ANIMALS ARE PEOPLE TOO

We are not the only ones with thoughts and feelings

More aptly, People are Animals Too, as we are but one among millions of species inhabiting our planet today. Though having greater intelligence, others have the ability to reason as well, enabling them to adapt to situations and environments. They also have emotions, in many ways mirroring our own. Within each species, individuals have their own abilities, whims and aberrations.   

Certainly, those who deal with different species understand. Scientific studies show that an animal as alien to us as an octopus is able to reason and create tools. There are reptiles also able to display intelligence and ability to reason. Interesting; however my personal encounters have been primarily with warm blooded mammals and birds, primarily domestic, occasionally in the wild.

Adopting a family member

The typical American household included a dog, an animal bonded to us through thousands of years of breeding and acclimation into our families. Thus, my first generation American parents attempted to bring a canine member into ours.

Frustrating efforts

Finding the right one was an experience in itself, with several frustrating efforts over the years. It did however, provide a look at the different natures of those that spent time in our home.

First was Taffy, a dachshund mix. Her stay with us was brief. Playful and loving, she was diagnosed with ringworm; attempts at a cure unsuccessful.

Next was Buffy, a chow, shepherd mix with the appearance of a small brown German shepherd. In those days, it was common for a dog to escape from their home or yard and roam. Buffy was adept at opening the latch on the front door and letting herself out. With neutering not nearly so common, her escapades resulted in two litters in the year and a half she was with us.

Fiercely devoted to the family but very independent, if we drove away while she was out, she’d race desperately after the car. The image is embedded in memory watching from the rear window as she charged frantically behind us; my father attempting to outrace her. Sometimes, she just had to be taken into the car where she’d suffer car sickness and throw up. Eventually, becoming too much, my parents gave up.

Next up was Sarge, a Great Dane, boxer mix. Memorable during his stay concerned the small animals; parakeets and assorted rodents; personal pets my brother, sister and I kept in our bedrooms. My brother and I each had a few white mice. One day, while feeding one of my docile little pets on a chair, Sarge shoved him to the floor and crushed him. This didn’t sit very well and I vented it out over a period of time, yelling and kicking him. One day, my brother’s mice escaped. Sarge found them and gently brought them back to their tank.

Despite his intelligence and sensitivity toward the family, Sarge had a thing about other dogs. As the oldest, it was my duty to walk him but, as a child, I had no control as the powerful hound broke away to attack. Other dog owners up in arms, Sarge too had to go.

Well, the mixed breeds didn’t work out so next was Eric, the pure bred dachshund, papers and all. But Eric had his quirks. He liked water, jumping into the tub when my young sister was being bathed and almost winding up in the toilet on several occasions. He also compulsively chewed on leather; several pairs of shoes sacrificed to his whims. One day, a friend of my mother paid a visit with her young son and his new leather jacket and hat. Need I say more? Alas, despite all of this, his downfall came when he too came down with ringworm that could not be eliminated.

Next attempt was Coco, a terrier mix, who shortly after his arrival disappeared. Not told for several years, my mother finally confided in us that Coco had been hit by a car.

Cats: wonderful animals but didn’t stick around

Five attempts over several years was apparently enough so now it was time for cats. Beauty was pure white with a small black mark crowning her head. Whereas dogs escaped captivity, cats would let you know when they wanted to go out and you obliged; kitty litter an alien concept. Beauty produced two litters, one of them on my bed. Although they almost always came back, there seemed to be that time. We never knew what happened to her. Did she befall disaster or did someone take her in?

Then there was Socks; climbed trees, afraid to come down; crying until someone got a ladder or called the Fire Department (NYFD once did things like that). A devoted pet, as we’d walk down the block toward school, he’d scamper after us over the lawns, until we reached the corner. Wisely, he never crossed the street but, he too eventually disappeared.

Next was Tang, an orange male, the scourge of the neighborhood. Very affectionate with the family, whenever he was out, you could hear the screeching of cats battling but Tang always came out unscathed. An accomplished hunter, he’d leave body parts of birds and rodents on the front porch, showing off his skills to the family.

