I have a three year old mini-schnauzer.

I'm sure that our day is several years away, but I can't even fathom it - or maybe I just don't want to.

One of my cats comes when you whistle for her.

I think smoking has been banned in Blaine, KS.

Sorry for your loss. I lost my best friend a year ago this week to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. He was 10 but in great health. The vet did all they could. He died on our living room floor.

Anyway, we got a lab puppy before Christmas. I never had a lab and love the breed but he chews everything. I'll be happy when he's out of the puppy phase!

That would indeed be cool.

It's less cool, but there was an odd article in our local paper a while back about a former Hispanic/Mexican custom of having one last family photo taken at the funeral. They would prop up the coffin so that the deceased was semi-upright and then the whole family would gather around for a picture. They had pictures in the newspaper, and it was a little creepy - a bunch of kids and family looking just like your normal K-Mart family photo, but in the back row the dad is dead.

Thanks.

You are in for the treat of your life once the chew phase is over. I have had several dogs, but none as docile, sweet, obidient or person-like as Jake. As corny as it may sound, IMO, they truly are a peek into heaven.

Dogs are amazing.

Unlike cats, and a lot like kids, they are constantly seeking your affection and approval until the day they die.

It's terrible having to do that. I had a boston that got into a fight with the neighbors dog and was paralyzed and we had to put him down. It's the worst feeling knowing there's nothing you can do about it.

My Lab was like a baby sitter to my kids.
I swear he helped keep them out of trouble at times.
Most kids learn to walk by holding on to the couch or coffee table.
In my house the Lab not only was willing but wouldnt leave them alone till they practiced with him.

Also My lab as most are Was of a Lassie temperment UNLESS someone with bad intentions was around or someone unknown was at our door..then he was Cujo!

He Was so protective of my kids that when we were rough playing there were times our dog couldnt get passed the protective feeling & I had to put him outside while we played.
But of course I was fine with him being this way.

Protector/friend Unconditional love

I think cats are a lot like dogs. My cats run to greet me when I get home, they hang out with us when we're in the house, and they won't go to bed if I'm still up. If my wife goes to bed and I'm up working, they'll hang out with me in case I need any help.

I think that people think cats are aloof because a) cats are not as hyperactive and won't demand attention, and b) in many cases cats don't get as much attention as dogs, so they don't develop the bond as strongly. If you give a cat as much attention as you give a dog, they'll behave in much the same way ... only with less drool.

MY LAB drools only if I eat in front of her....

but the cat box smell goes on forever....

Well, I have a 9 year old cat named K.C. (a ref. to the KC Chiefs). She is definitely affectionate to me. But cats are different. For instance, my dog(Sasha) will put up with my 4 year old hanging all over her and stuff. The cat, on the other hand, runs when she sees my little girl. Plus, the pooch loves me most of all and always sits on the floor by me when we sit down to watch TV and whatnot. But she wants that attention from anybody and everybody who's willing to give it to her.

The cat is more of a one person pet. Sure, she likes other family members(4 year old excluded), but mainly she wants my attention. And she jumps in my bed at night or jumps on my lap just like your cats.

I guess I just like animals and I'm good with them. Most animals I've ever met have liked me. I'm thinking about getting a boxer. But not until my dog is gone. Heh, I don't need 2 dogs running around.

I'm terribly sorry. Losing a dog is a tough one. :(

My condolences. I put both our aging Poms (yeah, I know, not REAL dogs) on the same day about six months ago and it is still killing me...

My daughter (5 y/o) wants a new dog, but I can't bring myself to do it yet. Putting down dogs has got to be one of the worst things I ever had to do...ever.

Stupid dogs.

Thanks. Almost 24 hours out now, and the knot in my stomach hasn't subsided much. Sounds like many here fully understand and been fortunate to have enjoyed the love between pet and human. Somewhat indescribable, and for whatever reason(s) the pain of their loss is very sharp. IMO it's largely due to their innocence, dependency and unbridled/unwavering friendship. Everyones' thougts are very much appreciated.