How far would you go for your Pets?

12 years ago

I remember years ago, when Ann Landers was alive.....did you have her, or just Dear Abby?

Anyway, she said a huge percentage of people with pets and allergies, would take medication for the allergies, rather than give up their pets.

Always having a cat, I can't see myself ever living without cat(s).

My ex-SIL was very allergic to cats, and she'd plug up within minutes of visiting us. (Of course the cat would hang around her) LOL

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Comments (21)

Marilyn Sue McClintock
12 years ago
Whatever it takes, to keep my Izzi! Fortunately I am not allergic to pets.

Sue
marie_ndcal
12 years ago
I think it depend on the age of the person and the allergy. I personally would not have an animal that could cause serious health problems to others. Like my dd is allergic to cats so we just don't have any--by choice. And at our age--almost 80 it is not fair to start over. Yes we had them in the past.
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Adella Bedella
12 years ago
The cat and I are not friends. I'd easily give her away.

The dog is very attached to me and I to to him. I'd have a hard time giving him up, but would do so if keeping him meant that another family member would have serious health issues. He's very friendly and most people love to play with him so I would probably be able to find him a good home rather quickly.
petra_gw
12 years ago
I came down with adult-onset asthma and, after undergoing allergy tests, it was determined that I am allergic to dogs. We have 2 dogs who are almost 14 and almost 8, and there is no way we would consider re-homing them unless health issues became life-threatening. For now, I take a steroid inhaler plus rescue meds and I'll keep doing that until our 2 pass away. After that, we are going to remain dog-less. I will very much miss having dogs, but I have to be sensible. Thankfully, I am not allergic to cats, so our beloved kitties, 2 of whom are still fairly young, are not a problem.
azzalea
12 years ago
It would depend upon the allergy. If it was just a hay fever-type thing, I would medicate rather than live catless.

Mind you, I do love my cats.

However, if I were as allergic as my brother is--a few minutes with a cat will bring on an asthma attack--there'd be no choice but to get rid of the cats, I'm afraid.

Guess I'm selfish, though, because I won't get rid of my cats because of my brother--I just see him other places than in my home.
caroline94535
12 years ago
To infinity...and beyond!

Wes is extremely allergic to cats, so we don't have them and can't stay in houses where there are cats. Sometimes just being around a cat owner, in a neutral setting like a restaurant, will set off his allergies. The tinest bit of dander is unbearable for him.

We don't have dog allergies.

As for Harry, I throw myself in front of a grizzly bear for him. And Sam, too, the stinker.
suzieque
12 years ago
I know there are several at the KT who don't understand the affection others of us have for our pets. I, too, would go very, very far for my pets. I cannot think of a reason that I would not. The way I look at it, I made a commitment to them the day I brought them into my life. That wasn't an "until it doesn't work for me anymore".

I get so much more back from my pets than I give them. I do have friends who are allergic. A couple of them take antihistamines before coming to my house. That's not at my insistence, it's just what they do without thinking about it. Others don't, and they don't come to my house. That's fine - we meet other places.

How far would I go? Quite the week to ask me, Jasdip!!! :-)
Jasdip
Original Author
12 years ago
LOL Caroline. I believe that's the first time you've publicly admitted your deep love for Sam! heehee
wildchild
12 years ago
I can't imagine life without dogs.

But I am a realist. If I were allergic to dogs I would take meds and do anything it took keep my current dogs. But once they were gone I would consider getting a different breed.
It's like everything else. You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first.
kacram
12 years ago
If I already owned the pet, I would take medication, but when that pet died, I wouldn't get another! lol
lynn_d
12 years ago
I would do whatever it takes for my pets, all of them! Fish, birds and cats, and that includes the ferals that live on the patio. I have a fellow from the game commission coming this week to look for predator clues. Something is disturbing the animals here and I want to know what it is.

When I became re-acquainted with my husband nearly 30 years ago I had a cat. He drove me home from a night out and on the way I mentioned something about the cat to which he replied that he was allergic to cats. I told him that that was a real shame, that he would not be able to come in the house. He learned to live with it.
caroline94535
12 years ago
JasDip, yeah, Sam has reached "okay" status. LOL Harry is my heart; Sam is my pancreas. (I have diabetes.)

