The Conservative Cave
Current Events => The DUmpster => The DUmping Ground => Topic started by: Vagabond on June 16, 2010, 09:26:24 PM
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Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:17 PM
Original message
Rural Life is not for me - tonight I realized why I love living in the city
My Aunt works with feral cat colonies. She lives next to a state park.
As they can, they catch the adults animals and have them neutered. They seek to find homes for the (weened, neutered) kittens.
A few days ago, she was alerted by unearthly screams. She ran to the door in time to see an owl take off with a 4 week old kitten while it was screaming and its momma was pitching a eternal fit.
I can't seem to let go of this visual. I'm having nightmares about my own (adult) girl being attacked - even though we are in the city and she doesn't go outdoors without me and her harness/leash.
I can't even VISIT the humane society. Money is no problem, but I can't see these animals in need.
I know this is "nature" but I can't even imagine witnessing this.
How do I get this image out of my mind?
That was nature being nature. Something liberals can't understand. Every second of every day for an animal outside is an all out war for survival, and victory means they get the right to their next breath. Showing this to a liberal can cause psychological therapy bills.
Bonobo (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:22 PM
Response to Original message
1. I'd rather see that than watch people step blithely over homeless people. nt
Yes, because we all know, that is all anyone on the city does all day is walk over homeless people....even as bad as DC is, they aren't that bad.
bobbolink (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:23 PM
Response to Reply #1
3. Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Yes, yes we all know you're a hobo, that schtick isn't even going to land you in the top ten this year. Get a new act.
OffWithTheirHeads (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:43 PM
Response to Reply #1
17. + Life is a very brutal existence but, once you accept that
you become more in touch with the reality rather than the myth.
Not to put too much of a fine point on it but, in the overall scheme of things, your existence is irrelevant. Sorry.
What we do echoes in eternity, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Nelson was insignificant except that the men under him were well trained, and not just by him, and willing to do their jobs. A Sunday school teacher in Philadelphia in the 1840s teaching a small class of students led directly to the ministry of Billy Graham. An insignificant failure of a man named Karl Marx penned a wildly incorrect book on politics and economics in the 1840s that led to the deaths of over one hundred million people in the twentieth century as his acolytes tried to enact and perfect his hopelessly flawed ideas. Every day matters, it is what you make of it.
Xipe Totec (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:23 PM
Response to Original message
2. There are far more dangerous predators in the city
Seriously.
Arugula Latte (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #2
21. I don't know ...
I'm more afraid of people in rural areas than I am afraid of people in the city. Maybe that's the influence of "Deliverance" or something ...
Yes, people that merely want to be left alone are truly frightening to a moonbat.
rug (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:25 PM
Response to Original message
4. Thanks a lot.
"She ran to the door in time to see an owl take off with a 4 week old kitten while it was screaming and its momma was pitching a eternal fit."
Now how do I get rid of it?
Get rid of it? The owl already got rid of it for you....oh, wait. Another therapist cashes in.
EFerrari (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:28 PM
Response to Original message
5. What was a 4 week old kitten doing outside in the first place?
Edited on Wed Jun-16-10 09:29 PM by EFerrari
I live in a rural area right now and my cats do not go outside. We have owls and coyotes and turkey vultures here. They didn't go out in San Francisco, either. It took losing two cats but now I'm an indoor cat Nazi.
Yep, poor critters got outside and ran for their life.
Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:43 PM
Response to Reply #13
16. Its just so heartbreaking. The violence doesn't make it any easier.
You and me, ain't nothin' but mammals, let's do it like they do on the Discovery channel................Blech! What am I thinking?
Speck Tater (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:36 PM
Response to Original message
8. The antidote: Picture that poor owl starving to death if had failed to catch his dinner.
Welcome to nature. I truly feel sorry for people who have so completely lost contact with nature the way it really is. It's about life. It's about death. It's real, unlike the artificial world of the city where reality is hidden from view wherever possible. I wouldn't go back to the city for all the tea in China. To live in a sealed building and not feel the breeze on my face. To not even know what phase the moon is in right now. What an empty, sterile existence! But yes, certain food animals are pampered and protected in the city, but surly you must realize how unnatural that is. Those cute fluffy little yellow baby chicks still end up in a box as chicken McNuggets, even if you hide your eyes from the act of slicing their throats and bleeding them out. City dwellers live in denial of reality, and the city enables that state of denial.
First sensical DUmmie in the thread. Moley, Moley, Mole.
Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:39 PM
Response to Reply #8
12. Thanks for that balance.
Seriously - I wouldn't have posted if I didn't need the help.
You need more help than that.
elocs (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:38 PM
Response to Original message
11. There is no way around it--nature is cruel. Maybe the owl had babies of its own to feed.
The owl was doing something totally natural. To be honest, and I've had cats for decades, they themselves are natural killing machines and will, without a thought, kill any birds or small animals they are able to kill, babies or not.
Starting to sound like a food chain or something. And no, DUmmies I don't mean McDonald's
EFerrari (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:43 PM
Response to Reply #11
15. My cat used to bring me mouse butts like trophies after a good hunt.
She was so proud of herself. Of course, it made this burb baby just about stroke out every time. lol
Actually, she was trying to tell you that you're an ass.
Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #15
20. Dear God, I need therapy. Seriously.
Why is it that I found this funny, but am having nightmares about the owl?
Ugh.
Because you don't feed the mice and give them cutesy names and pretend they aren't violent predators?
Seriously, how dumb do you have to be to let an owl give you a nightmare. (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8575406#8575527)
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OMG! I'm an animal lover and I have to say that sometimes nature sucks LOL. I totally get how horrified this girl is. Hubby and I were doing a job once and there were a bunch of turkeys outside, well the turkeys were ganging up on this smaller most likely sick turkey and they were pecking him, my client said that's what they do to the sick ones, well I don't want to hear that. Well anyway I start crying and asked hubby if he could take the turkey in the car and drive him a couple of miles away to get away from the other turkeys, hubby gave me this look and said you've got to be kidding me, that turkey will go wild in the car, it didn't matter to me, I was just worried about the turkey. Another time I was at another clients house and I guess a feral cat was trying to feed her kittens and the cat caught a squirrel, I'm looking out the window and see the cat carrying this squirrel, I scream and start crying my eyes out.
