We just lost our Scottie, Chloe, a week ago yesterday. She was 12, which is old as Scotties go, but that doesn’t make it easier. She was a rescue dog, with AKC papers, no less. There’s a reuse for every breed.
My dog adopted us 15 years ago, followed me home as I walked my lab. Dachshunds have personality, and he’s my best friend. He’s a bit sick right now, but we’re both old, and creaky, and much slower than 15 years ago. Adoption is great, my son has two dogs and four cats, daughter has two shelter dogs.
I have two rescue cats that were found as part of a litter in a plastic bag in a dumpster. Brother and sister (spayed and neutered by the adoption agency/rescue group). I had a Chinese Shar Pei dog hat was a rescue, also with AKC papers. She lived for 13-3/4 years. Very old for a Shar Pei. I still miss her so.
When I was married, my wife and I got a dog. When we got divorced, I got the dog. Best thing to come out of the marriage. He died in my arms many years ago. Now that I’m in China, I have a stray kitten w/a broken tail found outside the local convenient store. I had to take him or he would of wound up as some one’s dinner which is not unusual here in China.
Now there is a nice straight forward comic without politics of any kind. Isn’t it wonderful?
I love dogs, but never owned one. Been around cats mostly. Saw weveral either disappear or die. It is sad. At least we can remember them. Dogs, cats, other animals need homes. Adopt if you can or give money to help those animals stay alive.
We’re on our fourth critter. We went with a dog this time. There’s been the Sophisticated Dachshund, the Puppiest Puppy, the World’s Whiniest Cat, the ‘Sweet Little Boy’ Cat, and now the Funny-Looking Terrier.
BEAUTIFUL! Thank you! Now that my sons are grown and gone, I have adopted three “girls” who were all over a year-old. I will always treasure the memories of the three Labrador Retrievers we raised from puppy-hood. (My grandfather gave my eldest son our first when my son was 6 WEEKS old, and his father was on a 6 moth navy deployment.) However, I am past needing to experience puppies, and the love from a rescue is as great as the love from a hyper active Lab. Beware, though, the grief when my first rescue passed from cancer was just as painful as when the 2 labs who have gone left us. A 13 year-old yellow boy is still with me, and his 2 young companions have enlivened his geriatric years.
Many humans don’t like to think about it, because it conflicts with religion telling us we’re the pinnacle of creation, but cats, dogs, and horses (and many other mammals) qualify as persons from a psychological standpoint.
They have actual intelligence, not just its appearance: like us, they adapt to their circumstances and, if those circumstances change, they change their adaptative behaviors too.
And they have a full range of emotions that they experience as deeply as humans do. Love, joy, happiness, curiosity, playfulness, confidence, but also terror, fear, sadness, anxiety, and despair.
Which is how a cat who’s managed to survive being abandoned (dogs fare less well for a number of reasons) can, if the experience hasn’t scarred them too much emotionally, be coaxed into living with humans again.
Perhaps if we stopped saying we “own” them, as though they were a piece of furniture, there’d be fewer of them being killed because they’re too old, or not attractive enough, for someone to want to “buy” them?
Love my cat, semi feral. Got him young but he was leery of everyone. It took me almost 2 years before I could actually hold him. Now if I don’t brush him daily, he cries and cries. Never give up on them!!
I’m the proud Chief-of-Staff to two felines. Both almost 14 1/2 and were adopted together. A male, Louis (Prima) and a female Sarah (Vaughn). While not true brother and sister (about 4 weeks apart), they had already formed a bond that is still just as strong today as the day they came home. Still have their moments of playfulness. Both still very affectionate and have helped me through the hip surgery (see precious post on BCN) and another procedure. Bottom line is that cats and dogs simply fill a house, or apartment, with love. They make a life complete.
I have only had abandoned or rescue cats throughout my life. My only problem these days is the insistence on neutering before “selling” them, regardless of age — six weeks at least. I have paid the vet bill upfront and returned after their first “season” to have it done. Neutering before they are mature limits and changes their catsonality. But one cannot “buy” a rescue without that butchering before they develop; that, IMO, is as barbaric as not allowing them to “hunt”.
