[TKramar]

I don't own a pet. Most days I'm gone about ten hours a day, and get 4 to 6 hours of sleep. I don't think I have enough time to give a pet.

Yet my room mate acts like the only thing her pet needs is food. She'll happy be gone the whole day--and though it's not "my" pet, I'm the one who will give it attention.

Okay, so it's a rant, but I want to know if others agree with me. Do pets need people to pay attention to them? And do responsible pet owners ignore their pets and not spend time with them?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Depends on the type of pet. What does your roomie have?

[Niftybergin]

Originally Posted by TKramar

Okay, so it's a rant, but I want to know if others agree with me. Do pets need people to pay attention to them? And do responsible pet owners ignore their pets and not spend time with them?

A dog is probably going to need more attention from a person than a cat will. Cats are more self-sufficient, and they have different social needs. But all animals are individuals. What might be true for one dog (or cat) might not be true for another. One animal might be perfectly content with a minimal amount of hands-on attention, while another might be more needy.

However, yes...I think it's irresponsible of any pet owner to ignore their animal and not spend any time with them. What's the point of owning a pet if you're not going to share your life with that animal? That doesn't make sense to me.

[Bette]

I have had dogs all my life, love them. My husband never had a pet. After we were married and we were petless, we were given a puppy as a present after a tragic event. That dog was the best. He lived to be 14 so I know he was happy.

My husband became so attached to this dog and he protected our children so much. They had so much fun with him.

We have since had 3 more and would always have 2 at a time. I sense loneliness when we are not there but they are the best.

Pets can do wonder for depression and you can learn so much from a pet. (Notice I am not just talking about dogs). They can be true companions.

[gold*dust1]

Originally Posted by TKramar

I don't own a pet. Most days I'm gone about ten hours a day, and get 4 to 6 hours of sleep. I don't think I have enough time to give a pet.

Yet my room mate acts like the only thing her pet needs is food. She'll happy be gone the whole day--and though it's not "my" pet, I'm the one who will give it attention.

Okay, so it's a rant, but I want to know if others agree with me. Do pets need people to pay attention to them? And do responsible pet owners ignore their pets and not spend time with them?

As far as dogs go...yes they need daily attention. The smaller breeds are a little more clingy than the mid/large size generally. Mine adore taking walks, and if they don't get one...they let me know they are bored. I agree you shouldn't get a pet until you feel ready for the responsibility. They are like children to a certain extent and the expense adds up.

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

Depends on the type of pet. What does your roomie have?

She has a cat, but he still enjoys attention from time to time. Likes to be petted, likes to play with his mouse or be chased.

[ShelbyGirl1]

My cats would be miserable without social interaction from a human. And nn days that I am out of the house for more than a few hours, they let me know it! And they have each other!
If your absent from the house that long and want something cute and fuzzy, go for a hamster, rat or gerbil. Fish are pretty easy and can be entertaining.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

My cats follow me around like dogs (and the dogs are just sleeping in the living room). They want to sit where they can see me, or sleep in "my spot" on the bed. They all cuddle next to me at night. This is not something I've taught them, they just do it.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

My cats follow me around like dogs (and the dogs are just sleeping in the living room). They want to sit where they can see me, or sleep in "my spot" on the bed. They all cuddle next to me at night. This is not something I've taught them, they just do it.

It's called unconditional love!

[TexasGirl@Heart]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

My cats follow me around like dogs (and the dogs are just sleeping in the living room). They want to sit where they can see me, or sleep in "my spot" on the bed. They all cuddle next to me at night. This is not something I've taught them, they just do it.

Sounds like my puppy!