What About Pets?
Much has been written by researchers, scientists and scholars about the evolution of pets in relationship to man. In a 14th century monograph uncovered in the cellars of the library at Taurusfoemus University in Scarmacci, Italy, the origin of the term PET, was said to derive from the Latin term, petorum, petoribus – meaning: under the control of a lower being. Or you could rely on an entry in an early study by Professor B. L. Ather of Euclid University at Akron, defining PET, as an acronym for People Entertaining Trouble. There have been many detailed studies emanating from the Petology Department at Michigan State University School of Advanced Animal Husbandry, discussing which animal is a pet and which is just a wild animal or farm animal. They have written extensively on the topic. Looking at all this information, we know that there is still much more to learn about this issue, but we can still endeavor to provide some help and further understanding of this complicated discussion.
When first it is determined that there is a strong desire, need or driving force for a person or family to acquire a pet, it is best not to rush into the whole thing. A child may cry to a parent that they want a little kitty cat. Sometimes it is wise not to succumb to the temptation to quickly agree to this notion. Do we really want a cat? What about a goldfish, or a parakeet, a cute little hamster, gerbil, or even a reptile of some sort could be considered. Before we charge headlong into the uncertainties of Pet World, we need to review all the options. Maybe consult with some other known pet owners, not just the pet lovers, but also those who agree to endure the presence of a pet to perhaps ensure “Peace for our Time.” The Neville Chamberlain approach. See what works best for them and what might be acceptable to you and your family situation. Bargaining is encouraged. If we get a cat and a hamster, I get to have a motorcycle, or maybe a weekend in Las Vegas.
So then a period of thoughtful contemplation should ensue. The fish and rodents have short life spans which could be considered as either a negative or positive, the bird might fly away or could live a long time. The snake might slither into activities that are not conducive to undisturbed sleep at night. So what about that cat? Most cats, even with minimal care, seem to live almost forever. You can name them whatever you want, Cuddles, Petunia, Salome, Princess of Piecrustland, or any cute little thing that might come to some juvenile mind. You can name them, but when you call them, they might come to you or most likely not. The cats will do whatever pleases them, and unless you have a can of tuna or a piece of fried chicken in your hand, they are probably not going to come. Now when you take them to the vet for treatment for some sort of cat disease, you can rest at ease. When the nurse or assistant calls out, : “Cuddles Jones, or SweatPea Johnson!” you can jump up and take your kitty carrier up to the kind lady without shame. The other people waiting, will look up and smile and some might say : “what a cute name for a cat, our kitty is called JellyBean!” The dumb cats don’t know what their name is and could care less. They are usually plotting how to escape from you, to run around the house and jump on shelves, furniture and tables. Maybe if its a good day, they might make it outside and kill a couple birds. Cats are an option, but not always the best.
Now you might consider the proud canine. You could get a nice little dog that doesn’t take up a lot of room on the living room floor. When going for a drive, you can have him sit on your lap and you can feed it pieces of Wheatabix when you stop for a red light. Other drivers will be enchanted to watch you driving around with your little doggie in the window. You could arrange to go to a breeder and get some exotic pure bred dog. It will have papers and proof of lineage. Some of these dogs are a little temperamental and suffer from many rare maladies that need constant attention. The vet might present you with a bill for a couple thousand, but after a look from your husband or wife or kid, you will shell out the long green, because you know that it still isn’t as much as you paid for the dog in the first place. In many cases a common mutt is the best option, unless you live in a gated community, then it must be back to an exotic pure bred. The most important thing to do, after you have decided which kind of dog to get, is what to name it. This can be very tricky if not handled properly. Some new owners might not take this too seriously and just settle on any old name that comes to mind. “Oh, we live on Philbert Street, so lets name him Philbert. ” That way if he ever gets lost, he might remember his street name. All quite logical I am sure. But remember, when the doggie is running around outside, and you have to call him in for dinner or bed time, you have to yell and sometimes quite loud: Oh Philbert!!! Philbertttttt! Philbert get in here!” So that name is echoing throughout the neighborhood. You start to regret the quick choice of names. Too late now. Or your wife has been taking French lessons and you happen to adopt a poodle and she has named it, Chanel-cauchemar. Consider yelling that name out the back window at ten o’clock at night. Or, even better when you visit the vet and they say, “…next, Chanel-cauchemar Jenkins” Who is going to walk up to the counter answering to that appellation? Although, most of the other victims sitting in the waiting room, already knew that it was you they were calling. You might decide to adopt a dog with a bit more of a tough reputation. A German Shepherd or pit bull mixture. You know that you can’t name him Buffy or Skippy, so you have to go with something like Mauser or Machete. When they call out that moniker at the vet, most of the others will keep reading their National Geographic or Pets are People Monthly, and not hazard a chance to make eye contact with you or the dog. My suggestion is to go with the safe name like Randy, Duke or Kevin, for a female, you might consider Doris, Betsy or Lassie. Those dogs will know that they have a normal name and they will probably live longer, happier lives and you might too. Good luck and don’t forget that they still have Pet Rocks out there somewhere.
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