I'm an animal nut and hate seeing any animal suffer. OMG I'm starting to feel like a leftist LOL.
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Why do I have the theme from Green Acres running through my head after reading that?
They all want to be Zsa Zsa and nobody wants to be Eddie Albert.
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Why do I have the theme from Green Acres running through my head after reading that?
They all want to be Zsa Zsa and nobody wants to be Eddie Albert.
Don't read my post then LOL.
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I meant that DUmmy's post about the poor widdle owl. You beat me to the 'Post' button.
It is an honor to have your cat eaten by a hawk.
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I meant that DUmmy's post about the poor widdle owl. You beat me to the 'Post' button.
It is an honor to have your cat eaten by a hawk.
Thanks! I had forgotten about that post.
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As level headed as my girlfriend is on just about everything else, this aspect of nature just gets to her. Especially when one of her cats gets a bird. I was in Richardson picking up a couple kippot a few weeks ago and she called me up freaked out that one of them had left her a bird as a present. Not that the bird was in the house, but that it was dead. But that's what cats do, I say. Didn't seem to appreciate it.
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As level headed as my girlfriend is on just about everything else, this aspect of nature just gets to her. Especially when one of her cats gets a bird. I was in Richardson picking up a couple kippot a few weeks ago and she called me up freaked out that one of them had left her a bird as a present. Not that the bird was in the house, but that it was dead. But that's what cats do, I say. Didn't seem to appreciate it.
I totally understand your girlfriend.
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I can't seem to let go of this visual. I'm having nightmares about my own (adult) girl being attacked - even though we are in the city and she doesn't go outdoors without me and her harness/leash.
You keep your ADULT child on a leash?!
Kinky
How do I get this image out of my mind?
Well...smoke more dope...
/DUmmy
Pee Ess:
:picsneeded:
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Arugula Latte (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #2
21. I don't know ...
I'm more afraid of people in rural areas than I am afraid of people in the city. Maybe that's the influence of "Deliverance" or something
Well ya know...that WAS men forcibly sucking-off men so...run with that...ya know...
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There is never a time when one part of Nature isn't at war with another part of nature.
"As Plato discerned, there is a streak of the irrational in the World Soul."
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I totally understand your girlfriend.
I once had a girlfriend freak out when a coatimundi walk past with a lizard in it's mouth. I hate to say I knew the relationship wasn't going any further right at the moment but kept it going for my own selfish reasons for a few more weeks anyway.
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Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #15
20. Dear God, I need therapy. Seriously.
OMG!!!111
Hey ya'll...caption THAT pic!
`Scuse me...I'll be laughing for a week over that statement...
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I once had a girlfriend freak out when a coatimundi walk past with a lizard in it's mouth. I hate to say I knew the relationship wasn't going any further right at the moment but kept it going for my own selfish reasons for a few more weeks anyway.
LOL, my husband is a fisherman and his friends are fishermen and hunters, but I think he's amused by my feelings toward animals. When he goes fishing and comes home I always ask if he threw all the fish back, he just gives me that look like are you kidding.
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As level headed as my girlfriend is on just about everything else, this aspect of nature just gets to her. Especially when one of her cats gets a bird. I was in Richardson picking up a couple kippot a few weeks ago and she called me up freaked out that one of them had left her a bird as a present. Not that the bird was in the house, but that it was dead. But that's what cats do, I say. Didn't seem to appreciate it.
The cat was trying to "prove" itself to your girlfriend. The cat, by bringing a kill to her, was saying, "See? Look what I can do for you!"
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Actually, she was trying to tell you that you're an ass.
:lmao:
I had to go google "coatimundi." Never heard of it.
I have a woods, and will sometimes hear an owl successfully obtain dinner. I can't freak about that, I just think, "well, the owl needs to eat, too." Nevertheless, I can't watch it on TV, like on that series "Life." I just have to change the channel till it's over.
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I've had a couple of encounters with birds of prey while deer hunting. One was sitting on a watch and having a great horned owl fly into a hemlock tree about 15 yards from me. When it saw me move my head maybe 1/2", it got out of dodge. The other found me in a tree stand, and I was nodding off . . . and this red-tail hawk decided that my gray hair sticking out from under my cap looked like a squirrel, and came at me. It got maybe 20 yards away before it pulled up. Scared the snot out of me.
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If and when the SHTF, we know who is going to eat and who ain't.
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She ran to the door in time to see an owl take off with a 4 week old kitten while it was screaming and its momma was pitching a eternal fit.
I can't seem to let go of this visual. I'm having nightmares about my own (adult) girl being attacked - even though we are in the city and she doesn't go outdoors without me and her harness/leash.
I can't even VISIT the humane society. Money is no problem, but I can't see these animals in need.
I know this is "nature" but I can't even imagine witnessing this.
How do I get this image out of my mind?
And yet, the result of a human abortion would not phase this DUmmie in the least -- hell, no doubt she'd be outside the clinic with a NARAL sign, cheering it on . . .
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LOL, my husband is a fisherman and his friends are fishermen and hunters, but I think he's amused by my feelings toward animals. When he goes fishing and comes home I always ask if he threw all the fish back, he just gives me that look like are you kidding.
You so remind me of my wife. I have to take off the heads (and tails) of the trout I catch, so they don't "look" at her. :lmao:
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I've had a couple of encounters with birds of prey while deer hunting. One was sitting on a watch and having a great horned owl fly into a hemlock tree about 15 yards from me. When it saw me move my head maybe 1/2", it got out of dodge. The other found me in a tree stand, and I was nodding off . . . and this red-tail hawk decided that my gray hair sticking out from under my cap looked like a squirrel, and came at me. It got maybe 20 yards away before it pulled up. Scared the snot out of me.