The perfect family member finds us

My sister meanwhile had become the go to person in the neighborhood for stray animals. One day a scared puppy, about six months old, came into our home. A terrier mix, Daisy was the pet we always searched for; smart, reliable and devoted; the dog we had always wanted to be part of our family had found us.

Establishing himself as dominant, Tang would intimidate Daisy but they lived together in peace until Tang, like the other felines, vanished.

Local wildlife

Raised in Brooklyn, we were also surrounded by the abundant urban wildlife; primarily assorted birds and rodents. I’d love to watch the different birds and the squirrels who’d scurry up and down the trees. Occasionally we’d feed the pigeons…amazing how many friends you can make with a few scraps of food! Gulls weren’t as approachable but very acrobatic. Throw it into the air, they’d grab it on the fly.

Attitudes

Prospect Park was a regular visit and the occasional trip to the Bronx brought us to a world class facility with so many species from around the world. At the time however, sensitivities were different, animals isolated in restricted environments, their emotional needs never a thought.

Big game hunting was depicted as a daring feat. Movies portrayed hunters as heroes while audiences cheered the use of high powered weapons to slaughter defenseless beasts.

Intelligence, emotions and individuality

So, as an adult, I was cognizant of the intelligence, emotions and individuality among other beings. Always an animal lover, I never took on the responsibility of a pet of my own but always cherished contact. Of course, with frequent visits to my parents, I was always greeted by Daisy.

My sister’s passion for animals became her life and eventually her occupation. Providing horseback riding lessons in Prospect Park while teaching in a local school, she also taught riding at a summer camp. Bringing a new puppy into my parents’ home, Tiger was a beautiful, personable German shepherd. My sister trained him well but it was Daisy who let him know the rules of the house. When she moved out, she took Daisy with her but left Tiger as protection with incidents in the neighborhood increasing.

My new pal

Now, I had a new friend. I got to see Daisy at my sister’s but visits to my parents meant time with Tiger. My parents always took a couple of weeks off to travel and, with my sister in camp, I was his caretaker. This involved playing his favorite game; wrestling on the floor for possession of a ball; a messy ordeal, with saliva and fur coating the toy.

At the time, my apartment was a social hub, with friends around all the time. When they arrived, Tiger would greet them and lay down patiently while we hung out. But when they left, it was his turn. If I ignored him, he’d block the TV until I gave in. But how could I deny him?

Strategic thinking

As he was getting older, Tiger did something that really knocked me over. Having taken him for a walk a short time before, he started jumping around and pointing to his leash. Figuring that age had affected his bladder, I attached the leash to his collar as he urgently pulled me toward the elevator. Dragging me to the curb, he lifted his leg, quick spray and, just as urgently pulled me back. Upon opening the door, he ran to the cabinet containing his biscuits, jumping, barking and pointing. Always receiving a treat when returning from a walk, he had devised a plan. Incredibly impressed, I really couldn’t give him the biscuit; at least for a while.

Clever kitten; sad breakup

Another animal that spent a short time in my apartment was a very young kitten. Friends left their new pet in my care while out of town for a week. Very playful, as kittens tend to be, she’d leap after the ball on a string they provided and demanded constant attention. As I was relaxing one day, I heard her digging in the planter at the other end of the room. With dirt scattered on the floor, I gave her a light smack with a harsh reprimand and cleaned the mess. The next day, I again heard scratching from the planter. Running over, I had to laugh. She wasn’t in the soil; an attempt to get my attention; very clever.

The little cat was at that very impressionable age and becoming comfortable in the environment. At first, she’d find a place to sleep in the living room; then the bedroom. One morning, I found her sleeping on my bed. Later that day she was taken home. The cat never forgave me; hissing whenever I approached.

A friend at the zoo

When working near Prospect Park I’d often take a walk through the zoo during lunch; no admission. Many of the old buildings and cages had been repurposed with the old monkey house home to exotic birds. One particular cockatoo flew over from among the crowd at the rear and start chattering. Apparently handled by people from a hatchling, it craved human contact. So, as the bird chirped, I’d talk to it. Walking beside the cage, he’d follow along the bars chattering away. Passing beyond, he’d start screeching so, if I still had some time, I’d hang out until it was time to get back to work. Returning a couple of days a week, my friend would always fly over to continue our undecipherable discussions.

