Tag Archives: pets

Training Cats

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In the wake of our heartbreaking loss of two beloved canine companions to cancer, I discovered a calico cat seeking refuge in our storeroom. Recognizing our ongoing struggle with a persistent rat problem, I cautiously extended a gentle invitation to the feline, hoping she might become an unexpected ally in our household.

Over the years, I perfected a gentle approach to winning her trust. With small offerings of treats and tender petting, I gradually earned her trust, then her affection. My strategy proved remarkably effective, perhaps even more than I anticipated. Now, she greets me with such enthusiasm that whenever I settle into my chair, she eagerly leaps into my lap, seeking closeness and comfort.

Our unexpected journey into cat parenthood began when our feline friend’s expanding belly signaled an impending litter. Soon, our household welcomed a charming array of kittens: Goldie, a stunning gold and white beauty; Bridle, a spirited Broncos-themed companion; and the aptly named Gray and Blackie. Oh. How could I forget patches, the voistrous gray and white. She thinks she can talks and comes close to it. The veterinary bills quickly accumulated, leaving me both financially drained and certain that our feline family had reached its final count.

Over time, our efforts to domesticate the stray cats proved successful. A few gradually disappeared, and I choose to believe they discovered welcoming new families. Goldie, Blackie, and Brindle’s absence suggests they found more suitable environments, which brings me comfort. I prefer this optimistic narrative to considering less pleasant possibilities.

During my wildlife observations, I noticed an unexpected camaraderie between cats and a raccoon. Initially, I found myself intervening to protect the cats’ feeding area, but their calm demeanor surprised me. The raccoon seemed non-threatening, and the cats appeared remarkably tolerant, willingly sharing their meal with an unlikely visitor. This peaceful coexistence challenged my preconceived notions about inter-species interactions in the wild.

While I appreciate the diversity of wildlife, the prospect of a raccoon leaping into my personal space remains distinctly unappealing. Yet, I’m intrigued by the universal applicability of certain training techniques across various animal species, from nimble squirrels to other untamed creatures.

Hey, I’ve heard rumors that these techniques might work on people too. Who knows? It probably depends on the individual. What really gets me is when someone tries to manipulate another person like this. I think some folks might call it slavery, or maybe tyranny – even “soft tyranny” sometimes. Bottom line: be careful when strangers offer you stuff like food or favors. Always think twice before accepting anything from strangers, or even the government. Do we really want to be tamed or trained by those who reside in DC.

Border Collies Just Want to Have Fun

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Stumbling upon the dog agility competition on TV was a delightful surprise. I was captivated by the event from start to finish, as it evoked fond memories of our beloved border collies. We had the privilege of caring for two remarkable dogs – a tri-color male that we raised from a pup, and a red and white female who had already experienced the joys of motherhood many times when she joined our family.

The dog’s coat was a deep, reddish-brown hue, though it was often referred to simply as “red.” While not as swift as many border collies, the dog had endured numerous challenging years. Despite these differences, the dog was still a quintessential border collie in many ways.

We used to take both of them out on the street, and my wife would get about fifty feet away from me under the pretense of a race. The idea was for me to say, “1, 2, 3, go.” However, the moment I said “1,” the old girl would take off. She cheated, and she knew it.

The young tri-colored dog patiently waited for the signal, even though he suspected his opponent was getting an unfair advantage. Undeterred, he quickly surpassed her once the race began. She always had a confident smile, knowing she had gained an early lead. However, the determined dog smiled back, satisfied that he had ultimately overtaken her.

Molly, the shorter of the two friends, would playfully dart ahead of her taller companion when entering through the front door, slipping underneath with a mischievous grin. Despite their physical differences, the two remained the closest of friends, their bond unshaken by such lighthearted antics.

The one thing of the competition that reminded us of our dogs was the border collies in the competition. Every one of them had big smiles on their faces as they went through the weave poles. They knew they were doing it right and they were having fun doing it.

If nothing else, may it ever be said, border collies just want to have fun, even if they cheat to do it.

I would get two more border collies if I could, but for two reasons. At our age, we would not be able to keep up with them. And they would likely outlive us, which would leave them orphaned.

Whistles

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The Dog Whistle?

I don’t know exactly when they started using the term but it would seem that it was used far more commonly by the dems. I don’t know exactly know what is meant by it, other than that what I have extracted from context.

Well, actually, I do know what a dog whistle is. I learned about them while in junior high, which was a while or two ago. Truth be told, there are two types. One is cylindrical and when you blow on it, only the dogs, and I guess other animals, can hear it. I suppose they can be used for training but mostly it is used for beckoning. When the owner blows on it, the dog comes running.

The other has something of a flat shape to it, almost with the appearance of a small shape of a bird. The sound it makes can be heard by most everyone and is almost totally used for training, especially for herding dogs.

Then too, I have seen people use noting more than their thumb and forefinger and it works just as good, maybe a little better as the dog gets used the his owners pitch.

The whistling saves a lot of yelling. The shepherd can tell the dog what to do from, easily a quarter mile away. One shepherd and a couple of dogs can control hundreds of sheep this way. And guess what? The dogs love it. Border collies, German shepherds, and many other dogs love the work. I have heard some say that it is cruel to expose a border collie to sheep and then never let them work. It is akin to torture. Don’t know. Just been told.

If you have never had the chance to see a shepherd work with his dog(s), you might take a few minutes to watch it once, maybe three times. If you see it enough, you might even decide to take it up. If you do, you will make a dog very happy. If you keep your eyes open, occasionally, you will see a competition advertised. Bring your camera.

So, getting back to what the dems mean by a dog whistle. I would guess this refers to how the controllers in the democrat party control their people. It does seem a bad way to refer to people, as dogs. They can’t possibly be referring to the leadership in the Republican party as using dog whistles. First, they don’t try to use whistles to control the members of the party. Second, it wouldn’t work. The republicans are not mindless robots as are the dems. They actually have minds of their own and do what they believe to be right. From time to time it is a problem. We simply refuse to march in lockstep as the dems do so it does become a problem from time to time to get a good bill passed.

On the other hand, the dems have no problem passing one of their bad bills. All they need to do is use a little threat, a little enticement and they will all fall into the place they are assigned. Anyone that doesn’t, will not ever be in the good graces of the dems again, which means they will never again receive any of that lovely campaign money. Moreover, they will likely get primaried the election.

So, I would say, if anyone is familiar with the use of dog whistles, it would be the dems. Then, I don’t need to tell you. I don’t need to convince you. All you need do is keep your eyes open.

One thing I do know. I do not answer to dog whistles. I would hope you don’t either. I mean, God did give you a mind with which to think.