Ramey and Rocky
September 2024--The results of a national survey show if people in the U.S. are going to have a pet, a canine is generally preferred over a feline. The survey had dogs beating out cats by a pretty decent margin, but according to the people I surveyed, that margin narrows.
My personal preference aligns with the national survey—I’m a dog person and have been my whole life. There was our French poodle Butterscotch, named for his cream color; Sam, another poodle who could sing with the best of us even though it really did sound like a finely-tuned howl and Windsor, a huge Samoyed that left what looked like snowballs all over the house when he was in the midst of shedding his winter fur.
Then came Bailey, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, who looked like smooth chocolate with huge, beautiful green eyes. In the mix (when I was a child) there was Tiger, a small house cat, who ended up not being with us for very long.
Now, we have Ramey, a Fox Red Lab; and Rocky, a blend of Black Lab and Saint Bernard. Yes, he’s definitely going to be a biggin'.
There are lots of reasons why I prefer dogs over cats—not saying I don’t like cats—but I’m all about personality and I just haven't gotten to spend a lot of time around cats with one and never had a dog without one.
Sure, there are times I wish my dogs had a little less personality and would just lie still for a little while and stop barking at squirrels that happen past our house, but overall, it’s the personality that attracts me. Warm, friendly, faithful, protective, cuddly, curious, smart and shadow-like creatures that can’t stand to be alone. (I can hear the cat owners saying their pets have the same endearing qualities.)
People who have had both a cat and a dog know without a doubt dogs are more work.
They need to be let outside to do their business whereas a cat just needs a box inside.
Dogs tend to chew up everything but the toy you bought for them whereas cats just chase things that move.
Dogs need a full-on bath whereas cats just use their tongues.
I’m pretty sure a vacuum cleaner gets a whole lot more of a workout when you own a dog versus a cat.
And when it comes to exercise, dogs need to be walked, whereas cats just jump from a chair to the kitchen counter or from ledge to ledge on their tower.
Renee M. leans more toward a dog, but she has had cats, horses, chickens, goats, and rabbits, too, and loved them all.
“I find a dog is much more of a companion and easier to train. I also realize at my age I prefer a dog no larger than 25 pounds. I can control them much easier and also keep them safe,” Renee said.
“We chose Winston because he is a mix breed called a Teddy Bear-- two different dogs that don't shed--half Bichon and half Shih Tzu. I don't particularly care for cleaning up hair or trying to clean off hair when I am walking out the door.”
She says he is a sweet, loving and smart little boy and has trained she and her husband well. “He has no idea he is small. He has never met a stranger and loves to see company coming up the driveway.
"He is a great little guard dog and watches over the neighborhood well. He trees all the squirrels and keeps them out of the bird feeders and my flowers beds,” she said.
Winston is also their 7 a.m. alarm clock. “He wakes us up with morning snuggles and kisses and makes sure you never wake up in a bad mood. Looking at his sweet eyes will bring a guarantee smile to your face at any given time. He warms our heart and earns his keep more ways than one.”
Nanci H.’s favorite type of pet is a friendly one.
“I love both but prefer cats because they can use the bathroom without me standing there in the pouring rain,” she said. “Cats are hilarious with finding bizarre places to sleep with crazy body contortions. They love anything available to lay on.”
Elise E. used to be a cat person but now is definitely a dog lady and has been for a while.
“What I love about dogs is their unconditional love. They’re always happy to see you and think their human is the greatest no matter what. You can look into their eyes and connect (something science has now proven),” she said.
Cats can take you or leave you and are somewhat judgmental! I swear they can look at you with disapproval and turn their backside to you. If they could flip you off they would. I’ve got enough of that with humans, so I opt for happy. “
Elise says she’ll always have a soft spot for her little “Emma Pugly,” who crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
“When I would come home from work she would dance around In circles and follow me until I sat down to decompress. Then she would jump on my lap facing out so I could rest my sudoku on her back. It was her job and she never budged from her perch until I was finished. She also would get very excited and “talk” to our lab Cooper by literally getting in his face with her paws on either side of his head. It was like she was saying ‘We get cheese! We get cheese!,’ Elise said.
Donna C.’s favorite pet? A cuddly one.