Was out dove huntin' once and had a red tail take a dive at me! I didn't know he was there! I heard this real high pitched sound, almost like a siren above me. That puppy was really movin! Only when I looked up did the critter pull off and away!
He hung around screechin' until he scared all the doves off, bastard! Guess he didn't like me takin' his dinner!
I swear he was damn near breakin' the sound barrier when I looked up!
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And yet, the result of a human abortion would not phase this DUmmie in the least -- hell, no doubt she'd be outside the clinic with a NARAL sign, cheering it on . . .
Excellent response! :cheersmate:
Where are the threads talking about the horror of partial birth abortions? oh yeah, let's get graphic here, baby partially born and a scalpel is shoved into the neck to sever the spine, or let's discuss watching an ultrasound of a baby being aborted and the baby struggling to survive, where are the nightmares of the left when it comes to this issue?
I dare DU people to watch these:
[youtube=425,350]s_W75zh1j2I[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]UX7goxsip6Y[/youtube]
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Was out dove huntin' once and had a red tail take a dive at me! I didn't know he was there! I heard this real high pitched sound, almost like a siren above me. That puppy was really movin! Only when I looked up did the critter pull off and away!
He hung around screechin' until he scared all the doves off, bastard! Guess he didn't like me takin' his dinner!
I swear he was damn near breakin' the sound barrier when I looked up!
What I didn't tell you was that I got the evil eye from that hawk when it finally landed in a dead tree, about 20 yards to my right. I could tell that this was one pissed-off hawk.
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I had a moonbat girlfriend in college, you shoulda seen the fit she pitched after watching a documentary on tv where a adolescent chimp is grieving over the corpse of its mama. I seriously though I would have to take her to a looney bin for a few days.
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Arugula Latte (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #2
21. I don't know ...
I'm more afraid of people in rural areas than I am afraid of people in the city. Maybe that's the influence of "Ignorance" or something
Edited for accuracy.
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Arugula Latte (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:46 PM
Response to Reply #2
21. I don't know ...
I'm more afraid of people in rural areas than I am afraid of people in the city. Maybe that's the influence of "Deliverance" or something
Well ya know...that WAS men forcibly sucking-off men so...run with that...ya know...
When that happens in a rural area, Burt Reynolds shoots you with an arrow.
In the city, they call it "Pride Day" and put on a parade.
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Well ya know...that WAS men forcibly sucking-off men so...run with that...ya know...
When that happens in a rural area, Burt Reynolds shoots you with an arrow.
In the city, they call it "Pride Day" and put on a parade.
I don't think they were doin' much "suckin'", more like "pokin'"! There's a reason they wear those buttless chaps, ya know! How's that for "pride"?
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You so remind me of my wife. I have to take off the heads (and tails) of the trout I catch, so they don't "look" at her. :lmao:
:lmao:
My husbands idea of fun is catching a big fish, bringing the whole thing home, then putting it somewhere in the basement, then call me downstairs and I see the darn fish and scream LOL.
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:lmao:
My husbands idea of fun is catching a big fish, bringing the whole thing home, then putting it somewhere in the basement, then call me downstairs and I see the darn fish and scream LOL.
You and I are a lot alike as far as animals are concerned. I actually used to love to fish. I don't eat fish, so I'd always throw them back. One time my hook got one in the eye, and my husband had to take the hook out. The fish was then one-eyed willie. I haven't fished since. I felt bad for doing that to that fish when I had no intentions of eating it. Not sure if the fish survived or not, but I don't fish anymore. I love to still go with my husband while he fishes. He eats them, so I don't feel so bad, but I was doing it for sport, and I don't agree with that.
And I understand this gal's sadness over the owl taking the kitten. NAture is harsh, and it has to be that way. Doesn't make it easy to see. I watched this mama and daddy bird trying to teach their baby to fly in my backyard for a couple of days. I would try to encourage the bird to go into the next yard over because my dog was a little animal killer. Didn't happen. My dog treated the baby bird as a play toy, and it killed it. It hurt my feelings so bad. He also killed cats that came into my backyard, possums, snakes, squirrels, etc. He was a little killer dog. He was a wonderful dog to people and to my other dogs, but any random animal that came into my backyard usually didn't make it back out. He is dead and gone now, and I miss him so much, but there are a lot less dead animals in my backyard now. The worst was when he brought a fresh squirrel through the doggie door. Not good.
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Always remember folks that if that sweet house cat or devoted dog were to suddenly be 4 foot tall at the shoulder and was hungry...
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Always remember folks that if that sweet house cat or devoted dog were to suddenly be 4 foot tall at the shoulder and was hungry...
A cat? Sure. We call them lions, tigers, panthers, etc. A dog? No way. Not a pet dog anyway. Maybe a group of wild dogs. Wolves.
But it is survival. It is life. It is the way it goes. The owl had to eat. The cat was an easy catch and probably the right size.
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You and I are a lot alike as far as animals are concerned. I actually used to love to fish. I don't eat fish, so I'd always throw them back. One time my hook got one in the eye, and my husband had to take the hook out. The fish was then one-eyed willie. I haven't fished since. I felt bad for doing that to that fish when I had no intentions of eating it. Not sure if the fish survived or not, but I don't fish anymore. I love to still go with my husband while he fishes. He eats them, so I don't feel so bad, but I was doing it for sport, and I don't agree with that.
