How did we get to dogs to shepherd dogs to sheep to horses?

I've always adopted dogs from rescues, 8 months old was the youngest I ever adopted. Most of them have some type of herding dog in them and all have gotten along with the cats I've had. Currently I have Rocky, smooth coated collie mix, Shiloh a border collie german shepherd mix and Brownie a heeler cattle dog mix. I also had miniature donkeys when I had a farm, and would agree that not all donkeys have the temperament to be herd protectors. But they are wonderful creatures, just like big dogs.

Here are my three ... and I think you should get a dog! They are wonderful companions.

HU-9131,etc.....she mentioned wanting a border collie and sheep. My analogy of horses with someone not familiar with them to someone not familiar with another animal...all animals have a learning curve. Got it now?

marilyn_c who is HU-9131?

That Me or someone else?

If you want a description about what is good or bad about a certain breed, this is an informative website.

dog breeds

From reading your post, it doesn't sound like you really care much for dogs...so I would say just get another cat. Some people just aren't "dog people". You sound exactly like my husband...yeah, he loves our dog but I take 100% care of her, he just pets her some and kisses her on the head. He is a cat person!

I was always a cat person, had cats for all my life. Husband was a dog person so we got a dog when my kids were little, a Samoyed who was literally the nicest dog ever. Just a lot of work (for me of course!), a lot of food, a lot of barking and digging the yard up and the list goes on and on, and truly I never really had a connection, thought for sure dogs were just not meant for me... One of my kids was allergic to cats so couldn’t get any more of those, so when he passed of old age we wanted another pet. I researched the heck out of dogs, for over a year, I wanted a dog that didn’t shed (the one who passed was quite a shedder), a dog that didn’t bark or chew things, a dog that was very lazy and liked to sit on the couch and didn’t need a lot of exercise. Basically I didn’t want to do any work. Haha After much researching and a lot of resistance from my husband who was a “big dog person” we got a shih tzu. Nobody knew anything about them in our family, we knew of nobody who had one. Bella is 10 now and has singlehandedly made me a dog person. She is the sweetest, most lovable, EASY and clean dog. We are all (including my “big dog person” hubby) literally obsessed with her lol. When we go away on vacation I always have my mom and sister fighting over who gets to watch her. Anyway, as you said you live alone, so this is the kind of dog I would recommend as a companion. I’d say they’re the closest to “cat-dogs” you’re gonna find. Plus they’re just so darn cute! Only (and not that big a deal IMO) downside is you have to get them groomed every 8 weeks or do it yourself. Good luck.

Artemis - I have no doubt that you will find just the right dog. You're open to suggestions and have the time to research various breeds and characteristics.

Both of us grew up with dogs and when we finally had our own home with a large fenced yard we found a local breeder with a small operation who kept the dogs in her home. There are many puppy mills in our area and we wanted to avoid that situation. It worked out so well that we did the same for the rest of the 7 dogs that we've loved over 45 years. Our dogs were large breeds (German Shepherds, Rotteweilers, Labs) and the breeders provided health records and certificates.

As everyone has pointed out training is key. None of our dogs jumped on people, none of them begged for food, none of them fawned. They were trained to sit, stay, lay down or 'place' - which was their special spot - it could be their crate or bed or blanket but it meant to go to that spot and stay. Although since DH retired our current lab (which he spoils) likes to be near him, she doesn't insist on being petted but loves laying underneath his desk.

Until last year my DDIL ran a dog rescue in Philadelphia and all 3 of my adult kids have adopted their dogs through her. Before placing any of their dogs for adoption they are fostered by a network of local volunteers and also seen by a vet and animal behavior specialist to determine their 'adoptability' - for the most part it has worked extremely well, unfortunately there were some that failed and and even a few that were put down.

She is still involved in the rescue and has mentioned that during Covid so many people have adopted dogs or taken them for long term foster that the only ones left are problem dogs that require special homes. Her recommendation at the present time is to either buy through a reputable breeder, or find a breed specific rescue / re-homing group. If a golden retriever is a possibility Mtnrdredux has one and has mentioned how much she likes her breeder.

We trained most of our dogs but we've also tried training classes and hired trainers to come to the house. We hit the jack-pot with our current dog and sent her to doggy boarding school for 2 weeks while I was in the hospital and in PT re-hab after having my knees replaced. It's a kennel and dog school, owned by a retired canine trainer for the police department and after graduation you can go back for free open sessions to reinforce what you (and the dog) have learned.

