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?

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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.