As I read this, I’m cuddling “Darkness”, my fuzzy kitten, the thirteenth rescued feline in my lifetime. Also have had four dogs, all rescued mutts. I support animal rescue organizations monetarily and by volunteering, and have considered opening a modest no-kill shelter of my own. If I didn’t live in an area which restricts cat “ownership” I’d probably have a lot more feline roommates. My pets have rescued me, rather than the other way around. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Wiley, Thank you for the touching strip today and total auction donation of it to tailsofjoy.net. What a wonderful thing to do for worthy pets and their prospective owners. We have all grown up with and then mourned our fur friends. Those who never had or do no longer have, do not know what a wonderful thing they and the fur friends are missing. You never can ‘replace’, but expand you love to the next one.
My wife and I have had a number of dogs and cats throughout our lifetime. Some were self-rescues others from shelters. At one point, the kids grew up and left. The dog and the cat remained.
Early last month my cat, Mouser, passed away at age 17. She had been a part of my life since I adopted her when she was 3 months old, and was there through many ups and downs. My heart was broken the morning she died (as we were taking her to the vet), and to be honest I wasn’t sure if I would be able to love another cat like I did her.
As it was, tho, my son and I went to the local shelter where I met and was immediately taken with Brandy, an adorable 3 month old gray and white shorthair. She has brought some much needed happiness and laughter back into our home.
My 16 year old had to be put down last month. Before he would let me adopt him it took 3 visits to the shelter before he would trust me. The third trip I went without my wife and brought a leash and took him for a short walk. That was enough for him to trust me a little. I think about him every day. Just last night it was 5 PM and I was about to ask my wife if she fed him. He is our second rescue dog. I have been looking online at area shelters. I have seen a couple that I would like to go meet but it’s too soon for my wife.
We love our Siamese girl. I’d love to get a companion for her, but she is extremely territorial and I don’t think she’d tolerate a companion; she chases other animals off the property.
I remember very fondly and with much love for a feral cat, Callie, who adopted me on my acreage in Alberta. She had kittens, one of them Yowlzer, an orange tiger who also became a valued friend and companion. Found nice homes for the rest of the kittens.
I may have told of the time the wolves treed Callie and I had to rescue her.
Anybody who claims that losing a pet does not compare with losing a human does not know what they are talking about.
Since my marriage (34 years now), we have had 2 dogs from nieghbors’ litters – both great: one from a breeder – perfect, the Platonic Idea od Dawg; one self-rescue – unmanagable; and one shelter rescue – nasty, yappy, and ruined 5 carpets in 3 houses.
Sorry, “rescuing” is like going to the parole board to adopt; they’re generally there for a reason.
At this very moment, one of my furbabies is curled up on the couch, while his sister is snoozing in a comfy chair in the sun. Aussie Shepherd/ Jack Russel mixes, and their boss, the creamsicle tabby is sleeping in my lap next to the laptop as I am typing…
When I was first married, we adopted 2 cats. Max, our big grey and black baby, chose my husband when we went to the shelter. He just reached out and patted my husband’s shoulder and we knew he was ours. Min, our smaller black and white baby, followed us out of a used book store one day. The owner said we could have her, so she came home with us. Max died after 4 years. He was already an old cat, so we expected him to go sooner, but Min followed him less than a year later. The vet didn’t know why, but I think she missed Max.
Then along came Apollo in February of 2002. He was a Shepard/Chow mix with the sweetest temperament. We got him when he was just 8 weeks old. He died a year ago April 6, at age 15. I still miss him every day. Now we have Lucy and Deke, a Pitbull/Great Pyrenees mix and a Pitbull/Coonhound mix that we rescued. 2 of the most loving dogs I’ve ever owned. Lucy loves tummy rubs and Deke loves getting his ears rubbed.
The only problem with having all these “dangerous” dogs is that my home owners insurance is sky high. If they could come out and see my babies, they’d know these dogs are awesome and certainly not a danger. Apollo would have let you rob my house if you just gave him a cookie, and Lucy and Deke think that everyone who comes to my door is a friend.
Both of my cats were ferals that I caught as tiny kittens. My sharpei/German shepherd cross was abandoned in the alley behind our house. Kitties are 13 now and Bear is 6.
All of my fur-babies were rescues, and my present one is the last surviving son of a feral kitty. They all have so much love to give, though most will never compete in a show. Thank you for a wonderful strip!
Thank you for such a wonderful reminder of the loving friends just waiting for a forever home. All my fur-babies are rescues and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you Wiley. I love your work, this piece is wonderful.I write this with tears slipping, you warmed my heart so throughly it is sweating out my eyes.Thank you thank you thank you…I love my Hootie rescue…and I throughly agree with the bumper sticker "Who rescued who?
We’re on our 3rd set of Labs, with 1 still from the middle set. These last 2 were rescue dogs, 2 sisters. We’ve never had kids, but our “children” have 4 paws.