And I understand this gal's sadness over the owl taking the kitten. NAture is harsh, and it has to be that way. Doesn't make it easy to see. I watched this mama and daddy bird trying to teach their baby to fly in my backyard for a couple of days. I would try to encourage the bird to go into the next yard over because my dog was a little animal killer. Didn't happen. My dog treated the baby bird as a play toy, and it killed it. It hurt my feelings so bad. He also killed cats that came into my backyard, possums, snakes, squirrels, etc. He was a little killer dog. He was a wonderful dog to people and to my other dogs, but any random animal that came into my backyard usually didn't make it back out. He is dead and gone now, and I miss him so much, but there are a lot less dead animals in my backyard now. The worst was when he brought a fresh squirrel through the doggie door. Not good.
Until a few years ago we always had dogs, I never thought of them as animals at all, they were always a part of the family, then 1 day there was a bloated bird in my yard, it was obvious the bird was sick, couldn't fly and hopped around, of course I started crying, then opened the back door, I didn't realize my sweet precious wouldn't hurt a fly door was there and he got out and went right for the bird, it was such a shock when I realized my dog really was an animal and he did what his instinct said to do, what a reality shock that was.
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A cat? Sure. We call them lions, tigers, panthers, etc. A dog? No way. Not a pet dog anyway. Maybe a group of wild dogs. Wolves.
But it is survival. It is life. It is the way it goes. The owl had to eat. The cat was an easy catch and probably the right size.
I grew up on a dairy farm and there is no animal wild or domesticated that can be trusted when their instincts take over.
Raccoons,which everyone thinks are cute are often rabid and vicious critters and could do a lot of damage to a human if given the chance.
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Until a few years ago we always had dogs, I never thought of them as animals at all, they were always a part of the family, then 1 day there was a bloated bird in my yard, it was obvious the bird was sick, couldn't fly and hopped around, of course I started crying, then opened the back door, I didn't realize my sweet precious wouldn't hurt a fly door was there and he got out and went right for the bird, it was such a shock when I realized my dog really was an animal and he did what his instinct said to do, what a reality shock that was.
Yep. I have had dogs for as long as I can remember. This dog I speak of was the first one I ever had that liked to kill animals that got into his territory. He never bloodied them up, but he definitely killed them, and he thought I should be proud of him for doing so. Kinda like the cats that drop the mouse at your feet. I did everything I could to try to dissuade him from doing it, but his instincts always kicked in. He was definitely the alpha dog in the house (we had 3 dogs at the time). I always though he'd be a good leader for a pack if he were wild.
I brought home a stray kitten once that I found underneath my car. I tried to find the baby a home, and no vets around here would take her. I decided I'd take her to the no-kill shelter the next day when they opened back up. I brought her in the house, and she wasn't having it nor was my Hutch. So, I thought she'd be ok in the front yard for the night. I put out food and water. Well, she decided to venture into the backyard. Not good. I went to the bathroom for a second, came back out, and little miss kitty was dead on the living room floor. I guess she got into the backyard, Hutch got her, and he brought her in the house for me to see. I cried so hard. I actually had to call my husband to come home so he could remove her.
I couldn't even stay in the house with her lying there dead. I thought that I killed her. I brought her into the situation. She'd been better off as a stray.
Hutch died (got ran over-freak accident) while I was pregnant. He was a huge kid lover, but I kinda felt like this was God's way of making room for my baby girl. At least that is what I told myself. I was already emotional from being pregnant, and then this accident happened, but I think it was for the best. He was a loving dog toward people, but he and other animals (besides my other dogs) just didn't mesh. Couldn't have my baby girl getting caught in the mix.
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I grew up on a dairy farm and there is no animal wild or domesticated that can be trusted when their instincts take over.
Raccoons,which everyone thinks are cute are often rabid and vicious critters and could do a lot of damage to a human if given the chance.
Raccoons are cute, and they have some crazy human-like qualities, but they are dangerous. Many also carry rabies. I do agree with you. Many animals, if not all, that aren't domesticated will kill you for food or for territory purposes if they have the ability. And there is only so far that some animals can be domesticated.
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I brought home a stray kitten once that I found underneath my car. I tried to find the baby a home, and no vets around here would take her. I decided I'd take her to the no-kill shelter the next day when they opened back up. I brought her in the house, and she wasn't having it nor was my Hutch. So, I thought she'd be ok in the front yard for the night. I put out food and water. Well, she decided to venture into the backyard. Not good. I went to the bathroom for a second, came back out, and little miss kitty was dead on the living room floor. I guess she got into the backyard, Hutch got her, and he brought her in the house for me to see. I cried so hard. I actually had to call my husband to come home so he could remove her.
Hutch died (got ran over-freak accident) while I was pregnant. He was a huge kid lover, but I kinda felt like this was God's way of making room for my baby girl. At least that is what I told myself. I was already emotional from being pregnant, and then this accident happened, but I think it was for the best. He was a loving dog toward people, but other he and other animals (besides my other dogs) just didn't mesh. Couldn't have my baby girl getting caught in the mix.
That's so sad. :(
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That's so sad. :(
It was. I wish someone had told me not to watch "I am Legend" the day he died. I had no clue there was a dog in that movie. I boo-hoo'd big time. And I am not a big cryer. However, I haven't brought home any random animals since. I was notorious for doing that. A baby squirrel once. The kitten. Another dog... Hasn't happend since.
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Until a few years ago we always had dogs, I never thought of them as animals at all, they were always a part of the family, then 1 day there was a bloated bird in my yard, it was obvious the bird was sick, couldn't fly and hopped around, of course I started crying, then opened the back door, I didn't realize my sweet precious wouldn't hurt a fly door was there and he got out and went right for the bird, it was such a shock when I realized my dog really was an animal and he did what his instinct said to do, what a reality shock that was.
I know this isn't what you all were discussing but I'll post it anyway. We used to have a black cocker spaniel when we were first married. We named her Baby and she was our baby. She slept on our bed, we literally babied her. Even when I would take her out to pee I would carry her at times. We took her everywhere.
