If I Didn't Have Dogs...

I could walk around the yard barefoot,
and my house could be carpeted,
instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture
and cars would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings,
it wouldn't sound like a kennel and
I could get to the door without wading through
a bunch of fuzzy bodies who beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted
without taking into consideration how much space
several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I wouldn't have strange presents under
my Christmas tree — dog bones,
stuffed animals, toys, treats; nor would I
have to explain to people why I wrap them.
I would have money ....
and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
I wouldn't be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians,
as I put their yet unborn grandkids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be:
out, sit, down, come, no,
stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.
My house would not be cordoned off
into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like
a day care center, toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like
poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to Spell the words
B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K,
T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E, and B-A-C-O-N.
I would not have as many
leaves INSIDE my house as outside.
I would not look strangely at people who think
having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season,
instead of dreading "mud" season.
I would not have to answer the question
"Why do you have so many animals?"
from people who will never have the joy in their lives
of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone
as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How EMPTY my life would be.

...Author Unknown
(Contributed by Bonnie who lives in California)

Why Own A Cat?

There's a danger you know—
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow;
There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger,
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger;
One cat is not trouble, and two are so funny,
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey,
The fifth is delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a house full, with ease;
So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy, but, egad the hair!
With cats on the sofa and cats on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, its no bother, you said;
They're really no trouble, their manners are great—
What's just one more cat and one more little crate?
The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture's dusty;
The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?
So let's keep a kitten, you can always find room,
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom;
There's hardly a limit to the cats you can add
the thought of a cutback, sure makes you feel sad;
Each one is special, so useful, so funny,
The food bill grows larger, you owe the vet money;
Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other cat folks, who live the same way;
Your lawn has now died and your shrubs are dead, too,
Your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew;
There's cat food and vitamins, grooming and shots,
And entries and travel and motels, which cost lots;
Is it worth it, you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite comes up and climbs in your lap;
His look says you're special and you know that you will
Keep all of the kittens in spite of the bill;
Some just for showing and some just to breed
And some just for loving, they all fill a need;
Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
At the cats on the sofa, who refuse to get out;
The cats and the cat shows, the travel, the thrills,
The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills;
The whole thing seems worth it, the cats are your life—
They're charming and funny and offset the strife;
Your lifestyle has changed, things just won't be the same,
Yes, those cats are addictive and so's the cat game!

...Author Unknown
(Contributed by Jane at www.The-Cats-Meow.com)

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