Dog vs. Cat

If you are introducing a new dog to a home that already has a cat, your cat will need time to gain confidence around the new arrival, even if you've picked a breed with a better reputation for getting on with cats. Cats will normally react to dogs by hissing or swatting with their paws, and will try to escape by running or hiding. They may also spray to mark 'their' territory. With time and patience feline-canine harmony should be achievable. Don’t leave the two unsupervised until you can completely trust them to behave in your absence. Kittens usually love dogs, whilst dogs find kittens unthreatening. Just like adults, they need to time to adapt to the new arrival. Introduce kittens gradually and never leave them alone together until a pattern of good relations has been established. Some adult dogs will carry kittens around and young kittens will accept this attention, but it's probably best to gently take your kitten away from the dog to avoid injury. Don't worry if they never really get along. Cats are naturally independent, so as long as each has their own space, things will work out.

Cats or dogs?

Some people prefer cats, while others prefer dogs. This can often say a lot about the owner. Dogs are almost always friendly: they lap up attention, they love to play, and they’re always game for anything fun. Cats, however, are more selective in how much love they give out in any one instance. One of the things that can so frustrate cat owners is how inconsistent cats seem to be in their affections. One moment they’re your best friends, cuddling next to you, purring loudly, until you are utterly convinced that you are the person they love most in this world. The next moment, however, they act as if they hardly knew you at all, and you find yourself running after them wondering what you did wrong! Unlike dogs, cats don’t seek approval from their owners. They are more independent. As the well-known joke goes: a dog has an owner, but a cat has staff.

Oh the rich and idle!

When cats don’t eat, they sleep, when they don’t sleep, they play. What is it that compels all living beings to play? As humans, we add to that equation, namely, work. But if you think about the motivation for work, it is to facilitate the above basic needs and comforts. Animals don’t need to work, except for ‘hunting’ and pets are even more privileged in the sense that they don’t have to strive for their existence at all!
In the scheme of things, pets could be said to be on top of the hierarchy of civilisations, for they are the rich of society, no longer thinking of survival, but thinking of those deeper questions in life, the questions we, as their servants don’t dare to ponder.

Cat Talk

Many dog owners assume that cats are extremely aloof and stand-offish as they don’t show much affection or enthusiasm when with others. But cats do, if only subtly, show just as much emotion as their canine companions do.
When you next look at a feline reclining on the couch, stretching and kneading your precious plush upholstery, know that he or she is utterly content with their life at that moment. When you see your kitten rolling on his back, presenting you with his tummy for a little scratch, believe that, despite the reputation of cats not being straight forward, he does literally just want you to tickle his tummy. A cat is a simple creature, slightly more complicated than a dog, definitely less complicated than a human but unique in their behavioural habits, like all of God's creatures.

Update on local community events

Hi everyone,

Abandoned, the website that supports the love and care of all pets, has sent us their monthly newsletter updating us with all of the fantastic community events happening in your area. Here are a few taken from the newsletter, but be sure to sign up yourself at www.abandoned.co.za.

TEARS - Charity ShopThanks to the overwhelming support from the community, TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society) is delighted to announce that we have now opened a fourth Charity Shop at 149 Main Road, Muizenberg (opposite Muizenberg Park)! Being a NGO, TEARS does not receive funding from the government, and relies entirely on the generosity of the general public and animal lovers. A great way to help us if you are unable to provide financial aid is by supporting our Charity Shops - by either donating unwanted items, visiting and acquiring fantastic bargains, or volunteering your services to help.

Our shops have a vast selection of goods for sale - from antiques and collectables, household items and jewellery to quality, fashionable clothing for gents, ladies and children - we have it all! We are open from Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00 and Saturdays from 09h00 to 13h00. Our other shops are situated at Harry Goemans Centre, Main Road, Bergvliet and Recreation Road, Fish Hoek, and at our premises in Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, which is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 09h00 - 13h00.
All proceeds directly support our rescued animals. Donations are always gratefully appreciated! For more information, contact the TEARS Office on 021 785 4482.

PUPP's Raffle
PUPP's raffle will return to Howard Centre, Pinelands on Friday 24th, Sunday 26th November and Sunday 3rd December 2006, from 9am to 5pm. Our presentation and tickets sales were most successful on the weekend of 29th/30th September and I would like to thank Cheryl Hopkins, Shirley Newton and Philiswa for their help and really great effort.Should you have one, or more, of these times free to help us raise funds for our sterilization campaign in the poor and destitute settlements of Cape Town, please call Annette on 021 696 5294 or 072 1061487. Perhaps you would like to sell a booklet to friends and family and receive your own free ticket.1st Prize - Accommodation for 4 at Ngwenya Lodge, bordering the Kruger National Park, for the week 24th November to 1st December, 2007 worth R10 000.00 (transport not included)2nd Prize - Dinner to the value of R720.00 at Peddlars on the Bend, Constantia 3rd Prize - A deluxe barbecue set4th Prize - A gift hamper of Charlotte Rhys perfume and beauty products5th Prize - 3 Litre Magnum Welgemeend Estate Douelle 2000


TEARS - Book Sales, Longbeach MallLike to get your nose stuck in a good book? Then why not support our Book Sales at Longbeach Mall! We have a vast library of books, itching to have their scripts red and pages turned.26 October (Outside Pick ‘n Pay)27 October (Outside Pick ‘n Pay)23 – 24 November (Outside Pick ‘n Pay)

Animal Rescue Organisation - 21st Birthday Party
Animal Rescue has reached the big 21 and we are planning a huge party on the night of Saturday 27 October 2007 at the Groote Schuur High School, Palmyra Road, Newlands. (Right next to the cricket stadium). Top SA comedian Allan Committie (Defending the Caveman & Laugh Out Loud,Mnet) will be our entertainment and Charmaine Noy from Kfm will be our MC. We are sure it will be a hilarious night of fun followed by a Disco featuring all the best loved dance hits up to present day.
Tickets are selling now for R175 pp which includes supper and Alan Committie’s show and the disco until 12pm. We have some corporates who may book a table or two for their staff, so consider this for your friends and colleagues. Karen@animalrescue.org.za or call me 021-3965511/ 072 019 6292.

The truth: Pet diaries

Good morning!

Graeme sent me this hilarious 'pet diary' email. Keep reading!

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...