The comic is a great statement! Thank you. I currently have about 10 rescues. Not adoptable due to “issues” i.e. missing an eye; personality disorders; age etc. I love them all and continue to foster. I do this for cats only as I have no room for dogs…oh, my wife and I are over 70 and quite happy as “crazy cat people”.
A beautiful strip — the first time in a long time that I’ve been moved to cut a strip out of the paper (Wash. Post) and put it on the refrigerator, like in the old days.
We have three rescue/shelter dogs and couldn’t ask for better friends. Ever since we got our first rescue dogs, we’ve always included a rescue league in our yearly charitable giving.
5 years ago we went to the pet store to adopt a kitten (our area has shelter animals that you can adopt at most pet stores) but the cashier convinced us to also adopt his mom who was 1 years old at the time. She said the kittens are easy to adopt out but his mom, being older may never be adopted and would have to go back to the shelter, possibly for life. She even gave us a big discount on her so we agreed. It was the best decision we made. Both cats give us so much joy and oddly enough, his mom is actually nicer than he is!
we currently have two purebred dogs brought home as pups, BUT we have also have also adopted some wonderful adults pets, too. Just make sure the drives and temperaments of the dogs and cats match your life style…and if bring home a dog with “issues” find a good trainer. It makes a huge difference
It brought tears to our eyes. Who thought of this particular cartoon? Some genius who obviously has a strong love for dogs. So sad when they have to leave us – always too soon. (Ralph and Saundra)
Our latest “shelter” dog was a small fuzzy white bundle, huddled into the bottom of the wire screen, while all the others nearby were barking their heads off! I stuck my finger through the mesh and scratched behind his ear, and that was it!
Add me to the list that sadly has not time for dogs and allergies to cats. I miss my German Shepherd from way back when often, but sigh, another dog will have to wait for retirement, or winning the lottery. For the latter, I usually keep a few possibilities in my favorites from Petfinder.com , just in case. ;) I am always happy to see when they are no longer available due to being adopted. :)
The ponies are not as readily available, they are boarded and not in my backyard, but help with keeping my sanity. OK, they probably help keep me from retiring anytime soon. ;) Though I do worry about my Giant Shetland Pony. He’s not ancient as horses go, but doesn’t have the genetics for longevity that my little Morgan had. Who sadly has been gone nearly 7 years not. Crisp colorful fall days are the ones I miss him the most. Then there is the other one, he’s a bit of a pain in the butt, which is why he needed rescuing, so I figure he might just live forever.
3 years ago past July I lost my beloved Border Collie Samba due to complications brought on by diabetes. He was 8 years old. I had never been more heartbroken in my life. It still hurts to talk about him now. While trawling through the internet I came across a local animal charity who were looking for homes for 4 abandoned Border Collie puppies. We went to see them and immediately fell in love with one of them. I picked him up and he just cuddled into me and that was it. I wasn’t sure about bringing him home so soon after Samba had died but as the lady the rescue centre said “You’re not replacing Samba you’re gaining a new friend”. It still brought little comfort though. But I took him because I really wanted to give him a good home. Fast forward 3 years later and I am so glad I did and that the lady at the rescue centre was right. Samba will NEVER be replaced but the puppy who we called Shilo after the Neil Diamond song has become a real friend and a wonderful asset to our lives and home. He is just the perfect mix of love and fun and a beautiful and amazing . I love him so so much. I Never thought after I lost Samba I could ever love another dog but Shilo proved me wrong. Samba will ALWAYS be my soulmate and favourite but Shilo is extremely special too.
After we separated our daughter came to live with me. I had to take her to the chiropractor on a Friday. On the way she asked if we could stop at the shelter just to see what they had. I told her we could look but we couldn’t adopt. I knew she needed a pet, I just wanted her to think about it first. They had three and she checked them out. We went home and Saturday evening she came down and said “I’ve developed an attachment to the husky, can we get him” We were at the shelter Sunday morning before they opened. We walked in and I said we wanted to adopt a dog. The woman behind the desk said “I’m sorry all we have is the husky” Should have seen my daughters eyes light up !! I swear he saved my daughter’s life, kept her from running away and being a pile of bones somewhere in a ditch.
