Are you a cat or a dog person? Lessons…
Lessons we learn from them
I dreaded the thought of Little Daisy dying last night. And I would end up posting an obituary of her untimely passing. Deeply grateful, though, I am immensely happy that she made it through.
This post is a tribute to my little kitty named Daisy, a 3-month-old Himalayan Kitten. I have had her since September 2, 2023. And how she came into my life is a story worthy of sharing to my readers.
This post is also a reflection on the lessons I have learned from my interactions with people over the years. And how I see a cat or a dog in each of those people. So, a little knowledge of the characteristics and different personalities of cats and dogs has given me additional insights in dealing with people. At least those I consider a cat or a dog person.
As to how Little Daisy came into my life, well, as they say, “A cat chooses you, not the other way round.” And there is no harm in telling myself that there is truth to it. Between Little Daisy and me, it was a mutual “love at first sight”.
For years I had been wanting to get a puppy, or a kitten. After weighing the pros and cons of actually getting either one at all, I finally settled on a feline friend. In Canada, owning a dog has so many added challenges, especially during wintertime. For dog pets, rain or shine, sun or ice, hail or snow, come hell or high water, you have to go out for your dog to get some exercise. And for them, the best place to pee and poo is the outdoors. And this is more challenging if you live in a high-rise condo.
However, in those years of “wanting” a kitten, I found myself like a young woman who is so interested in meeting the prince of her dream.
The problem is that her whole busy life is devoured by her work. And sometimes work goes home with her. There is no time and energy left for informal social connections. And she is wary of finding one on the internet.
But one day, as I was strolling in the mall, I happened to see this small pet store. At first my attention was caught by the beautiful sounds and songs of different birds in the cages. And for some strange reasons as I entered the store, I just gave those birds a passing glance and went straight to where a sign on the glass panel said “Cats”.
Lo and behold, there was this tiny and hairy creature staring back at me. Those big blue eyes. She had her three older siblings with her, and she was the smallest one. The other two completely ignored me, not even one single glance. But this little one stood up and began pointing her nose toward me. I froze. As if I was seeing a heavenly apparition! I was mesmerized for a moment, just staring at her. Immediately I remembered how much I had been wanting to have a cat!
And to add honey to an already sweet encounter, she winked at me! I woke up from my stupor and went immediately to the store attendant. I told her I wanted to hold the little one. But she suggested that she bring out all three, so I could make the best choice. But as soon as I had her in my arms, I completely lost any interest in even holding the other two. Right there my decision was instantaneous. When I looked down and saw those two big blue eyes, I had no idea I was already in her spell completely.
The long years of wishing and yearning had ended. I found her at an unexpected moment and place. Or rather, she found and chose me. This is how Little Daisy came into my life.
However, last night I had the scariest moment of my life. Yesterday late afternoon was Daisy’s scheduled second vaccine shot. And with the vet not mentioning of any possible side effects, I had no idea what was to come less than an hour later when I got home with Daisy. Her first shot weeks ago was uneventful, so I had no reason to expect otherwise on this second one. But, boy, it was really scary.
Daisy started to vomit. My heart was tearing apart as I saw her whole tiny body shaking as she made a violent spasm. I knew the feeling, when I was in college I experienced it whenever I had had too much to drink. It’s as if your internal organs were about to come out of your mouth all at the same time. Very nasty feeling.
Daisy vomited six times! I panicked and could no longer stand the sight. I called the vet and was told to go to the ER immediately. In less than 30 minutes, we found ourselves at the nearest Veterinary Emergency Hospital. And while there, we found ourselves amidst a throng of other pet owners. Their animal friends were in a state of varying health conditions. A few of them were really crying. It struck me, how humans get so attached to their pets. Without realizing that I was now becoming just like them. Daisy and I have become so inseparable. And I was starting to feel her. Her very sad condition was bringing out something in me.
After two hours we left the facility, with Daisy more calmed and subdued. She got some sort of anti-vomiting shot. Two needles just few hours apart! And to that so tiny body.
Last night Daisy did nothing but sleep, after a little munch of her first-ever wet food. This morning she was back to her element, stillness one minute and a surge of so much energy the next.
In fact, I was able to take some pictures and videos of her. All ready for new postings.
Yes, Little Daisy is now an internet star. She has her own YouTube channel. And her reels on my Facebook page have been racking up thousands of views since I started daily postings of her pictures and clips. And my own life has never been the same. I spend significant amount of time reading and responding to comments by viewers.
Domesticated cats and dogs are fascinating animals. For thousands of years, they have been featured in the annals of human history and civilization. And this is not hard to understand why. Humans see themselves in cats and dogs. And if we just pay more serious attention, animals – especially cats and dogs – have so much to teach us.
It is common knowledge that cats and dogs have so many characteristics that set them apart. And even among cats and dogs, you see very specific and uniquely individual personalities. No wonder, many pet owners would swear their furry friend is a thinking animal. But we do not need to go that far – that cats and dogs are sentient beings. What pet owners objectively observe is enough to say that cats and dogs do things that humans are forced to conclude that it is impossible for them to do such things without them doing it on purpose and willfully.
Common characteristics and traits of cats and dogs
First, the cats. Last night at the ER I happened to strike a conversation with a mother-and-daughter team, whose aging cat was suffering from a kidney problem. The daughter would declare that cats are the cleanest of animals.
They wash themselves, and they do not pee and poo outside of their litterbox. Unlike dogs, who seem to enjoy scattering their dirt anywhere they fancy, and quietly laugh at the sight of their owners picking it up with those plastic bags. And when it comes to peeing, dogs have a naughty way of doing it. That, too, is an in-your-face to their owners: “you enjoy me as you pet? Be my servant!”
