Baby of the Day?

[gini]

This morning as I logged on to check out each Pet of the Day, I laughed. If this site was called "Baby of the Day" instead of Pet of the Day - how many of us would be visiting? Would we respond to each one and say "Oh, how adorable" or go on about their hair, their eyes, their baby fat? When we heard about a "rescue" (adoption) would we congratulate the owners (parents?

I love kids and have two small nieces that I love to pieces. But nothing warms my heart more than seeing everyone's special pet and hearing their stories. When Jasper was missing I was right there - keeping up with each tidbit of news and shouted out loud when I saw that Jasper WAS HOME! When Bella needed our prayers and donations I did my part. Thanks everyone for sharing your pets - they sure make my day!

[4 feline house]

Gini-

I have pondered this very thing myself.

Even tho I have a kid, I don't like kids and especially don't like babies. There are few babies that I would find "cute". Kids don't interest me until they're at least 10, teens is even better. The only exceptions are the really intelligent, well mannered kids. I have never understood this drive by some people to have kids at any and all cost, even if it means having a "litter" or even if you already have one, two, or even more kids.

This is certainly not to imply that I feel no compassion for ill, abandoned or abused kids - I do. My son lost three friends this past school year to foolish accidents and suicides, and I cried and grieved as much as I cried and grieved over every Pet Talker's losses.

But any animal, especially baby ones, and especially cats, is cute to me (well - maybe except chimpanzees and gorillas!). I want to hear all about their lives, their quirks, their habits. The only things that limit the number that I have are my budget and my living space (which, of course, is a function of my budget!) The only difference between me and the fertility drug poppers is the fact that instead of making more kitties, I'm taking in the ones that someone else allowed to be made (although, in my prejudiced mind, that is an important difference).

So yes, Gini, I'll pass on the hypothetical "Baby of the Day" site and leave it to all the mother-instinct types to drool over. Give me the cute kitties to ooh and aah over any day! Maybe that means there's something wrong with me - I don't care! It's just they way I am!

[aly]

Originally posted by 4 feline house:


The only difference between me and the fertility drug poppers is the fact that instead of making more kitties, I'm taking in the ones that someone else allowed to be made (although, in my prejudiced mind, that is an important difference).

It IS such an important difference, Leah! I don't know what the world would be without people like you. I can't thank you enough for offering to help so much with Julius

As far as the babies are concerned, I looove human babies AND animal babies. I want to someday have a lot of kids. All my friends keep telling me I'm never going to get married though because I spend every waking moment with so many animals and don't do the usual '22 year old' stuff. Oh well, I'm happy this way

[alexnell]

4 Feline House--

I congratulate you on helping cats in need. I wish there were more people willing to give their time and effort. I'm very hurt by your comment about "fertility pill poppers", though. You have had the experience of giving birth to a child, please don't put down those of us who wish to do the same.

[tatsxxx11]

I remember last year, when I first joined Pet Talk, there was a very long thread on this very topic! Matter of fact, I think I started it?? I was wondering the same thing gini.....As much as I love babies and children, was I alone in my feelings that there is something that just strikes an incredibly emotional cord in my heart when it comes to seeing or hearing about the suffering or neglect of animals; or the joy of rescue and adoption, etc. And while I love to say hi and greet my friends' human kids, it's the 4 legged kind that I will actually chase down to greet and get the scoop on! My love and passion for animals is not greater than that for my fellow human, it's just different; but equally as strong. Maybe Logan or Rachel remembers the thread. It must be in here somewhere. It would be interesting to go back and re-read our responses!! I know many of us felt the same way.

[Pam]

I don't think a fair comparison can be made between the love of a child and the love of a pet. While I absolutely adore and dote on my animals and love them passionately, my children are my most precious gems. That being said, I agree that I wouldn't be drawn to a Baby of the Day site. I have shared my entire life with pets, and there's just something about talking about a pet and sharing stories with other pet owners that is much more fun! Don't know if I'm explaining myself very well.....

[ July 29, 2001: Message edited by: Pam ]

[4 feline house]

Alexnell, I'm sorry I caused offense. I certainly didn't mean to. I admit I do not have a mother instinct, that urge to have a child at any cost, but I also admit that I am in the vast minority. I used a poor choice of words to express this oddity in me. I am very sorry.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

As a Grandmother who has raised her children to see them have families of their own and taking care of a Grandson most of his life, walking him to school and back home again for 6 years then keeping him afterschool and getting him snacks through high school, and watching two other Grandsons grow and play basketball and tether ball etc. with them.
Would I love to see a "Baby of the day" instead of "Dog of the Day".?
Not at all, I am happy to be included in this board talking about animals, mostly dogs of course. I suppose some people may take offense to this but my dogs have more manners, are more loving and care about us more than many of the children I see out there with their parents. In my day the kids did not run around and scream in restaurants, tell their parents to shut up,
I guess I could go on and on. I know that it is not always the kids fault, mostly parents who have kids but do not want to take the responsibility to bring them up right.
I guess I'm old fashioned in my thinking, but yes give me the "Pet of the Day" anytime, all the pets I have seen here are so happy to have a loving home of their own and give unconditional love to their family.

