Q:
We read your column and listen to your radio show and think we
want to get a pet. We just don’t know whether we want a dog or a
cat. How does someone choose? Do you have a recommendation for a
young couple, no kids who live in an average size house in the
middle of Gilroy?
Q: We read your column and listen to your radio show and think we want to get a pet. We just don’t know whether we want a dog or a cat. How does someone choose? Do you have a recommendation for a young couple, no kids who live in an average size house in the middle of Gilroy?
A:
Adopting a new family member is a huge decision. And it’s important for you to be sure that you’re ready for your new addition, whatever your choice might be. There are several factors to consider. First, you need to understand that a new pet is a long-term commitment. There are inconveniences that come along with any new addition. And there are financial costs, both for food and health care. And last, but certainly no the least, you’ll need to match the personality of your pet to your lifestyle.
Potential new pet owners need to take lots of time learning more about the world of animals. Go to a dog show as well as a cat exhibition (there’s one in San Jose in January) to see what’s out there. Read some books and get all the information you can. You’ve taken a good first step by listening to others talk about their pets in this column and on the radio. And if you’re still looking forward to getting a companion pet, I think it’s only a matter of time before you find the right one. The right pet will come to mind when you least expect it … during a walk in the park or while visiting a friend with a dog, cat or other furry friend. In the end, you might pick a purebred or mongrel, but be sure to go the local animal shelter before you decide. There are a lot of very adoptable pets there. And please, let us know what you decide. We’ll be interested in how you make your decision.
Q:
A while ago, there was so much news about poisonous contaminants in pet food. Is the pet food in the stores safe now? I heard the other day that there are still some toxic foods out there.
A:
There are still some spotty reports about food products that might be unsafe. The latest, about a chicken jerky product with salmonella, comes at the same time as another recent story about commercially prepared infant milk containing melamine. These stories continue to raise doubts about the safety of our food supply.
I think we need to assume at this point that some food in our stores might possibly be unsafe. And I, for one, am avoiding food products that have been imported from China. There seems to be poor quality control in many products that originate there. Domestically produced foods are usually the safest, unless they use ingredients imported from abroad. A while back, some domestic products were unsafe because they had tainted components imported from China. Still, I believe that our overall safety is good, provided we buy products from well-known producers, especially those that no longer use ingredients imported from China.
And needless to say, everyone should watch the news regularly in case there are any new product recalls. Stay tuned here, as well. We’ll alert our readers if we hear of any other food safety issues.
Q:
I saw a television report about an elephant rescue group in Kenya where orphaned babies are raised by surrogates and then later released into the wild. The interviewer talked about “the memory of an elephant,” telling us that these creatures have an incredible recall of events and people. All this made me wonder. Which animals are the smartest? Are elephants on the top of the list?
A:
I suppose it all depends on what standards are used to determine intelligence. In a recent interview, primatologist Jane Goodall discussed her thoughts on this subject. She used several different parameters in her evaluation, including communication skills and the ability to use tools. Her “top 5” list put elephants in third place, behind the great apes, and whales and dolphins.
Apes, chimps and orangutans have shown they can not only learn sign language, but they can also teach it to others! And Goodall spoke of one ape that’s absolutely hooked on his computer and remembers many things he sees on his screen, even after it is turned off.
Whales and dolphins have an incredible ability and need to communicate. They can send high frequency signals very long distances to “discuss” things with their peers.
Why are elephants higher than parrots or dogs or cats on this list? It seems that elephants, like the great apes, have tremendous compassion and empathy (they even bury their dead companions). And their incredible memory is demonstrated by their ability to establish long-term relationships. They recognize friends even after years of separation. And finally, here’s something else you may not have heard. Like great apes, elephants have an artistic side, painting original artwork that shows an intelligence that far exceeds that of other animals.
So as smart as I think Rumpy the Cat might be, I know he’ll never pick up a paintbrush. Still, I think he’s one of the great creatures of the world and a wonderful companion to me.
And as the year comes to an end, Rumpy, Peg and I have a wish for everyone. May we all enjoy peace and good health in the coming New Year. I’m looking forward to another year of doing what I enjoy the most; living the good life here in South County and caring for family and friends and their pets.
Peace to everyone and Happy New Year!
