Saturday, November 14, 2009

Pet Owners

I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself and the paintings appear as in a dream.

Vincent Van Gogh


Pet owners is an oxymoron. Everyone knows the pets own us.


I'm sure those that don't have four-legged family members do a lot of eye-rolling at those of us who do, especially if they listen to us talk to them.


Pets do understand certain words. Chuck, my white cat knew his name and the word milk. He also knew 'no' but most times chose to ignore it. And I feel confident he knew the family members names, as well.


Now we all know they don't understand full sentences, but just the same we talk to them as if they do. The new foster gives a little growl as soon as he sees anyone. Its seems to be a combination of 'hello' and 'I'm a tough guy don't mess with me', which translates into 'I'm quivering in my boots but don't want anyone to know it.'


The other day he was on the table and I shooed him off. He gave his little growl and I said, honest to God, without even thinking about it, "Don't you take that tone with me, young man."


I started laughing as soon as the words were out of my mouth.


What's the craziest thing you've said to your pet? What words does your pet understand?

* * *

Along with its electronic color supplement, Flower Power will be released in e in the next day or two. It will be available in print by Thanksgiving. Jupiter Gardens Press has done an amazing amount of work on this. I'm quite excited about its release.




5 comments:

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for the follow, Susanne:)

Unknown said...

I am absolutely buying the print book of this...when is thanksgiving? End of Novemeber?

Shelley Munro said...

Our little dog used to understand a lot of words. She used to make this purring sound - much like a cat - whenever she was happy or being stroked.

That's a lovely photo.

Rhobin said...

Your cat comments are right on. My partner insists our kiddy-cats (yes, they're our kids)understand everything he says. And yes, they own us.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Ms. Amarinda. You know I appreciate it. And yes you are correct. Thanksgiving is
Nov 26.
Shelley and Rhobin, Its amazing isn't it. I said they didn't understand sentences, but I was listening to MPR about a parrot that did respond and understood full sentences. It was fascinating. He was in a lab, where he was taught to talk. It sounds like he was very much loved and well cared for. The professor had to leave him overnight at a vet clinic and as she started to walk away, he said, "I'm sorry. Don't leave me." I clutched my heart just listening to it second hand.