Luckily time is on your side and I hope it all works out for you. It will be interesting to hear what you finally select.

Maire

Thanks for the additional suggestions and cautions.. ! Keeping this thread under advisement...

I'm hoping my senior cat lasts another year or two - which gives me more time to study the matter further, of course. There will always be a cat or two here - but I've been around enough dogs I would like one living here as well.

Here is the info about 10 dog breeds don't stink. :-)

https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1003803/dog-breeds-that-dont-stink/

We've had Australian Shepherds for over 20 years. They are high energy, indeed! We've always overlapped them so they kept each other company. We're in our late 60's. These two will be our last - they're 2 1/2 and 1 1/2. Aussies live long lives. It's really fun to live with smart dogs. They can be demanding, but are loyal and affectionate. I'm glad their puppy days are behind us!!

ghoghunter, I’m sorry for your loss, I lost mine in May and our dog has been my saving grace. Your pup is adorable, no wonder you want another!

I like to take mine where ever I go. We were at a lake over the weekend.

Consider a standard dachshund You may chuckle but they are the smartest savviest little dog with a big dog personality. Mine is 15 , weighs 26 pounds, and hikes three /four miles a day. They're little clowns and devoted to their family. Spunky as all get out. Mine walked up to an enormous great Dane, looked up at him, and barked. Mine loves the cats and more importantly loves people. They are long-lived and easy maintenance with their short fur. They are NOT lap dogs despite their size. They were originally badger hunters and love to run like the wind.

Those dogs are interesting!

I have lived with Pembroke Welsh Corgis my whole life. They are said to be "big dog personalities in a small dog body". They are very loyal and would do well on a farm.

@Anne i couldn't agree more!!! corgis are awesome "little" dogs. i hope to have another one some day. I've been searching for a breeder who screens for DM, not much luck so far.

my lollipop kids, miss them SO much! the only downside was the shedding but i found a groomer who carded them a couple of times a year and that really helped.

Answering your "real question"... our neighbor's 2 older dogs had to be out down over the summer. She has had purebreds, but last 4 were rescue mutts. She got a 2 year old Australian/German shepherd mix from a rescue group recently and it's not working out-- the dog is sweet but an energetic handful and seems to have some persistent digestive issues. Where we live, because of COVID, obedience classes aren't a possibility and for vet appointments, you drop off your dog outside the office and the vet calls you as she conducts the exam.

Ghoghunter, I'm so sorry for your loss.

I love your new family addition (soon to be 2)

A breed to consider for cat lovers look for a dog companion is the Pug. Not high energy, not to big, smart easy to train if you remember they like cats do t really care about pleasing their owners. Like all breeds there are things to be aware of prone to allergies, the right quality food really helps.

My sisters fur baby took the road over the rainbow this week. As much as she and her hubby loved the dog, they now have the freedom to walk out the door and not have to worry about an elderly dog left home for someone to have to come over and take care of.

She took the dog after our mom died.

I think that it is not a wise idea to take on a cat or dog when you reach your elderly years. There is a distinct possibility that someone else is going to have to take on that burden and it may not be to their liking. Plus, unless you have a good income that animal can be quite an expense.

If you need to change where you live, having a pet can be a real tough obstacle. Having to walk dog and clean up after it can be challenging as you get older, and emptying litter boxes is quite a chore and also quite an expense. Those litter bags and buckets are heavy and the box needs to be cleaned often. I have never kept a cat exclusively inside, but a lot of people do.

If you are young and have resonable expectations to be able to care for the animal, that is great. But, once you reach those older years, you may be doing both you and that animal a disservice. I am in the elderly range and I would not even think of doing that.

And you will find a great deal of medical and mental health research that suggests that having a pet in one's older years helps to decrease stress, counteract depression, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and encourage or stimulate physical activity. Elders with pets tend to live longer than those without! I am in my 70's and I would never consider living without a pet in my life.....for companionship first and foremost but for all those less obvious reasons outlined above as well.

Acquiring a new pet when of mature years does take some extra thought and consideration. Rescuing a shelter pet and a mature or even a senior one at that just makes a lot more sense than acquiring a puppy. And finding one that fits one's lifestyle and activity level is important as well.

