When I was 12 we inherited 2 siamese blue point kittens; both males. Gorgeous animals. We had always had cats, but they were always a mix of whatever, with calicos being the craziest ones of the bunch. One grey one lived with us for years, and was very affectionate. These siamese cats were purebred, and grew up to be beautiful animals. Very strong and tough guys, with muscles just rippling when they walked. Looked like little cougars. Not very affectionate, and didn't like to be held. My Dad named them Rigor and Mort. Rigor got run over as at least 3 of our cats did by speeding drivers.
Mort lived with us for probably 5 years, and stuck around even though we had dogs that he hated. He wasn't particularly friendly, compared to some of the other cats we had. Then we moved, and he just decided he didn't like our new house and moved down the block. A new family took him in and he was just fine with that. We would see him from time to time gliding down the fence line.
I had a dog that I had to leave when I moved out at 18, couldn't take him with me, a wonderful friend named Humphrey. He was a french sheepdog, a briard. My Dad kept him for about a year (during which time I could seldom visit as I had to block out a whole day for a bus there and back), and then had him put to sleep without telling me. He was still perfectly healthy.
G-D-S-O-B.
No pets at all for us until 2001 when I got Barkley from the pound. We lived in apartments until 1997 and no pets allowed, so kind of got out of the habit of thinking about having them. The company I had been with for 7 years declared bankruptcy in 2001 and I was out of work so like to say he rescued me. He's my best friend. He's a lab/basset mix, lab on top, and little short legs. I tell people with a straight face that he is a rare "Miniature Lab" and almost get them to buy it.
He was 7 months old and had been abused and abandoned twice in that time. For the first 3 months he followed me everywhere, afraid I would leave him. He's just a great guy and a good companion. I think he would make a good retriever as he seems impervious to gunfire or other loud noises, and is smart and easy to train. Despite his short legs he moves pretty fast when he wants to.
Let me see if I can find a pic or two.
First one he is with his sister on a small chair in my office, a little purebred chihuahua that was given to us. In this town she's like $ on the hoof so to speak, so we constantly have to guard against her being stolen.
Second, he's helping me with a sandwich. Always ready to assist in that regard.