The farm

Eventually my sister realized her dream. After her marriage, she and her husband bought a horse farm in New Jersey. With parents in a nearby retirement community visits were frequent, becoming my great escape from the hectic routines of the big city. Of course, I Ioved seeing the family but there was that peace that comes with hanging out with the animals.

The farm; a working business; horses boarded and lessons provided. There were always a few dogs around and several cats, some of them in the barn, keeping it free of vermin, with one or two in the house as pets.

Being raised in an environment with young people always around to show them attention, the cats were all very friendly and often demanding. One jumped up on your shoulder and cradled itself in your arm. Another displayed his intelligence by reaching for the doorknob as my brother in law prepared their dinner in a separate room; the others meowing and pushing on the door.

Peewee

When my nephew was born, my sister added a young goat to the mix. Peewee grew to have a beautiful set of curved horns. Becoming a pest around the farm, he’d chew on the wooden fences and harass the horses. But he and I were friends. On arrival, he’d come running over. If he didn’t see me, a holler and there he was. 

Peewee was a bit too disruptive and a decision was made to send him away. A truck arrived but he would have none of it, jumping out each time they tried to load him into the back. Finally giving up, Peewee lived out his life at the farm.

Horses

Next to dogs, horses have had the longest and closest relationships with people. Having enjoyed riding when young, the drawbacks of the infrequent ride were familiar; muscle stiffness and the lingering odor of the horse. My thing was just hanging out, appreciating what and who they were.

Due to the nature of my sister’s business, all horses were even tempered; those who might be a bit skittish unacceptable. Some were a bit ornery though, each their unique personality. 

Dakota, golden in color, had a metal gate installed behind the wooden door to his stall. Eager to get out, the otherwise mellow animal would try to kick down the door. He did, on one occasion, unlatch the gate of his corral as my sister had to chase him down before whatever mischief he could get into. I noted others biting at the latches as well so they had to be upgraded to prevent these intelligent animals from turning the farm to anarchy.

One day, when in the barn with my young nephew, we found Ben laying on the floor of his stall. Quickly calling his mother, she came running out, got him to his feet and took out this humongous syringe. Asked to help keep him calm, I stroked him and spoke softly. As she plunged the needle into his neck; watching the blood trickle down; I cringed but Ben took it calmly. Upon walking away, I saw Charlie with his ear against the stall listening. Apparently they appreciate the calming tone. Subsequently, I’d be greeted by each as I approached and always got a kiss from Ben.

Later on, Charlie shared a corral with Dixie, a small mare. The only ones to share space, they got along as they grazed in the pasture. When I’d call them over, as they approached, Charlie would give a quick glare toward the smaller horse, stopping her in her tracks. He wasn’t about to share the attention. Of course, after Charlie had his turn, I’d go over to Dixie.

Rowdy was a pony whose job was to provide rides for the younger kids. Smallest of the equines by far, he had an alpha personality. Appreciating the attention, he’d usually come over; sometimes luring you in before greeting. One day, I arrived to see Rowdy and Peewee engaged in a disagreement. Stepping between them, I found the ram’s horns embedded in my thigh and the pony’s nose in my chest.

New dog

A few years ago, a new puppy arrived at the farm. Monty looked like and had the personality of my old friend Tiger. Every time I’d visit, I’d take him to the indoor corral to play. It became a routine and upon arrival, he’d insist I take him out.

One day, I was with my sister, Rowdy and Monty just outside the indoor corral. Playing with Monty, Rowdy made a move at him and, holding his harness, I pulled him back. After the incident, Monty would resist going with me to the corral. He had been warned.

These days

Time passes; the population of the farm diminished. With life spans much shorter than ours,  the family aging and animals who didn’t earn their keep shipped out, new residents have become fewer. Today, although pared down, the operation continues. 

Monty has been trained by my sister to be a licensed service dog and accompanies her wherever she goes. Although visits are less frequent these days, I still love seeing my old friends and making new ones. And Monty still eagerly greets me and brings over a toy to play.

Getting to know other species is truly a treat, experiencing their intelligence, emotions and companionship. I marvel at their capabilities. They think, they feel, they communicate among themselves as well as with other species, including us. Whether domestic or wild, they are deserving of their space and of our respect.

4/2022