Apologies

[Soledad]

I would like to apologise to members of Pettalk for the way things have escalated over the past few days.

As you could probably tell, I am a passionate person when it comes to politics. It's my job, it's my hobby and it was my area of study. It's hard for me to see things as not being political.

I come to PetTalk mostly to read and see things in the Cat Health/Behavior area, and only post on things that I either have questions about or am passionate about. Most of the time, my cat questions have already been answered so I feel no need to post. Therefore, my posts mostly centre around non-pet issues.

I would like to extend my apologies out to Mugsy who I actually quite admire for her chutzpah and willingness to speak out.

Again, I am sorry for how out of hand things have gotten and the role I played in helping them get that way. I realise that for a lot of you Pettalk is a haven. I am sorry if I've ruined it for you.

I would just like to ask in exchange that I not receive abusive PMs from Pettalkers. Especially any that contain violent sexual content or attacks on my patriotism.

Apologies and good wishes to you all.

[mugsy]

Thank you Soledad, and I apologize to you for offending you. It took a lot to post that and I admire you for that. How about if we start over and agree to disagree politically and keep the discussion to that with no personal attacks.

[Soledad]

Thanks, Mugsy. It actually did take quite a lot for me to post that, and it says a lot about you that you realised it. I have received quite a few PMs that have actually left me crying.

[mugsy]

I'm sorry to hear that. This is supposed to be pleasurable, so please don't let it make you cry.

[lovemyshiba]

I read the thread you are speaking of, and did notice the disagreement. The world would be no fun if we all agreed and did the same things. I really admire you for posting your apologies, and although I wasn't really involved, I think it took a lot of guts, and I feel bad for any hateful pms that you received. It's a shame that had to happen, hope you stick around.

[Nomilynn]

Soledad - I really admire you for posting this. I don't know that I would have had that kind of courage :)

Also, I would hope that people stop sending you mean PM's and apologise to you too, and show the same respect. Like lovemyshiba said, even for those not involved in the debate, it's really cool of you to post this and I also feel bad that you had to deal with PMs that made you cry.

[NoahsMommy]

Soledad,
It was very nice of you to offer your apologies. I'm not too sure which thread you are addressing, but I've always known you to be passionate about your thoughts and beliefs. It takes a bigger person to apoligize and I admire that.

For someone to PM you in any unkind manner is just discusting. I used to expect more from the people here and I am utterly disappointed that anyone could be that cruel. That is horrible and I apoligize you had to deal with that.

Take care,
Kelly

[Miss Meow]

Originally posted by Soledad
... I would just like to ask in exchange that I not receive abusive PMs from Pettalkers. Especially any that contain violent sexual content or attacks on my patriotism.
...

Sounds like any arguments exchanged via public forums have been dwarfed by cowardly and offensive behaviour via the PMs :( Not good.

I respect the courage that you've shown to post this message.

Hopefully you can knock off from work soon and give Boo a big hug :) And have a Tim Tam or three (did you know the entire packet contains a whole day's energy requirements so you can eat the whole pack if you plan it well :))

[RockyRoad]

One thing I love about this site is that you are all great people that I look up to and admire. I certainly hope that one day I will have as much courage as you had to post this apology thread, Soledad. It saddens me to hear that you have been receiving some bad PMs. I hope you don't leave because of them. I've tried that before, not fun. I'm sorry you have to deal with those kind of people. :( Hope you and Boo enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day, and everything turns for the best.

[Soledad]

Thanks, Floppsy. You're a sweet kid and you've certainly been very brave to take all the hits you have around here.

[Karen]

Thanks for posting that, Soledad. We all do much better when we realize that this is a place where we all have one big passion in common: our love for pets!

This is generally a kinder place than much of the outside world, and I hope it can be that way again.

Whenever anyone feels their blood pressure rising, he or she should go hug/stroke/hang out with a pet until it settles back down before posting again! A few nose-rubs, head bumpies or belly skritches can make the world a happier place every time! :)

[lizbud]

Karen,

Has Soledad given you the login names of people who have
sent her this violent & hateful pms. If not I think she should.
PT could do without people who cannot control themselves.
I believe it's a crime to threaten someone, even on the
internet.

[Soledad]

Lizbud -

I don't really think we need to take it that far. I understand that things get heated and people say things they regret. I understand that first hand. I just ask that it cease.

So I will refrain from reporting anyone unless I continue to receive these PMs.

[Karen]

Okay, just keep that option in mind.

Glad you and Mugsy have made mutual peace here - despite being a dog person and a cat person! ;) :) :) :)

[Soledad]

Oh, but Karen, I LOVE dogs.

[lizbud]

Soledad,

That's very forgiving of you. I would certainly report any such
conduct, including names, to Karen.

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by Soledad
Oh, but Karen, I LOVE dogs.

Soledad, I was thinking about you earlier today... pondering the fact that I know so little about Boo and so much about your political standpoints. Come on over to the cat side of things--let us get to know Boo (and *you*)!!