Within a week of having our son we got rid of her. We lived in an apartment so I don't know if the dog hair was worse because of the apartment or what but every time I dropped my son's bottle or pacifier there would be dog hair on it. Every time I folded his little white under shirts there would be black dog hair all over them. When I would wash his sheets there would be dog hair on them. I immediately "turned" on our first "baby" and said she had to go. I never thought that would happen but it did.
My real child out ranked my animal "child". I'm sure some animal lovers would be appalled by what we did but the thought of my real baby sleeping in dog hair or when he was old enough, crawling around in it, was not an option. We gave her away to someone I worked with. I used to bring her to work with me sometimes and he absolutely loved her. I know she went to a good home and I don't feel guilty at all.
We now have two Schnauzers, when they finally "go" I will not get another animal. I love them and they do bring me joy but they also screw up my house. One of our dogs have thrown up twice in our kitchen and it has etched the travertine tile. In our house in Dallas the older dog got into Flintstones Chewable Vitamins and threw up all over our dinning room floor, had to buy new carpet. There are many other things that these dogs have done that to me (I am OCD) I do not want to experience again with a new dog. My kids can buy their own dog when they are out of the house. In the mean time, I will care for our dogs, take them to the vet, get them groomed, play with them and I know I will be sad the day they die but secretly, I look forward to the day when I don't have to mess with an animal.
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Always remember folks that if that sweet house cat or devoted dog were to suddenly be 4 foot tall at the shoulder and was hungry...
I thought UGP was taller?
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I know this isn't what you all were discussing but I'll post it anyway. We used to have a black cocker spaniel when we were first married. We named her Baby and she was our baby. She slept on our bed, we literally babied her. Even when I would take her out to pee I would carry her at times. We took her everywhere.
Within a week of having our son we got rid of her. We lived in an apartment so I don't know if the dog hair was worse because of the apartment or what but every time I dropped my son's bottle or pacifier there would be dog hair on it. Every time I folded his little white under shirts there would be black dog hair all over them. When I would wash his sheets there would be dog hair on them. I immediately "turned" on our first "baby" and said she had to go. I never thought that would happen but it did.
My real child out ranked my animal "child". I'm sure some animal lovers would be appalled by what we did but the thought of my real baby sleeping in dog hair or when he was old enough, crawling around in it, was not an option. We gave her away to someone I worked with. I used to bring her to work with me sometimes and he absolutely loved her. I know she went to a good home and I don't feel guilty at all.
We now have two Schnauzers, when they finally "go" I will not get another animal. I love them and they do bring me joy but they also screw up my house. One of our dogs have thrown up twice in our kitchen and it has etched the travertine tile. In our house in Dallas the older dog got into Flintstones Chewable Vitamins and threw up all over our dinning room floor, had to buy new carpet. There are many other things that these dogs have done that to me (I am OCD) I do not want to experience again with a new dog. My kids can buy their own dog when they are out of the house. In the mean time, I will care for our dogs, take them to the vet, get them groomed, play with them and I know I will be sad the day they die but secretly, I look forward to the day when I don't have to mess with an animal.
I understand. We are battling that now, like we do every summer. My dogs actually don't shed much UNTIL summer. We will be getting my big dog shaved here shortly. I can't see another doggie hair floating around. It will literally drive me crazy. We brush him really good every day, but that isn't enough. He needs to be shaved. He is ugly as hell when he is shaved, but whatever.
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Being out in remote country, I don't feel like I'm at the top of the food chain anyway. Mountain lion or bear would get me if they had the opportunity. When enough dumped off town dogs find each other, they can be ruthless, too. And wolves really will eat you.
I used to set snares around my calving grounds. I didn't relish killing coyotes, but it helped reduce the number of calves they killed, and I had no illusions that if my cows were predators and coyotes were lowly herbivores, that cows would behave any differently toward them.
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Well ya know...that WAS men forcibly sucking-off men so...run with that...ya know...
When that happens in a rural area, Burt Reynolds shoots you with an arrow.
In the city, they call it "Pride Day" and put on a parade.
sad...so sad...
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I don't know if this counts, but there is a blue jay that dive bombs my dog when he is in my back yard. Little effer.
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I don't know if this counts, but there is a blue jay that dive bombs my dog when he is in my back yard. Little effer.
You know, I didn't have a clue until recently how hardcore Blue Jays are. I've seen every single bird in my yard fly away when one approaches. I had no clue they were part of the crow family. They don't mess around, that is for sure.
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i grew up in a city, and lived in big cities all my life, until i bought my little farm in the ozarks 7 years ago. i'm pretty good about all that occurs out here, i have hunted and fished all my life. but i'm still city bred (and there is a difference.)
my nearest neighbor is a few miles away. nice family. 8 children, all beautiful & friendly & courteous & smart (home schooled, as you might guess.) i don't see them all that often but i do have a dog that every few months decides it is more fun to wander off and stay with 8 children rather than to come home to my grumpy old self (not that i blame him.) so if he's gone for more than a day, soon one of the young 'uns will walk him back home on a leash. my neighbors are nice that way.
this last time, a few weeks ago, the little 8 or 9yo leal brings him home. all of the children are great, but leal is my favorite. she will talk your ear off. so smart. dressed like all of the girls across that pasture, in a long dress (i think it's part of their religion, but i don't ask,) and barefoot (because you have to cross a rather large stream to get from there to here.)
anyway, to the point of all this...
leal and i are neighborly talking by the fence about pets, and how i recently lost a dog (to old age) and a cat (to a hawk,) and i pointed out where they were buried.
