Having a pet for company

[golok]

In my younger days, I used to rear fish and kept them in bottles under my bed. Every other day, I will take them out, lined them up on the window sill and watched them swimming in all their colourful splendour.

Soon, that interest fizzled out. Next came the birds. I quickly found out that I have no talent whatsoever with birds. First, they refused to sing for me. Next, they are not so chirpy. I quickly realised that being caged is not part of their lifestyle. Dropped that idea quickly.

Throughout my growing years, I have taken out one small pet or another for company.

The pet which fascinated me for years was spiders. I used to look for them in bushes and in neighbours' gardens. Caught them and kept them in match-boxes. My friends and I have names for them. This went on for years.

Those years have long past. Memories of the pets remain.

So I can understand those people who keep all kinds of pets and look after them well.

After a long hard day in the office, there's really nothing like a cat, dog or even a couple of fishes in the aquarium to soothe your tired nerves. Heck, they don't nag, they don't talk back and they don't need much in terms of investment.

They are just there when you need them. Animals are man's best friends, I say.

 

[DarkReazon]

Hey Golok,

I can attest to the comfort factor of having pets, myself. I think the psychological advantaged offered would be outweighed by the needs of the pet, however, esp. if dealing with larger mammals. I've had domestic dogs (Irish Setter, Black Lab) which are great companions, but I'm not sure either would have been of use in a survival situation. They were pets, not hunting dogs. My pet scorpion requires about as much tlc as a cactus (but returns about as much as well). And even he wouldn't fit in an Altoids can

Regards,

Shaun.

 

[Rex G]

Pets can be wonderful, for a variety of reasons. Our tortoises are entertaining, particularly when I feed them. Our biggest dog is a wonderful companion, and an excellent home security system. He is not afraid of gunfire, either. One of our little Chihuahuas is a portable alarm; she will sleep right there with me, and warn of anyone approaching. For her size, she is the fiercest dog I have ever seen! The young Boston Terrier, is, I hope, learning from her, since he is small and portable also. I have kept fish in the past, since they are very soothing to watch. During my next vacation period, I plan to set up an aquarium with plenty of natural plants and a few peaceful fish. I also like the Bettas, as in your photo. For the last several years, they have been the only fish I have kept. If I live in a rural area again, I would like to keep a few chickens, geese, and maybe a turkey or two around the place, as I did in my younger days. If I am lucky enough to acquire a large parcel of land, it would be nice to keep a horse again. Before I got into law enforcement, I had thought seriously of studying to become a veterinarian. Perhaps I will, someday. I will be eligible to retire and collect a pension in less than a year, when I am 42. That is young enough for a second career.