Most of our cats have been of the Show Up At The Door And Look Pathetic rescue type. The exceptions were one who came along when mama went looking for a sucker to take care of her when the kittens came (four kittens, three adopted out, one stayed) and a classmate needed to find homes for some of their barn kittens. All of our cats have been wonderful. We are currently short a cat, as our resident senior cat got suddenly sick and went downhill quickly. The family is unable at the moment to dedicate the time to safely introduce a new cat into the family (one of our two is rather territorial), but soon enough we’ll be heading to the rescue, unless someone decides to show up and look pathetic. Our non-territorial cat misses having a buddy. My childhood dog was probably dumped before she found her way to our yard and was the bestest dog you could want in a house with a toddler, a newborn, and two cats. My father was followed home by another dumped dog when Dad was a teenager, and that dog became the star of SO many stories told to my brother and me.
This comic brought a tear to my eye. Two of our 3 dogs are shelter/rescue dogs. They bring great joy and love to our household. So much so that we also foster dogs awaiting adoption from “our” rescue organization. We tend to foster the older and/or infirm dogs, so we often have them for months. It is heart-wrenching to let go of every foster – we fondly remember each and every one of them. But it is also heart-warming to see how the perfect people always find their perfect furbaby. We have been blessed to have such wonderful people fall in love with and adopt our “hard to place” fosters. Truly, everyone – the dog, the person adopting, and us – are “rescued” in these cases.
Darsan54 Premium Member over 6 years ago
Very nice. Very true.
Charliegirl Premium Member over 6 years ago
Tearfully wonderful.
GreasyOldTam over 6 years ago
We just lost our Scottie, Chloe, a week ago yesterday. She was 12, which is old as Scotties go, but that doesn’t make it easier. She was a rescue dog, with AKC papers, no less. There’s a reuse for every breed.
Dtroutma over 6 years ago
My dog adopted us 15 years ago, followed me home as I walked my lab. Dachshunds have personality, and he’s my best friend. He’s a bit sick right now, but we’re both old, and creaky, and much slower than 15 years ago. Adoption is great, my son has two dogs and four cats, daughter has two shelter dogs.
keenanthelibrarian over 6 years ago
It’s heartbreaking to lose them. Still, the best you can do is give them a chance at life – and love.
ajmsdca over 6 years ago
Horses last twice as long, but still you lose them. I might get one more in my life after this one. But he’s still young.
hawgowar over 6 years ago
I have two rescue cats that were found as part of a litter in a plastic bag in a dumpster. Brother and sister (spayed and neutered by the adoption agency/rescue group). I had a Chinese Shar Pei dog hat was a rescue, also with AKC papers. She lived for 13-3/4 years. Very old for a Shar Pei. I still miss her so.
Varnes over 6 years ago
My two cats were found living in a log when they were kittens. Excellent Cats….
KenTheCoffinDweller over 6 years ago
Some of us have a life style that can’t be fit around pets. But then I understand that is the case, so I don’t have any.
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member over 6 years ago
Very eloquent, Mr. Miller. One of your best, ever!
dseltzer Premium Member over 6 years ago
Thank you for this, sir.
Watcher over 6 years ago
When I was married, my wife and I got a dog. When we got divorced, I got the dog. Best thing to come out of the marriage. He died in my arms many years ago. Now that I’m in China, I have a stray kitten w/a broken tail found outside the local convenient store. I had to take him or he would of wound up as some one’s dinner which is not unusual here in China.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
Now there is a nice straight forward comic without politics of any kind. Isn’t it wonderful?
I love dogs, but never owned one. Been around cats mostly. Saw weveral either disappear or die. It is sad. At least we can remember them. Dogs, cats, other animals need homes. Adopt if you can or give money to help those animals stay alive.
andylyke over 6 years ago
(Tears welling up) Yes. the only reason to get a dog other than a rescue or pound or to raise as a guide is vanity, IMO. “This is a pure bred…”
Charles Spencer Premium Member over 6 years ago
We’re on our fourth critter. We went with a dog this time. There’s been the Sophisticated Dachshund, the Puppiest Puppy, the World’s Whiniest Cat, the ‘Sweet Little Boy’ Cat, and now the Funny-Looking Terrier.
Ignatz Premium Member over 6 years ago
Yep. Four cats, three of them rescues. And two of the rescues picked me instead of the other way around.
ljk57 Premium Member over 6 years ago
My dog and two cats are all rescues. So much love to give and to get.