"but where are the crosses?" she wanted to know. "i should do that." i replied. "i can help you, let's do it now..."
she insisted.
leal gathered some sticks, i got some twine, and we made crosses for both graves and placed them. and we talked. she told me about their goats and how several of the kids were stillborn, and then the rest were killed when coyotes got to them. she ask me where i thought animals and humans went when they died. on an on and on about life and death and the mysteries...
then we said a little prayer for my pets, and she picked up a big bug and let it walk back and forth on her hands. finally she just said "bye" and ran off home, across the stream, barefoot.
i was beyond belief amazed... one so young and so understanding about so much of life, and death. unafraid of it all. so curious (and completely ok with bugs.) in a pretty dress (not dressed like a little hooker as so many are now.) a beautiful child.
i know these thoughts date me about what we expect of girls. but i will accept any "leal" that shows up in life as more than equal. that bug she loved frankly scared me a bit.
ok, so enough...
city girls may have visited a museum or two, seen a broadway play, know how to score a teenth and can dance some nasty shit. that appears how you rate a city girl.
for my money? if i ever have a daughter? i want her to grow up just like leal.
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Completely ok with bugs......sweet! Much of fear is taught to us. What a lovely experience for you. And what a sweet girl!
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Yep. I have had dogs for as long as I can remember. This dog I speak of was the first one I ever had that liked to kill animals that got into his territory. He never bloodied them up, but he definitely killed them, and he thought I should be proud of him for doing so. Kinda like the cats that drop the mouse at your feet. I did everything I could to try to dissuade him from doing it, but his instincts always kicked in. He was definitely the alpha dog in the house (we had 3 dogs at the time). I always though he'd be a good leader for a pack if he were wild.
I brought home a stray kitten once that I found underneath my car. I tried to find the baby a home, and no vets around here would take her. I decided I'd take her to the no-kill shelter the next day when they opened back up. I brought her in the house, and she wasn't having it nor was my Hutch. So, I thought she'd be ok in the front yard for the night. I put out food and water. Well, she decided to venture into the backyard. Not good. I went to the bathroom for a second, came back out, and little miss kitty was dead on the living room floor. I guess she got into the backyard, Hutch got her, and he brought her in the house for me to see. I cried so hard. I actually had to call my husband to come home so he could remove her.
I couldn't even stay in the house with her lying there dead. I thought that I killed her. I brought her into the situation. She'd been better off as a stray.
Hutch died (got ran over-freak accident) while I was pregnant. He was a huge kid lover, but I kinda felt like this was God's way of making room for my baby girl. At least that is what I told myself. I was already emotional from being pregnant, and then this accident happened, but I think it was for the best. He was a loving dog toward people, but he and other animals (besides my other dogs) just didn't mesh. Couldn't have my baby girl getting caught in the mix.
Oh how sad. It was nice your hubby came home, I called mine about the bird because my dog wouldn't let it out of his mouth and told him he had to come home, he said no way am I driving 45 minutes to get a bird out of the dogs mouth, of course he was right, so I called my Mother to come over and she did LOL.
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I know this isn't what you all were discussing but I'll post it anyway. We used to have a black cocker spaniel when we were first married. We named her Baby and she was our baby. She slept on our bed, we literally babied her. Even when I would take her out to pee I would carry her at times. We took her everywhere.
Within a week of having our son we got rid of her. We lived in an apartment so I don't know if the dog hair was worse because of the apartment or what but every time I dropped my son's bottle or pacifier there would be dog hair on it. Every time I folded his little white under shirts there would be black dog hair all over them. When I would wash his sheets there would be dog hair on them. I immediately "turned" on our first "baby" and said she had to go. I never thought that would happen but it did.
My real child out ranked my animal "child". I'm sure some animal lovers would be appalled by what we did but the thought of my real baby sleeping in dog hair or when he was old enough, crawling around in it, was not an option. We gave her away to someone I worked with. I used to bring her to work with me sometimes and he absolutely loved her. I know she went to a good home and I don't feel guilty at all.
We now have two Schnauzers, when they finally "go" I will not get another animal. I love them and they do bring me joy but they also screw up my house. One of our dogs have thrown up twice in our kitchen and it has etched the travertine tile. In our house in Dallas the older dog got into Flintstones Chewable Vitamins and threw up all over our dinning room floor, had to buy new carpet. There are many other things that these dogs have done that to me (I am OCD) I do not want to experience again with a new dog. My kids can buy their own dog when they are out of the house. In the mean time, I will care for our dogs, take them to the vet, get them groomed, play with them and I know I will be sad the day they die but secretly, I look forward to the day when I don't have to mess with an animal.
I have to agree with some of the things you said. In a 6 month period we lost 2 dogs, 1 young and 1 old, the young 1 was sick for a couple of months and she was on steroids, I literally had to use the portable bissell carpet cleaner everyday because of her problem holding the urine because of the steroids, the older 1 developed acid reflux when he was about 9, the 1st day he showed symptoms he vomited 14 times, when I got home from work I saw the amount he vomited, I was able to get that under control with meds, but he'd still do it every now and then, after my young dog died the older 1 lost the use of his back legs, I said to hubby that I can't put him down until he refuses to eat, he loved to eat and as long as he had an appetite I would take care of him, taking care of him involved carrying him outside 2-3 times a day to go to the bathroom and literally shampooing him after each time, I did that for about 6 months, he had an enlarged spleen and when that blew he went fast, by that time though I was mentally exhausted, and being a little bit of a clean freak, I felt like I was always cleaning.
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ok, so enough...
city girls may have visited a museum or two, seen a broadway play, know how to score a teenth and can dance some nasty shit. that appears how you rate a city girl.
for my money? if i ever have a daughter? i want her to grow up just like leal.
Awwwww, she sounds adorable.
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That was a sweet story, SK. I'm glad you got to do that with her.
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Completely ok with bugs......sweet! Much of fear is taught to us. What a lovely experience for you. And what a sweet girl!
i know!
i will venture out into the forest. in my combat boots. all tough guy i am. avoiding bugs as i go.
leal?
she goes barefoot. loving every bug she sees.
who is the tough guy now?
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You know, I didn't have a clue until recently how hardcore Blue Jays are. I've seen every single bird in my yard fly away when one approaches. I had no clue they were part of the crow family. They don't mess around, that is for sure.