All the rest of that stuff is just an excuse! If you are physically and financially able to care for yourself, you can care for a pet as well. I regularly tote 40 lb bags of dog food (and potting soil and mulch - use it or lose it!!). Caring for and providing for a pet will keep you active, busy and motivated and not just sitting around being old.

those older years ???? What does the poster consider older years?

Gardengal48, You said exactly what I was going to say! So I won't repeat it. I would add that my 8 year old standard poodle is in my will and the person getting her knows it.

I'm going to guess this person dislikes dogs and doesn't have one. I can't think of another explanation for the opinions expressed.

I agree, Elmer.

My friend, an animal lover who has always had cats, got a little dog. She loves the dog, but told me that when he goes to his reward. she will never get another. She says even though it's a fairly mellow dog, it demands way more attention than a cat. She told me it's like living with a two year old.

I've always had a dog in my home, as a child and as an adult. From early teenage years when living at home and consistently since then, the "dog" has always been a German Shepherd. Never more than one at a time.

When the current VIP of our home dies, we probably won't get another one. Not because of us but rather with the dog's best interests in mind. A young dog would likely have a life expectancy that would take it into later years of our life when we possibly wouldn't be as able to give the dog the kind of regular adventures and experiences a dog deserves to have. Such limitations would be unfair to the dog and something we wouldn't want to do. When she does die, it will leave an irreplaceable emptiness in our home, in our hearts, in our extended family and in our lives.

A smaller dog would be easier but we both dislike most smaller dogs we've met.

PS - to those without dogs, taking dogs for a walk is not only incredibly beneficial for the human (as gardengal explains), it's a daily joy that we look forward to. We avoid others now but in normal times, people and especially children we encounter marvel at the unexpected polite friendliness and consistently good manners of such a large dog. It was something we took great pride in experiencing, on behalf of the dog.

Elmer J Fudd

I'm going to guess this person dislikes dogs and doesn't have one. I can't think of another explanation for the opinions expressed.

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something was deleted?

No offense wednesday morning but just as you can make a reasonable decision for yourself, most others can as well. I haven’t looked at the statistics (that’s Elmer’s job) but it would be my guess that most dogs up for adoption are available because their younger family didn’t have the foresite to see they weren’t the right breed for them, or they couldn’t afford the vet bills or most likely, the dog was unmanageable because they didn’t make time for training. As for family taking the dog once we’re gone, I’ve never heard any of my friends who’ve done that complain, not like parents who are now stuck with their kids dog.

I have a job? ;-)

Nah, I'll stay retired. But thanks for the job nomination! I like you a lot too! I do.

But, once you reach those older years, you may be doing both you and that animal a disservice. I am in the elderly range and I would not even think of doing that.

A young dog would likely have a life expectancy that would take it into later years of our life when we possibly wouldn't be as able to give the dog the kind of regular adventures and experiences a dog deserves to have. Such limitations would be unfair to the dog and something we wouldn't want to do.

I admire your pragmatic, realistic approaches. Life can take unexpected twists both for better and for worse. But it's good to think ahead of what is most likely, for the sake of the companions who depend upon you. For DH and I, we might have one more young dog in our future ... but we're also thinking how much we enjoy having a calm, grey-muzzled elderly dog around -- so the idea of an older rescues is increasingly appealing.

Elmer! Glad you caught the picking side of that! LOL

My sister is 65. A few months ago she got a very cute little 7 week puppy and I’ve not heard her so happy in a long time. As with most things, it’s a personal choice.

Older people are often wiser, more patient, and seem like they would be ideal dog owners. A smaller dog may be a better fit for some seniors (I love my chihuahua) but as Lukki says, it is a personal choice.

Elmer, I love German Shepherds too. (And isn't it great that we'll have two in the White House shortly?) When and if the time comes, I hope you will look into German Shepherd rescue groups. Some if not many of the dogs they help are seniors themselves. Their lifespans may not be long, but what a good deed you could do by giving love and comfort at a time when they need it most.

For those who want to know, getting on to 70 does mark the later years.

And, I can carry and haul 40 pound bags of stuff, also. I did a lot of that this past summer.

No way would I want to burden myself with the care and responsibility of an animal.