I think it's great to be passionate and I admire your drive to argue/study a subject I have no interest in! lol More so, I admire and 'thank YOU' for apologising.

Dogs?! Who knew! :cool:

[Soledad]

I'm forgiving, but to a point. I have no qualms about reporting people who have violent and rude things to say to me through PMs, and if they continue after being explicitly asked to stop, they will be hearing from Karen and/or Paul.

[Soledad]

I don't talk about Boo much because I don't want to make all you other cat-owners jealous. ;)

[Miss Meow]

This is actually true :) Boo has the biggest kitty eyes I've ever seen. I know there's a pic somewhere on PetTalk but I can't find it!

[Soledad]

Aw, thanks. That means a lot seeing as your cats are unbelievably beautiful.

Of course, all cats are beautiful, though. Such little works of art.

But I am also a dog lover as I cannot resist anything that lavishes such unmerited affection and adoration on me. Hmmm...come to think of it, that may explain my husband....
;)

[Nomilynn]

I think we need to see Boo's eyes.. the memory is fading.. fading.. yup I've totally forgotten. Guess I need a pic ;) :D

[Soledad]

Welllll....seeing as you're twisting my arm and all.



Boo eyes! (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid37/pfe6534dc6e98dc9250cb92e742fd314c/fd196121.jpg)

More Boo-eye action (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid37/pe6dfe84df2afbbe77c7ee54334c6d914/fd196142.jpg)


I actually don't think his eyes are that big. They're just extremely distinctively shaped and lined. His nose is super cute as well. He's very outgoing, and Sam and I call him our "catdog."

[Nomilynn]

That second pic.. kitty heaven! :)

[zippy-kat]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH how gorgeous!! And talk about great photography--that second pic is absolutely stunning!

(re: Dogs... do you have a fav. breed?)

[Miss Meow]

I love the first pic, I think that was the one I was looking for. There's room for him on my lap any day :)

[marysmerrycats]

Soledad
that was very good of you to post your apologies. I have to tell you, I am sorry too. I probably started most of it, so I'm very sorry. I don't know anything about the hateful pm's, but I think it was wrong of people to send those to you, and I'm sorry they upset you so much. you didn't deserve that.
sometimes I get carried away with my posts and let the things going on/the way I'm feeling get the better of me. I shouldn't do that.
I also want to apologize to Karen and Paul, I'm sorry I posted the way I did on your website.

Soledad, I hope we do see more posts from you in the cat part, and more pics of Boo, I think he is just so cute!. my fav pic is the first, I love those eyes!

[wolf_Q]

Soledad, I'm sorry if my post upset you...:(

I hope to see more pet posts and more pics of Boo! What a cutie!

[shais_mom]

Very cute kitty!!! I am not sure if I was involved in the thread you are talking about but since I stay away from them probably not. I am the exact opposite of you, unfortunately. So I am not going to be arrogant and say apology accepted b/c I don't think that you did anything specifically to me. Is that ok?
:)
And I do wish that people would stop nasty PMing you, that is not nice, or mature.

[Soledad]

Mary - Thank you for the apology. It was very brave of you to do so. I understand totally, I know how it is to let your temper get the better of you. Apology accepted gratefully. :)

Zippy-kat - I don't think I have one breed that's my fav. I like Labs a lot as well as Border Collies. My dog at my parents' house is a Border Collie/Lab mix and he's the smartest dog I've ever met. I trained him in one day (his first day in our house) everything he knows, both with hand signals as well as voice commands. He's a great dog. I used to get emotional as a teen and he always knew and would run up, sit on my lap (OUCH!) and lick my tears. He's a great spirit.

Boo is also very intuitive, though a lot less considerate than Wylie. He likes to wake us up at five in the morning to let us know he's hungry, even though he never gets fed till at least seven. Stubborn cat.

[mugsy]

Boo is beautiful Soledad....thanks for sharing. And you are quite the photographer!

[Soledad]

You think so?

People have told me that before, but I've always attributed it to the fact that I have lots of photographer friends. It's probably rubbed off. :)

Of course, it doesn't hurt when you have a stellar model.

Soledad , being sick lately , I never noticed that thread you mentioned .
But I am so happy to see how you try to get over it!! I am admiring your huge courage !! Please , do never leave PT ! It is my heaven , really! I do not know what I would do without PT and all my friends here!!
Wish we had all the courage you had for this sweet apologies !!
http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/clipart/yarn2.gif

[popcornbird]

I would also like to apologize if I said anything that hurt anyone's feelings. I tried my best to refrain from hurting feelings, if any of you felt hurt by my posts, I apologize. My intentions were not directed to anyone in particular, just a general discussion. :) I think I should try to avoid controversial topics from now on as much as I can.

Soledad, I am truely saddened to here people were sending you violent PMs with sexual content. :eek: That is just awful. I know that if that happened to me, I would probably end up leaving. I'm glad you are brave enough to stay. I hope you'll stay on PT always because I really enjoy having you here as well as everyone else. I have to admit I know nothing of your kitty, so you definitely need to tell us more about her. She is one of the cutest cats I have ever seen!