Lessee . . . I've been dive-bombed by robins, and I've absolutely hated blue jays. I have seem male cardinals, solo, run multiple blue jays out of a bird feeder--multiple times. I hate the ****ers--except when they play the Yankees.
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:lmao:
I had to go google "coatimundi." Never heard of it.
I have a woods, and will sometimes hear an owl successfully obtain dinner. I can't freak about that, I just think, "well, the owl needs to eat, too." Nevertheless, I can't watch it on TV, like on that series "Life." I just have to change the channel till it's over.
They're border hoppers. When I was in that part of Arizona, the Huachuca Mountains, they had been there less than ten years.
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Thanks for the nice story, Sofa King.
I've had some dogs that were the opposite of what you guys have talked about. I had a Springer Spaniel who was just fantastic, and birding was in her blood. She caught a live, healthy bird in her mouth, but did not bite. Opened her mouth and bird flew away. She somehow knew she wasn't supposed to gnaw or damage the game.
Then I had a German Shepherd, Kaiser, who was just so gentle and goofy. Once he found a harmless snake, put it in his mouth without biting. The snake curled up on both ends in protest. He walked around like that, looking like he had a big handlebar mustache. :lmao: Until we saw him, of course.
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ummm, back up.
The original poster Ruby, she didn't actually see this episode just has visuals giving her nightmares? Ya think her auntie or mom (whoever told her the story) is a sadist? Better yet, bet she's a Republican!
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ummm, back up.
The original poster Ruby, she didn't actually see this episode just has visuals giving her nightmares? Ya think her auntie or mom (whoever told her the story) is a sadist? Better yet, bet she's a Republican!
:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:
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Love the story SK. Enjoying all the stories here but that one is a winner.
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LOL, my husband is a fisherman and his friends are fishermen and hunters, but I think he's amused by my feelings toward animals. When he goes fishing and comes home I always ask if he threw all the fish back, he just gives me that look like are you kidding.
Guess ya don't want to hear about all the pheasants I've killed just with the truck? Or the coyotes gettin the calves....
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Guess ya don't want to hear about all the pheasants I've killed just with the truck? Or the coyotes gettin the calves....
No LOL! I'm still not over my husband hitting a squirrel in the road.
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Well, Ballygrl, you might as well skip over this post. I was on my way to take my driver's license test waaaaay back ago, and as my father and I were headed down a hill about three miles from their house, a couple of robins took off and tried to go across the road in front of us. One hit the car antenna and wound up coming through my father's open window, hit the B-pillar of the Mirada, and died on the back seat. I could tell it was a young robin, from the coloration of the bird. Between my laughter at what had happened, and my father yelling at me to stop the (expletive removed) car, it was quite the time. He took it out of the back seat with a handkerchief and left it by the side of the road. Damn bird lay there for a week.
Over the next few years, I racked up seven birds, a chipmunk, a rabbit, and damn near a whitetail doe.
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Well, Ballygrl, you might as well skip over this post. I was on my way to take my driver's license test waaaaay back ago, and as my father and I were headed down a hill about three miles from their house, a couple of robins took off and tried to go across the road in front of us. One hit the car antenna and wound up coming through my father's open window, hit the B-pillar of the Mirada, and died on the back seat. I could tell it was a young robin, from the coloration of the bird. Between my laughter at what had happened, and my father yelling at me to stop the (expletive removed) car, it was quite the time. He took it out of the back seat with a handkerchief and left it by the side of the road. Damn bird lay there for a week.
Over the next few years, I racked up seven birds, a chipmunk, a rabbit, and damn near a whitetail doe.
I went over limit one day with my ranger....got 5 pheasants in one day....big male took a chunk outta my grill
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I used to work for a Texas seismograph company all over Texas, NM, OK and Kansas. I can tell you that Jack Rabbits do NOT fare well against a Ford PU doing 70. In less than 3 years I'd gotten several hundred. A handfull of wild Gerbils, a couple of Coyotes, a Road Runner and a Prairie Owl. The Owl survived but he got to hang out with me all night after he came to. He was NOT impressed. :rotf:
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I went over limit one day with my ranger....got 5 pheasants in one day....big male took a chunk outta my grill
I hate pheasants for that reason. Geez, those plastic grill fascias are pricey. And it's very difficult to find one intact from junkyards.
I have an obscene name for pheasants.
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I hate pheasants for that reason. Geez, those plastic grill fascias are pricey. And it's very difficult to find one intact from junkyards.
I have an obscene name for pheasants.
Problem is, those expensive fancy grilles protect your even more expensive radiator. :(
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I forgot to add that one day, about twenty years ago, I damn near put a jake turkey through my grille of my then-Jetta at 75 mph. A dozen turkeys sitting on the median of I-87 just below Exit 12, and me in the southbound left lane. Four decided to cross. I heard the tailfeathers of the last one scrape the passengers' side fender. It would have been similar to hitting a bowling ball.
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Bonobo
I'd rather see that than watch people step blithely over homeless people.
How about blithely stepping over homeless people just before they're carried away by owls?
.
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How about blithely stepping over homeless people just before they're carried away by owls?
.
That one works for me, but that would be one big owl!
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Guess ya don't want to hear about all the pheasants I've killed just with the truck? Or the coyotes gettin the calves....
The only good coyote is a DEAD coyote! There are more than enough of the damn critters! I shoot every one I see!
"The Ranch" and coyotes are on opposite ends of life's spectrum.
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The only good coyote is a DEAD coyote! There are more than enough of the damn critters! I shoot every one I see!
"The Ranch" and coyotes are on opposite ends of life's spectrum.
Can't say that I'm enamored of 'yotes, either.
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Can't say that I'm enamored of 'yotes, either.
We get as much as $150 a pelt when they have their winter coat on! It's an art in order to skin them properly, though. Oh, and quite a chore when you get to the skull.