JenSolo02 over 6 years ago
BEAUTIFUL! Thank you! Now that my sons are grown and gone, I have adopted three “girls” who were all over a year-old. I will always treasure the memories of the three Labrador Retrievers we raised from puppy-hood. (My grandfather gave my eldest son our first when my son was 6 WEEKS old, and his father was on a 6 moth navy deployment.) However, I am past needing to experience puppies, and the love from a rescue is as great as the love from a hyper active Lab. Beware, though, the grief when my first rescue passed from cancer was just as painful as when the 2 labs who have gone left us. A 13 year-old yellow boy is still with me, and his 2 young companions have enlivened his geriatric years.
Màiri over 6 years ago
Many humans don’t like to think about it, because it conflicts with religion telling us we’re the pinnacle of creation, but cats, dogs, and horses (and many other mammals) qualify as persons from a psychological standpoint.
They have actual intelligence, not just its appearance: like us, they adapt to their circumstances and, if those circumstances change, they change their adaptative behaviors too.
And they have a full range of emotions that they experience as deeply as humans do. Love, joy, happiness, curiosity, playfulness, confidence, but also terror, fear, sadness, anxiety, and despair.
Which is how a cat who’s managed to survive being abandoned (dogs fare less well for a number of reasons) can, if the experience hasn’t scarred them too much emotionally, be coaxed into living with humans again.
Perhaps if we stopped saying we “own” them, as though they were a piece of furniture, there’d be fewer of them being killed because they’re too old, or not attractive enough, for someone to want to “buy” them?
NeedaChuckle Premium Member over 6 years ago
Love my cat, semi feral. Got him young but he was leery of everyone. It took me almost 2 years before I could actually hold him. Now if I don’t brush him daily, he cries and cries. Never give up on them!!
Wiley creator over 6 years ago
To my readers:The original art for today’s edition is being auctioned to raise funds for animal rescue. Go to tailsofjoy.net for details.
All funds go directly to animal rescue.
sarah413 Premium Member over 6 years ago
I’m the proud Chief-of-Staff to two felines. Both almost 14 1/2 and were adopted together. A male, Louis (Prima) and a female Sarah (Vaughn). While not true brother and sister (about 4 weeks apart), they had already formed a bond that is still just as strong today as the day they came home. Still have their moments of playfulness. Both still very affectionate and have helped me through the hip surgery (see precious post on BCN) and another procedure. Bottom line is that cats and dogs simply fill a house, or apartment, with love. They make a life complete.
GreyMouser over 6 years ago
I have only had abandoned or rescue cats throughout my life. My only problem these days is the insistence on neutering before “selling” them, regardless of age — six weeks at least. I have paid the vet bill upfront and returned after their first “season” to have it done. Neutering before they are mature limits and changes their catsonality. But one cannot “buy” a rescue without that butchering before they develop; that, IMO, is as barbaric as not allowing them to “hunt”.
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member over 6 years ago
My girl is a re-home, not a rescue.
If i had not taken her when i did she would have ended up in the shelter the next day.
Masterskrain Premium Member over 6 years ago
MAN, it sure got dusty in here all of a sudden…
magicwalnut Premium Member over 6 years ago
As I read this, I’m cuddling “Darkness”, my fuzzy kitten, the thirteenth rescued feline in my lifetime. Also have had four dogs, all rescued mutts. I support animal rescue organizations monetarily and by volunteering, and have considered opening a modest no-kill shelter of my own. If I didn’t live in an area which restricts cat “ownership” I’d probably have a lot more feline roommates. My pets have rescued me, rather than the other way around. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
stairsteppublishing over 6 years ago
Wiley, Thank you for the touching strip today and total auction donation of it to tailsofjoy.net. What a wonderful thing to do for worthy pets and their prospective owners. We have all grown up with and then mourned our fur friends. Those who never had or do no longer have, do not know what a wonderful thing they and the fur friends are missing. You never can ‘replace’, but expand you love to the next one.
dflak over 6 years ago
My wife and I have had a number of dogs and cats throughout our lifetime. Some were self-rescues others from shelters. At one point, the kids grew up and left. The dog and the cat remained.
JanLC over 6 years ago
Almost all of our pets, both cats and dogs, have been shelter animals. It is a great way to find a loving companion.
sloaches over 6 years ago
This strip really hits home.
Early last month my cat, Mouser, passed away at age 17. She had been a part of my life since I adopted her when she was 3 months old, and was there through many ups and downs. My heart was broken the morning she died (as we were taking her to the vet), and to be honest I wasn’t sure if I would be able to love another cat like I did her.
