This and that

Pets: Inspired by a couple of posts in the Epilogue forums: I believe that pets should be allowed to work out their relationship to each other undisturbed by human influence, but up to a certain point only. Like when Jonesy repeatedly ignores the warnings from the other cats, I step in and show him that is not acceptable.

Because we keep the pets in a closed enviroment, we are setting up an unnatural situation. I know of dogs, who have had to be repeatedly stitched together by the vet, because their owners insists that pets must figure things out among themselves. However, in nature these animals would probably never have stayed together. Sooner or later one would have left. Only with our pets this decision is not up to the animal.

What do you do? Are you a purist regarding letting the pets figure it out by themselves? Are you mid-line like me? Or do you set the relationship rules from the very first twitching tails, wriggling of fins, screech?

Fame: I don't consider myself even remotely internet famous or known, so I get very surprised when people think it's a big deal that I reply to their E-mails or comments. Very surprised and flattered in a strange sort of way - the sort where you look over your shoulder to make sure they really are aiming the WOW! remark at you.

Conversations with C:
C: "There are no left-overs!"
M: "But that's a good thing. That usually means the guests liked the food."
C: "Waah!"
M: "Eat some bread."