[gini]

Wow, this is my 200th post. But I look up at the earlier posts and guess I am really far behind many of you.

I think we all need to be careful when we read each others responses. It is my feeling that no one here (at least the regulars) ever mean to offend anyone with their opinion. It is just that - their opinion.

Today was such a good example for me of what I mean by Baby of the Day. I was invited to an afternoon adult birthday party. We celebrated all of the July birthdays in one afternoon. The host and hostess have a beautiful cat (Rocky) and a wonderful little dog, Chablis. One of the very first things I wanted to do was see their cat and dog. It is just a natural instinct for me. And as each of them tolerated a stranger petting them I felt better because of this encounter.
If it had been a baby - would that baby have brought out the response in me that the dog and cat did. The answer is no........and again I will say that I have a six month old and six year old niece that I spend a lot of time with and love dearly.

What I mean is that I have a passion for animals - they never fail to stir something special in my heart. And I have had it all of my life and never had any pets as a child.
So my pets in my adult life have been extra special to me - especially my cats.

And Jackiesdaisy - I agree with you wholeheartedly. I was raised with "the look"
and it had bite and consequences if you ignored "the look." Today you can't even get the kids eye let alone give "the look."

[4 feline house]

Can you believe this very evening at church, I was approached by the youth minister's wife about working in the church nursery? I tried to explain to her I was definitely not a "kid person", so much so that the parents would probably not want me in the nursery! I went on to say "I know I have a kid, but I've never liked them, I don't know how to explain...." - I didn't want the church to think I was just trying to shirk my responsibility of service by making up some lame excuse. She stopped me and said I didn't have to explain, she knew exactly how I felt because she was the same way (she has two)! She agreed with me that it's different when you have your own (sadly, not for some people). I couldn't help but think of this topic!

[ July 29, 2001: Message edited by: 4 feline house ]

[Daisy's Mom]

Sandra, I remember that thread, and I agree with it. I love human babies; I think they are the sweetest little things! But, well... to me, most of them look a lot alike, especially when they are really young, so Baby of the Day wouldn't be too exciting! Pets, on the other hand, look different and act dfferent. The bios on Baby of the Day wouldn't be very different: "My baby ejoys napping and eating and crying." Babies can't really do much else! Don't me wrong, I love babies! I guess I can't explain why Baby of the Day wouldn't interest me... oh well... you all know what I'm trying to say

[Gio]

I don't want and never wanted children of my own so I would not visit a site dedicated to children. When colleagues bring their kids in the office I don't get exited as some of my fellow colleagues do. I suppose I'm not the maternal type when it comes to human babies. Having said that, I do enjoy the time I spend with my friends' children and I do get on with well mannered kids what I really don't like is what I call spoiled brats (mainly thanks to bad upbringing). But I'm much more attracted to animals and I know a lot of people think I'm strange but who cares that's the way I feel. The funny thing is that it runs in the family, one of my sisters feels the same, even my father says he does not have any time for grandchildren unless they are the 4 legged type.

[delidog]

to the 4 feline house... i could not agree with you more....i have never once in my life looked at a baby carraige and ever once wanted to look at the martian inside with the really fowl odor....puppies,kitties,horses,anything with 4 legs,head and tail,...those who have no voice....there is nothing wrong with redirecting our motherly instincts to items other than the 2 leggers....there are plenty of people in this world who go to great lengths to have children and then end up either physically or emotionally abusing them....or how about the ones who keep reproducing while living in a one room apt. on times square and living off of welfare and food stamps...our tax dollars pay for them...i would rather donate my money to an animal shelter...also, i understand you not wanting to hold chimps....too human like..deli dog

[alexnell]

4felinehouse, I reread your post and I understand now. I'm just kinda touchy sometimes, sorry bout that.

BTW, I wouldn't touch a Baby of the Day site with a ten foot pole. Even though I want kids of my own, I have no desire to look at anyone else's. Give me fur, fins, feathers, or scales anyday.

[Eudora]

Originally posted by jackiesdaisy1935:
As a Grandmother who has raised her children to see them have families of their own and taking care of a Grandson most of his life, walking him to school and back home again for 6 years then keeping him afterschool and getting him snacks through high school, and watching two other Grandsons grow and play basketball and tether ball etc. with them.
Would I love to see a "Baby of the day" instead of "Dog of the Day".?
Not at all, I am happy to be included in this board talking about animals, mostly dogs of course. I suppose some people may take offense to this but my dogs have more manners, are more loving and care about us more than many of the children I see out there with their parents. In my day the kids did not run around and scream in restaurants, tell their parents to shut up,
I guess I could go on and on. I know that it is not always the kids fault, mostly parents who have kids but do not want to take the responsibility to bring them up right.
I guess I'm old fashioned in my thinking, but yes give me the "Pet of the Day" anytime, all the pets I have seen here are so happy to have a loving home of their own and give unconditional love to their family.

You know, jackiesdaisy, I think you just gave your age away!! And this Baby of the Day topic, couldn't it mean that there is a different baby animal of the day everyday? Just an idea, Karen and Paul!