He's sorta cute though, and I've become accustomed to his funny, furry face.

He does get lots of attention, petting, treats, and snuggles...but he'll never be able to wear Harry's collar. I call him by saying "Where's my #2 puppy?" or chanting "Who's #2? Who's #2?" Poor dude; he thinks #2 is a special term of endearment...and, in his case, it is. Sorta. LOL
suzieque
12 years ago
Yay, Lynn! I love it!

Clearly he knew you meant it. And clearly he thought enough of you to respect what was important in your life and not try to deny you of it.
Lily316
12 years ago
Would not give up my four cats and two dogs for anything unless it was life threatening and I can't imagine what that would be. My cousin's husband can't stay in my house for very long with out getting stuffed up. But they moved to SC so it's not an issue. I will never be without at least one or two pets.
chubby_rat
12 years ago
I feel the same as Caroline! To the ends of the earth and back.
Larry is slightly allergic to Mic.He takes over the counter allergy meds if he itches to bad.
We had a guy staying with us a few yrs ago that was highly allergic to dogs.He came home from the Dr one day and said"Dr said I either have to move or you have to get rid of the dogs." I just looked at him and said "See ya!" I wanted him out anyway...was a drunken,cheating fool.His wife was still in PA.And my dogs hated him.Good enough reason for him to go.
suzieque
12 years ago
CR, I've always considered my pets a very good judge of character. I've had friends they've liked and friends they didn't like (and BOYfriends they've liked an boyfriends they didn't like!). The animals turned out to be right pretty much all of the time.
lovemymimi
12 years ago
My nic saids it all...and I mean it with all my heart.

So I would have a hard time not putting her first regardless. I guess if push came to shove...I'd have to live in my own place with her and just visit hubby on occasion...LOL!!

All kidding aside I'm very grateful no one is allergic to dogs in our family.
lynn_d
12 years ago
I love reading all these replies!!! We are a family of critter lovers for sure! I pity those that have never loved nor been loved unconditionally by an animal, they haven't a clue what they are missing.

They are definitely great judges of character and I trust them as much as I trust my own gut instinct.

Suzieque, hubby knows his place.....it is directly behind the kids!!!! LOL!!!
jennmonkey
12 years ago
My dog was a rescue and when I got him I made a promise to him and myself that he is with me till one of us die. I would do anything for him. Luckily I'm allergic to cats, not dogs.

If something happened to me, I know one of my family or friends would take him in a heartbeat. If not, I'd haunt them forever, LOL.
Pawprint
12 years ago
Luckily I'm not allergic to my dogs. However, I will never have white carpeting, white or light tan furniture, white tile, etc. I stick to darker beige's and browns that will hide the dirt. On the opposite end of the spectrum, black is out also (as I have a white German Shepherd).
Everything I buy, I must consider how long will it last with my 2 dogs. They don't destroy my stuff, but it gets extra use. They love sleeping on the couches and beds also.
I purchased a Dyson vacuum just to keep up with their fur. And with winter around the corner, shedding will be starting very soon.

I pick up their dog poop everyday and try to keep a clean back yard for them. I believe they are equals here at the house, so I make decisions for all. I don't mind tho.
michelle_phxaz
12 years ago
To the ends of the earth. When my oldest female kitty Lily had kidney stones, we took her to the vet for surgery, and the next day they did another ultrasound, a few had reappeared and her left kidney was dead. I didn't want to put her through any more surgeries or poking and prodding, so we brought her home to die.

Believe it or not, the next appt to get the stitches our they did one last ultrasound, and not only was she kidney stone free, but her "dead" kidney was healthy and perfect. We have her on a special diet, but now, three years later, she is perfect.

My other cat, Frankie, had heart problems, and we spent over $10,000 fixing both Frankie and Lily up. Frank's heart problem got worse and we have to put him to sleep. But Lily, when she had already been through so much, I brought her home and administered Sub-Q fluids, and had a talk with her. I told her how much we loved her and that if it was her time to go them let us know,but we really wanted her with us.

I like to believe she heard me.

How far would you go for your Pets?

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Marilyn Sue McClintock

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