tabbies, tuxedos and black cats, but a kitten of any color is my favorite kitten. My nephews had Holly, a Maine Coon, who was a great cat. Suits, my featured cat this week, is also a Maine Coon, a breed known as gentle giants. One of the largest domesticated cat breeds, the Maine Coon is known for intelligence, outgoing personality and hunting skills, making it one of the world’s favorite breeds. They come in a variety of colors and have silky coats, bushy tails and distinctive ruffs on their chests.

If you need a companion of the feline variety, go check out Suits or the other beautiful cats at the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. Or, pick out the dog of your dreams — big, little, long-haired, short-haired, active, lazy, whatever works for you. You’ll be saving a life that will add years of joy to yours. I’d say that is a fair trade, wouldn’t you?

Pets and the People Who Love Them is brought to you by your friends at the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. To adopt your best friend (cat or dog), visit us at 1701 U.S. 72 (behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic), find our Facebook page or call us at 256-771-7889.

Email your questions to me at PetsAndPeople@charter.net. I’ll check with the experts (veterinarians, animal behaviorists, etc.) and get back to you in a future column.