On her part, the mother would swear that cats are smart and intelligent. And she gave as an example of many real-life experiences of her family with their three cats.
Second, the dogs. Unlike the cats – aside from those who are fond of killing mice – dogs have done so much in terms of serving their human “servants”. Be it at the airport or a disaster zone, they save human lives and help keep humans safe. Even in the history of human warfare, and peacekeeping in city streets, they are there. They put their own limbs and life on the line. No wonder dogs are called the most loyal of all animals. Or, human’s best friend. Was it US President Harry Truman who said, in Washington(DC), “if you need a friend, get a dog”?
Lastly, cats and dogs are good reflections of human characteristics and traits, too.
The lessons we must learn from cats
I find that cats are a very independent-minded animal. They do things their own way, in their own terms. Little Daisy, for example, eats, drinks, sleeps, wakes up, and plays whenever and whatever way she wants. There is no way to force her otherwise. When she is in no mood for cuddling, she just looks at you from a far distance. No wonder, when it is time for her to feel cuddly, I find her sweeter and cuter.
But there are times this kind of independent mindedness becomes annoying and irritating. One reason you have a pet is because, yes, you need a breathing and cute warm-bloodied being to pet on and cuddle with, whenever you need it at that moment. It relieves your stress and brings other positive effects on your mental and psychological well-being. So, what use is your cat if it is not open to some sort of a compromise? For not being there when you need them most? Ha ha! But this is the nature of the cat. And you can easily forgive them for that. But with humans, it is a different story.
Throughout my adult years, I encounter people who act like cats do.
I highly regard people who are independent-minded. Most especially in this age of dizzying array of disinformation and misinformation. One has to have his own critical mind. When I was younger, I used to be a little naïve and dumb. I easily swallow what others say, hook, line, and sinker, so to speak. I never bothered to investigate more or hear the “other side.” Until one day, I became a part of a very bad decision that ultimately ruined one colleague’s career (and life).
I used to work in an entity, and was a part of the so-called “management”. An impending decision was hanging. A panel was gathered to give each member’s input. And there was a divided vote; I found myself as the tiebreaker. It was a very tense moment. Yes, I read and read, and analyzed all the evidence and testimonies of both sides at hand. And I was not 100% sure of which way I would go. But a decision had to be made. I cast my deciding vote. And the guy was out.
The poor guy never put up a fight, mainly out of shame for being accused of something he vehemently denied. Shortly after that fateful decision, I began to hear details that contradicted completely the charge. These testimonies came from people who were either scared of coming out, or just plain cowards. And these were the same people who privately expressed sympathies for the innocent guy. Many years later, I tried to find him. I explained to him what happened. By then, he was able to move on. The little pain that remained was no longer enough for him to get mad at me.
From this unforgettable and shameful experience, I vowed myself never to be a fool again. No wonder people who are fond of spreading rumours and other conspiratorial stories about anything and anyone would soon find me boring. It is because I either just keep quiet or poke their common sense by asking follow-up questions until they realize how dumb they are by even giving credence to their story.
Sadly, nowadays many people are lamenting about the spread of “fake news”, without realizing or admitting they have been a part of it themselves. They see something shocking or weird on the internet and forward it to their friends right away. Critical thinking is becoming a rare commodity. There is even a recent study that shows the young generation who grew up in the age of the internet are now the ones who are very vulnerable to online fraud and scams. I believe it is the result of over-saturation of information and the absence of critical thinking.
The lessons we must learn from dogs
Yes, dogs are human’s best friend. At some point in my life, I had had six dogs at one time. I just love them.
You cannot express the feeling when you go home to find them jumping with joy at seeing you back. And when I went fishing, at least three of them were always with me.
However, there are two things about dogs that I want to discuss here briefly.
One, dogs are good at displaying a herd mentality. When one of them suddenly bark, everybody quickly joins in. I remember one instance I was sitting by the balcony and saw all six of my dogs lazily lounging down by the front yard. Their quietude was shattered when one of them abruptly stood up and ran towards the back of the house, crazily barking. All five followed suit. Then all went quiet. There was nothing there at all. I wanted to laugh at the funny sight. Each of the five would look at the direction of the naughty one who started it all. As if to chastise him. Soon they were back to their quiet nap.
One common human characteristic is this herd mentality. Again, this has been aggravated by the proliferation of deep fake sources of information. And coupled with the decline in critical thinking.
Unfortunately, pushing back against this kind of mentality has gone extreme. Conspiracy theories are rising in popularity because some people feel that the age of listening to authority all the time has come to an end. Politicians, educators, the clerics, are not infallible. They can no longer be trusted. The Covid19 pandemic is the best example. People of authority (e.g. WHO, FDA, national and local health agencies) were giving conflicting and confusing advisories. It became the ripe opportunity for conspiracy theorists to offer their alternatives.
The second thing about dogs are that they are a***kissers sometimes. They do not have the kind of moodiness that cats display. No matter what, your pet dog is always ready to please you. They do anything to be the center of your attention. Ironically, this is the kind of trait that makes dogs so lovable. And, yes, if you need a friend, get a dog!
But when it comes to humans, this kind of trait is never commendable. Yet, we encounter a***kissers anywhere, at work, among family members, in organizations, civic or church communities. Dogs are just being dogs and being a***kissers is part of their nature. But humans need to do better than that. Unless, of course, they think they are dogs.
I am thankful for Little Daisy for coming into my life. And for choosing me! In the coming years we will be learning more from each other. I just hope that watching her grow, and spending time with her, will make me a better person. Because I believe she has so much to teach me.
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