She likes both dogs and cats but prefers the latter. “I’ve had cats most of my life,” Donna said. “I prefer them because they are less needy than a dog and can more easily be left alone if needed. Just leave food, water and a litter box, and they are good.”
What she loves about cats is how their personalities are so different from each other. “All of my cats, past and present, have had very distinctive personalities. I love how independent and Zen they can be. I love that they are always present in the moment and remind me to be present,” Donna said.
Although Julie L. really likes dogs, she’s allergic to many types so she’s owned cats since 1980 and she’s loved them all.
In addition to the allergies, Julie says she prefers cats because she knows dog require early-morning walks. “And I am NOT a morning person,” she says. “Cats also are pretty low-maintenance compared to dogs, but they’re just as sweet and cuddly. I also could have cats when I lived in apartments, but dogs were not allowed.”
What Julie adores about her cats is that the two she has now—and I’m sure the ones she’s had in the past—are both super affectionate, intelligent and funny.
“Bengali (a.k.a. Good Gali) has been with us since 2011,” Julie says. “He loves to cuddle and give me kisses, and he's such a good companion—especially when Adrian is out in California. He also greets us at the front door when we get home. So sweet.”
They’ve had Evie since March, but Julie says she’s already captured their hearts. “She loves to be held and carried around like a baby. She and Gali sleep with their legs thrown over each other, and they play together a lot.”
Good Gali and Evie
Lisa N. is more of a dog lover, although she has had cats and enjoyed them, as well. Now her affection is spent on Maggie, an English Chocolate Lab, and Maggie, an English Lab.
“Dogs always give unconditional love! No matter what type of day you have had, the love in their eyes (and the incessant tail wagging!) when you walk in the door instantly makes everything better,” Lisa said.
“Even after being gone for a day…or several days/nights…they are 100% elated to see you when you walk through the door. Pure, sweet, joyful love…that’s all they know how to give!”
Layla and Maggie
Beth H.’s favorite pets are both cats and dogs, but she actually prefers cats. “I always had both growing up,” she said. “And I can’t forget my young girl dream of having a horse! Ed’s not a big cat person but I have forced a few of them on him in our 40 years together.”
Her unwritten rule is that her dogs have to be big ones. “We’ve had several Great Danes in the past 30 years, and now have one named Gage. “Gage is a goofball and probably will be our last pet. We’re creeping up in age and it’s hard to take off and travel when you have pets. Not to mention the dollars to maintain them on a fixed income,” Beth said.
When comparing the two types of pets, she’s got plenty of reasons, though, why it’s easier to have a cat. “They’re a little bit more low maintenance than a dog, in my opinion. You can leave them home alone for a couple of days with plenty of food, water, and a litter box, and they’ll be fine. A dog needs continuous supervision!”
Barb P. is an avid dog lover. It’s not that she doesn’t like cats, but her husband and son are allergic to the feline species. They have loved their time with “Harry,” their constant companion. Sadly, she lost Harry this past February and her heart is broken.
Why dogs? “They provide unconditional love,” Barb says. Why Harry? “He was comical, a very good listener, obeyed commands, cuddled the best, let me dress him up in holiday costumes, and watched out the front door for strangers, chipmunks and bunnies.” He also was very good around the grandchildren.
“Harry made sure Bill and I would exercise every day! He just wanted to be by us all the time. He didn’t like riding in the car, but he would put up with it so he could be with us. He thought he was human, so he wasn’t really into playing “fetch!” Harry thought, ‘why are you throwing the stick if you just want me to get it?,’ I still miss him,” Barb said.
She says her husband doesn’t want to get another dog, but added, “We will see.”
Barb recalls Harry made friends with their UPS driver, who would stop and give him treats. “He waited for her to come. She still stops in when we are home and we talk,” Barb says.
Dogs really are man's best friend--but as you can see from the responses, so are cats. I guess it doesn't matter which species, they all have a way to fill our heart with joy--and break it when they leave us.
Share your thoughts on your favorite pets by scrolling past the photos below to the comment section.
Until then--enjoy your furry friends one day at a time.
Adrian and I enjoyed your article, Jodi. Bengali and Evie liked it too! 🐈 🐈⬛
Another wonderful article, Jodi!
I have a granddog named Penelope and she is the best! ❤️
I love them all! I am an animal whisperer, lol. 🐕🦺, 😻, 🐄, you name it! ❤️