That ought to put the lurkin' DUmbasses into a tizzy!
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My old Siberian Huskey kept the back yard small animal free, but, as he was well fed, he just chased everything off, including sparrows. A dog that kills without hunger can be dangerous to kids and passersby.
Retrevers are bred to have a "soft mouth" and bring the aminals back alive. My childhood Lab' was great at that, but hated squirrils after one bit him. After that, he'd kill any he caught with a head whip that broke their necks, throwing them up and behind him. He never missed his stride, nor looked back. It was an interesting habit to watch..
And that killed kitten, Darwinism on display.
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My old Siberian Huskey kept the back yard small animal free, but, as he was well fed, he just chased everything off, including sparrows. A dog that kills without hunger can be dangerous to kids and passersby.
Retrevers are bred to have a "soft mouth" and bring the aminals back alive. My childhood Lab' was great at that, but hated squirrils after one bit him. After that, he'd kill any he caught with a head whip that broke their necks, throwing them up and behind him. He never missed his stride, nor looked back. It was an interesting habit to watch..
And that killed kitten, Darwinism on display.
Our Siberian Husky wasn't too bothered by any of the squirrels or chipmunks in the backyard. Other dogs, OTOH, if they were around, he was not happy. When he got out, he'd pretty much go after any dog his size or bigger--sometimes he'd go after multiple dogs. Not terribly smart--but brave.
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My old Siberian Huskey kept the back yard small animal free, but, as he was well fed, he just chased everything off, including sparrows. A dog that kills without hunger can be dangerous to kids and passersby.
Retrevers are bred to have a "soft mouth" and bring the aminals back alive. My childhood Lab' was great at that, but hated squirrils after one bit him. After that, he'd kill any he caught with a head whip that broke their necks, throwing them up and behind him. He never missed his stride, nor looked back. It was an interesting habit to watch..
And that killed kitten, Darwinism on display.
My lab is a serial killer when it comes to mice! They get in the hay and occasionally jump out when I feed. I've seen her kill 8 at once! She won't eat 'em, she just crunches 'em up. Quite a sound bite, if ya get my drift!
Still, when we go duck or geese huntin' she won't wrinkle a feather!
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Well, Ballygrl, you might as well skip over this post. I was on my way to take my driver's license test waaaaay back ago, and as my father and I were headed down a hill about three miles from their house, a couple of robins took off and tried to go across the road in front of us. One hit the car antenna and wound up coming through my father's open window, hit the B-pillar of the Mirada, and died on the back seat. I could tell it was a young robin, from the coloration of the bird. Between my laughter at what had happened, and my father yelling at me to stop the (expletive removed) car, it was quite the time. He took it out of the back seat with a handkerchief and left it by the side of the road. Damn bird lay there for a week.
Over the next few years, I racked up seven birds, a chipmunk, a rabbit, and damn near a whitetail doe.
I have had a paper route now for about 16 months. When the transmission went out on my primary car (Sherman, my 1980 Chevy Malibu. Yes, I name my cars....), I started using my backup car, a 1993 Buick Century named Pepe.
I call it Pepe because when I started using it last summer, in the past year, I've killed 16 skunks (2 in one night!), 10 possums, 4 'coons, 4 rabbits, 3 birds, a cat and a deer. I have hit more wildlife in the year I've driven the Buick than I have in the 35 years I've had a drivers license!
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My lab is a serial killer when it comes to mice! They get in the hay and occasionally jump out when I feed. I've seen her kill 8 at once! She won't eat 'em, she just crunches 'em up. Quite a sound bite, if ya get my drift!
Still, when we go duck or geese huntin' she won't wrinkle a feather!
On the farm, we had a half-breed Beagle cross named Sid, who would follow our Haybine around the field EVERY SINGLE round when we mowed hay. He'd stay about 4-5 winrows out, and when I ran a rabbit out of the grass, he'd jump on it, kill it, and re-joined the Haybine mowing hay.
Once, I ran a possum out of the grass, when Sid jumped on it, it "died", so he left it alone. I went back, picked it up, threw it in the cab with me, and started off. About 20-30 yards along, the possum "woke up" and wanted out, so I let him out, with the aid of my size 12 boots. Sid jumped it again, again it "died", and again I put it back in the cab, and assisted its exit. We repeated this about 2-3 more times....
BTW, there are 2 animals I detest and will kill on sight. Possums and groundhogs. But that's a story for another day....
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Ruby the Liberal (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-16-10 09:17 PM
Original message
Rural Life is not for me - tonight I realized why I love living in the city
My Aunt works with feral cat colonies. She lives next to a state park.
As they can, they catch the adults animals and have them neutered. They seek to find homes for the (weened, neutered) kittens.
A few days ago, she was alerted by unearthly screams. She ran to the door in time to see an owl take off with a 4 week old kitten while it was screaming and its momma was pitching a eternal fit.
I can't seem to let go of this visual. I'm having nightmares about my own (adult) girl being attacked - even though we are in the city and she doesn't go outdoors without me and her harness/leash.
I can't even VISIT the humane society. Money is no problem, but I can't see these animals in need.
I know this is "nature" but I can't even imagine witnessing this.
How do I get this image out of my mind?
The owl was probably thinking:
Mmmmmm, cat!
The other, other white meat!
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Years ago I was afield with my wife. A tractor was plowing back a three or fouir year growth of unharvisted rye in a 15 acre field. As we stood, waiting for the tractor to pass, we say two very happy foxes following behind the plow. As mice were plowed up, they took turns grabbing and eating them almost smiling in their delight at this plenty. They got within 10 feet of us and we moved. The Foxes were shocked! They damned near had heart attacks, and ran like small rockets into the woods. Carol and I laughed, and entered the woods near where they did, and looked around for a den. There was "sign" so we left.
Animals are great to watch, they do have "trains of thought", and if you don't forget what they are, animals, it is very transparent.