[Soledad]

Hehehe...Pops, Boo is a boy. You're not the first to think he's a girl. He's pretty, so people assume he's a chick.

Cause everyone knows girls are almost always prettier than boys.

He's very sweet. He runs to greet us when we come home and usually emits a serious of beeps and meows on his way. Then he flops on his back for belly rubbins.

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by Soledad
[B]Hehehe...Pops, Boo is a boy. You're not the first to think he's a girl. He's pretty, so people assume he's a chick.

Cause everyone knows girls are almost always prettier than boys.

He's very sweet. He runs to greet us when we come home

Oops! :o That proves you haven't told us enough about her...........er.......him. :) He just looks like a she to me. So cute! People always mistaken my Popcorn to be a girl too. :rolleyes: They think he "looks" like a girl. Sorry Boo.

[Soledad]

Boo says "apology accepted." He's a little sensitive about being called a girl. He doesn't realise what a compliment that is! ;)

He likes to act tough, but he's the biggest baby ever. So Sam and I always joke that he's really insecure in his masculinity.

[marysmerrycats]

thats second pic of Boo is so good, he looks like he's a model! that was a great pose, Boo!
boo-tiful! oops sorry Boo I mean so handsome!

[lynnestankard]

Soledad I think that was so brave of you - I did read the thread referred to and chose to keep out. I just thought two passionate people were getting a bit carried away!

Regarding people sending hateful PM's to you - oh c'mon who ever you are - it's not clever and it's not grown up - desist!

I adore your Boo - he's just soooooo adorable and...........er.......handsome - I wanted to say pretty!!! More pics., would be wonderful.

Nice to know things are forgiven and forgotten - peace reigns - lovely!

Lynne

[Tanya&Fritz]

I'm so glad things have worked themselves out. Expecially for you and Mugsy. I'd love to know who sent you those PM's. The argument had nothing to do with them, it was between you and Mugsy. Boo is adorable!!!

[gini]

Soledad, I have a huge amount of admiration for you to be able to publicly post an apology.

I was following that thread and stayed out of it. But I was curious about you and did a search on your posts. I was distressed to see that you rarely posted on the cat side, or dog side for that matter. Thank you for allowing us to see some pictures of Boo (Mr. Beautiful Big Eyes).

If we can all get to know you a bit better through Boo's beautiful eyes, then we will have more respect for other things you have to say.

Everyone is free to have their own opinions, but when things get heated and nasty - I just don't think it belongs on Pet Talk. But that is my own personal opinion.

As for those who had the gall to send you nasty private messages - the little cowards - they should be banned from Pet Talk.

None of them have the courage that you have shown!

[Cataholic]

Soledad,
Hmmm....well, I admire you greatly for publically apologizing. That takes courage, confidence, and shows strength of character. I know you and I have gone back and forth some over issues, so, I can't say you are the only one to inflame others, I have done the same thing. We are all human (I love it when I make such intelligent statments), and make errors in judgment, if it can even be called that.

I haven't ever known you to be hateful towards animals, or to anyone that expresses concerns over their furkids, so, you can't be all that bad:D :D .

So, I think once this thred runs its course...what has happened, has happened, and we all start over!!!!

I do question Boo's, ugh, use of eyeliner...how very retro! He is a beauty. Why did you name him Boo?

[ChrisH]

Soledad, I too admire you for posting your apologies, it took courage to do so. As for the people who sent the nasty PMs to you, I am so disappointed and sad that there are member of Pet Talk who would do such a thing.

Boo, handsome Boo!:) He is just gorgeous! :) Looking forward to seeing more pics? Please!:)

Chris

[Soledad]

Boo is named Boo because Sam and I couldn't think of anything that wasn't really pretentious and obnoxious. We kept thinking of literary or historical figures, and it was just getting silly. I remember thinking that Boo was so sweet and cute, and I wanted a really affectionate name. Boo had a habit of initially hiding out under the stairs and staring at people from beneath the stairs, scaring our neighbors. So I thought he's a little Boo Radley!

I have taken more pics and will post them as soon as they develop!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Now these are the kind of threads I like to read!! I don't feel threatened and don't feel like I need to defend my country! I am sorry you had to receive hateful PM's. That kind of attacking is not necessary and serves no functional purpose other than to hurt people. Thanks for taking the initiative to get things back on the right track, Soledad! That was a very nice thing to do!

And the added bonus of getting to see your beautiful kitty was icing on the cake!!! :D :D I thought he was a girl too! :rolleyes: I wonder if you user name SOLEdad is because of those beautiful Soleful looking eyes?

[NoahsMommy]

Oh! Boo's pictures are tugging on my heart....he is gorgeous!!! I love his eyes, so full of personality and love.

Great pictures!

[Soledad]

Yes, I'm very lucky to have my little Boo. He's a little cuddle-puss.