And, no way would I want to burden my kids with having to deal with said pet after my demise. Both of them have no dogs. One has two cats.

My son had two dogs. Now he has none. One lived out life and died. The other he gave to an elderly woman in Florida. He is so glad to be free of all that responsibility now and it makes it much easier for him and his family to relocate with the job or take opportunity whenever they can. In the past, I have ended up with both dogs at my house as they were inbetween making changes. Before the pandemic, they had been anticipating taking an overseas position.

Many young people take on doggy companions for all the wrong reasons. We did such foolish things back in our young days.

When son live in Toronto they lived on the ground floor of a new shiny apartment building. It was mostly young professionals and they owned a lot of dogs. I would see them having to come down a dozen floors in a elevator to take the dog every time the dog had to pee. He said that the elevator was full of dog pee. In those cold Toronto winters, most people did not go far for the dog to do their thing. That was just no place to have a dog. But, still they had plenty of them. Most of those dogs spend their day in a cage in the house while the people were out at work. What kind of life is that for an animal? SAD, very sad.

My sister just had to put her old dog down and she took it hard, as she should. She inherited this dog from our mom. Even though they are retired they have been stuck home with the dog. It is not easy to get care for the dog from neighbors and the dog did not take well to being left in a kennel. They could not even get together with their grown son and his wife because the son has dogs with high anxiety problems and all of the dogs could not be in the same house and they would bark "their fool heads offf" if left outside. How sad, to let the dogs dictate so much.

Even when their son and his wife went to rent an apartment last summer, it was highly complicated by having the dogs. They have to pay an extra rent each month for the dogs and they have to always be home to take care of them. They also have to have insurance to cover if the dogs do harm or bite someone. Even though they are in a new part of the country to explore they can't go away over night or all day because of the dogs. The cost of boarding is beyond them at the time since she is still in university.

At this part of life I want nothing that is not capable of feeding itself and getting it's own drink of water and taking care of its own poop.

I have had pets all of my life and I have loved each and every one of them and deeply mourned their passing. But we are at that point where a pet is quite likely to outlive us. What if one of the kids won't take the animal? It would likely end up in the kill line at the animal shelter. Horrors!

I don't need a dog as an excuse to go out and walk. If I want some living critter to look at me as if they understand what I am saying, I will talk to hubby. He even likes an ear rub, a pet on the head, and he loves to be fed.

Pets? Been there and done that all my life! No more "waiting for the cat to die" for me.

One more thing that I have observed about dedicating your life to pets is that I know of a few people who are really using their dogs as an excuse to NOT have to participate in social occasions. They hide behind the excuse of having dogs to care for.

For my sister, it is bittersweet to have the dog finally die. On the one hand it was being anticipated and dreaded. On the other hand, it was being anticipated as a liberation and now they can come and go as suits them. I remember the feeling after my last cat died. It was a giddy feeling to be able to just walk out the door and go away with no worries about living critters being left in the house. Just this week a home fire claimed the lives of two pets in the neighborhood.

wednesday morning, I'm "liking" your post because it is honest -- pets aren't all fun and games. I'd much rather a person become a pet owner after thinking through the drawbacks, and then deciding if the positive outweighs the negative. They aren't a responsibility to take on lightly.

Wednesday, that’s fine for you, but it doesn’t mean others should feel the same. There are lots of dog lovers out there and science has proven the pro’s far out weigh the cons. To each his own.

"To each his own."

Yes, it is a matter of personal choice. My pup is getting on in years himself and at nearly 13, he will not outlive me. And while I dread that day with all my heart, there will definitely be another dog in my life.....probably a senior rescue of some sort. No reason at all - as long as I am still able - why us two oldsters (both the rescue and I) shouldn't live out our lives with a loving companion.

Just to let y'all know, I had to give my dog away when she was 2 years old.

Of course, it is a personal decision. Of course. But there are a lot of things to consider when making that choice. To make a wise choice, you have to look at the cons as well as the pros.

It is not only a decision that you make for yourself when you are older. It is also putting your kids on the spot, or who ever it is that inherits your belongings. It is also making a decision for the animal. You had best make sure that you have a backup plan for that animal if you find yourself in a hospital, or a nursing home, or dead, or if you get dementia or Alzheimers or just physically unable to care for the animal. Also, it may be your spouse that reaches the point of needing your undivided attention or require your presence away from home. Anyone at any age can suffer disability, but it is much more likely as you get older.

It will also limit your living arrangements if you come with pets and add stress, burden and expense to your choices. That can all get much more complicated as you get older.

I will bet that people who care for abandoned animals in Florida can relate many heartbreaking tales of what happens, being that there is such an abundance of older folks there.

My son gave his little dog to an older lady in Florida who really seemed to be happy to have her. It was good for the little dog because she had taken a back seat to anyone's attention because there now have been two babies. I felt sorry for her. She was mostly neglected by all but my son. She even sent photos of the little dog in her home. It was arranged through the vet. I only hope it worked out well for both. her and the dog. At least the dog was not a puppy. I think the dog may have been about 10, or so.

The other of his dogs that died was a Beagle. That was one heck of a dog. Son had adopted him from a shelter where a young family had given him up because he was so uncontrollable. He as still a puppy.

He spent many a long stay at my house when changes in life were being made and we got to be good friends.

Everytime we passed a young family with kids he would perk up and look at them as if her were saying to himself, "There they are!". He was always lookin for that first family and he would get excited to "see" them.

I enjoyed having him here and we went for walks in places that I would probably not have gone by myself. He was good hiking company. I understand all of that. But, I also understand that I did not have ultimate responsibility for him.

It is a significant commitment to make without careful consideration, especially if you are older.

Our last family dog came to us because people moved out of a house and just left her there in the house abandoned. She was just a little puppy. She lived to be 15 and I still miss her.

should my dogs outlive me, i have plans for them so that nobody will be burdened with their care. i have great danes so not just "anybody" could take them on. my son isn't a dog person, they prefer cats so the last thing i want to do is to have him take on the responsibility of my giants.

eden will go back to her breeder where she will most likely live out her remaining years. olivia is 13.5 years old with a heart condition. i have a friend who will have her euthanized, cremated, and her ashes buried with me along with the many other danes i have loved and lost over the years. olivia is extremely high maintenance, takes multiple medications every day, is a very picky eater and i do not know of anyone who would/could take her on.

any future danes i may have will either come from a reputable breeder who will take them back or from a reputable rescue who will also do the same and then find an appropriate home for them. all of this is included, in writing, with my living will.

Of course, it is a personal decision. Of course. But there are a lot of things to consider when making that choice. To make a wise choice, you have to look at the cons as well as the pros.

No one could argue with the above. There are always risks. However, one 'pro' that is particularly weighty was left off of the list. Due to the vast overpopulation of pets, millions every year are euthanized. Adoption into a good home by a loving senior keeps that particular pet out of the euthanasia chamber and can be wonderful for both dog and adopter..

It is a significant commitment to make without careful consideration, especially if you are older.

No one could argue with the above.

I think I mentioned earlier that I, too, have arrangements both physical and financial, in place should I go before my poodle.

Well said, Lucille.

You might be happy with a 30 to 40 lb mutt of mixed breed.

I always adopted an animal because of the need, and not because of the breed. All of my animals came to me through a need for a home. I have had cats and dogs all of my life and even a bird, or two. Fish, can we count fish? And, don't forget the hamsters.

I dearly loved each and every one of them! (Well, maybe not so much the fish. And, the hamsters did not express much desire for a relationship.) But my resources and my years are now limited and it is not a comfortable fit anymore.

It still hurts to reflect on losing each and every one of them. I don't have the emotional resources to deal with that part of it, either.

My bed seemed so lacking without a couple of cats piled up on top of the covers or on the feet. I still sometimes think that I feel them jumping up on the bed at night. When at my daughters house her cats will sometimes curl up with me and I love that!

A comment about having made arrangements for your pets. Please make certain that the person who will be handling your affairs knows about the arrangements. I have seen too many simply sent to a shelter or put down because the arrangements were in a will that no one had access to or was even looked at until after any funeral. Most shelters will not return an animal. If the arrangements include certain people being given the animal make certain the person wants and can take care of them.

I made certain that my Executor read my will so she knows what I want to have happen to my furkids along with the amount of money to be allocated for their care but I messed up because their care was to be funded by the sale of my house. While they will be taken care of, I can only hope, it could be months if not a year before that money is available. I only give this as an example of how planning may not accomplish what was intended.

Good advice, maifleur, all bases are covered here.

I'd like to make several points for you to either consider and/or be aware of.

1. You stated that you've never had a dog. I am going to strongly suggest that you consider fostering dogs for a local shelter or rescue. It will help you to better identify the behaviors, energy level, etc that fits for you best when you decide to seek a dog to actually own.

2. Don't assume that if you obtain a dog as a puppy that it will like certain other animals (such as quail, other dogs, etc.) - and also don't assume that a dog that is past puppyhood can't get along with other animals either.

3. While breed characteristics are nice to get a sense of what a breed GENERALLY is like - please, please, please..... evaluate each dog as an INDIVIDUAL. I had friends who bought a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder - everyone says who Goldens are so sweet, etc. - but that particular Golden didn't like children. Many people will say how Pit Bulls/Staffordshire Terriers are vicious or unpredictable - but my previous dog (a Pit, who passed away from old age) absolutely ADORED children. She was a rescue and had a couple of quirks (like she did not like if an adult wore a black baseball cap) but we did behavioral modification for that. My most recent adoptee is a Treeing Walker Coonhound - a rescue, we got her last December at four years of age - a "hunting dog" breed. Someone care to explain why she lets our pet rabbit sleep on top of her? Or why when we foster motherless kittens from the shelter, she cleans them up, lets them pretend-nurse on her? That's not how a hunting dog is supposed to act - but that is her nature - regardless of the so-called characteristics.

4. You might be surprised regarding what kind of dogs end up in shelters and/or rescues. That Treeing Walker Coonhound I mentioned? She came up from the south to a shelter near me under a "Second Chance" program - otherwise, she would have been euthanized for space. We fostered her (and her seven puppies) until the puppies were old enough to be adopted out, and then we kept her to further assess her temperament without puppies around. And then we adopted her - fully vetted, spayed, microchipped, dangling dew claws removed - for $14. Yes, $14 - it was a Valentine's Special for "older dogs". Our vet estimated her at 4 years old. Got her DNA tested, and she's a purebred TWC, with the temperament of an angel. She knew NOTHING when she first came to us - she was actually terrified to get into a car. She just needed a little bit of time and confidence building in her new environment. Now, it's a year later - and she's actually training to become a psychiatric service dog.

5. If you are expecting to train your future dog for a specialized task - such as sheepherding - consider finding one or more local trainers that are experienced in training for that specific need - BEFORE you select a dog. An experienced trainer can help identify a dog that will meet any specialized needs - before you commit to the dog.

Artemis we very recently adopted a dog........after losing our beloved cat after 18.5 years. We got the dog about a year after our cat passed. Our dog happens to be a medium size mix, who came from a shelter in another country where he essentially spent his first year of life. The shelter was small but the people there love and took good care of the animals. He was very nervous when we picked him up (understandably....his whole world changed!!). However, his personality is awesome and he is a gentle loving soul. He has his active times and benefits from a long walk or two each day, occasional tossing a stick, but can sit calmly or sleep in the same room other times. My parents (late 70s and 80s) have a cute mini aussiedoodle......a cute ball of fluff they got as a young pup, now 4yo. He keeps them active. From the Aussie side though sometimes I think he doesn't have an "off" switch.....he is smart and super easy to house train but seems to never settle.....always wandering and looking for something else. He needs to be entertained and gets into things if not.

Our new adopted has very little/no prey drive.....I think he would be fine with cats, he is fine with our birds. At the shelter he was socialized with a lot of different people and certainly a lot of other dogs. This is probably helpful vs. a getting a young pup where you really NEED to socialize him/her and expose him/her to lots of new people, pets and situation. He picked up housetraining in about 2 days. He wants to please. Learned new tricks and how to walk well on the leash quickly. A joy.

Comparing the two. Our cat was very social for a cat. Dogs are hypersocial....they NEED lots of attention and time (at least most do). This is fun when home, difficult if you want to go away for a day or weekend (we still need to work that part out). A dog is messier.....he is going in and out so bringing some dirt in (we wipe his feet at the door which he is good about, also he is good about his baths). More hair (well more related to him being bigger than the cat). Also more expensive.......more prescriptions (heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, more vaccines). Different but a wonderful companion. Best wishes! Enjoy your time with your cat and any future pets.