As it was, tho, my son and I went to the local shelter where I met and was immediately taken with Brandy, an adorable 3 month old gray and white shorthair. She has brought some much needed happiness and laughter back into our home.
wpr over 6 years ago
My 16 year old had to be put down last month. Before he would let me adopt him it took 3 visits to the shelter before he would trust me. The third trip I went without my wife and brought a leash and took him for a short walk. That was enough for him to trust me a little. I think about him every day. Just last night it was 5 PM and I was about to ask my wife if she fed him. He is our second rescue dog. I have been looking online at area shelters. I have seen a couple that I would like to go meet but it’s too soon for my wife.
tripwire45 over 6 years ago
Ah, an uplifting topic. Good.
ladykat over 6 years ago
We love our Siamese girl. I’d love to get a companion for her, but she is extremely territorial and I don’t think she’d tolerate a companion; she chases other animals off the property.
BiathlonNut over 6 years ago
I remember very fondly and with much love for a feral cat, Callie, who adopted me on my acreage in Alberta. She had kittens, one of them Yowlzer, an orange tiger who also became a valued friend and companion. Found nice homes for the rest of the kittens.
I may have told of the time the wolves treed Callie and I had to rescue her.
Anybody who claims that losing a pet does not compare with losing a human does not know what they are talking about.
Cozmik Cowboy over 6 years ago
Since my marriage (34 years now), we have had 2 dogs from nieghbors’ litters – both great: one from a breeder – perfect, the Platonic Idea od Dawg; one self-rescue – unmanagable; and one shelter rescue – nasty, yappy, and ruined 5 carpets in 3 houses.
Sorry, “rescuing” is like going to the parole board to adopt; they’re generally there for a reason.
Masterskrain Premium Member over 6 years ago
At this very moment, one of my furbabies is curled up on the couch, while his sister is snoozing in a comfy chair in the sun. Aussie Shepherd/ Jack Russel mixes, and their boss, the creamsicle tabby is sleeping in my lap next to the laptop as I am typing…
Linguist over 6 years ago
Thank you Wiley for a truly poignant and beautiful expression.
I confess, over my lifetime, I have grieved far more a the loss of one of my animal companions than I ever have for humans.
rs0204 Premium Member over 6 years ago
We have 4 rescue cats, one rescue dog. Anytime we have a vacancy, we will open our home to a new best friend.
Thank you Wiley.
myrendal over 6 years ago
When I was first married, we adopted 2 cats. Max, our big grey and black baby, chose my husband when we went to the shelter. He just reached out and patted my husband’s shoulder and we knew he was ours. Min, our smaller black and white baby, followed us out of a used book store one day. The owner said we could have her, so she came home with us. Max died after 4 years. He was already an old cat, so we expected him to go sooner, but Min followed him less than a year later. The vet didn’t know why, but I think she missed Max.
Then along came Apollo in February of 2002. He was a Shepard/Chow mix with the sweetest temperament. We got him when he was just 8 weeks old. He died a year ago April 6, at age 15. I still miss him every day. Now we have Lucy and Deke, a Pitbull/Great Pyrenees mix and a Pitbull/Coonhound mix that we rescued. 2 of the most loving dogs I’ve ever owned. Lucy loves tummy rubs and Deke loves getting his ears rubbed.
The only problem with having all these “dangerous” dogs is that my home owners insurance is sky high. If they could come out and see my babies, they’d know these dogs are awesome and certainly not a danger. Apollo would have let you rob my house if you just gave him a cookie, and Lucy and Deke think that everyone who comes to my door is a friend.
sbwertz over 6 years ago
Both of my cats were ferals that I caught as tiny kittens. My sharpei/German shepherd cross was abandoned in the alley behind our house. Kitties are 13 now and Bear is 6.
The1andOnlyTigger over 6 years ago
All of my fur-babies were rescues, and my present one is the last surviving son of a feral kitty. They all have so much love to give, though most will never compete in a show. Thank you for a wonderful strip!
cpiller Premium Member over 6 years ago
Thank you for such a wonderful reminder of the loving friends just waiting for a forever home. All my fur-babies are rescues and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
border2 over 6 years ago
Thank you Wiley. I love your work, this piece is wonderful.I write this with tears slipping, you warmed my heart so throughly it is sweating out my eyes.Thank you thank you thank you…I love my Hootie rescue…and I throughly agree with the bumper sticker "Who rescued who?
eolan59 over 6 years ago
Shelter cats and dogs are the best
Packratjohn Premium Member over 6 years ago
All of my cats and dogs are strays/rescues. For years I was very active in llama rescue, and they are wonderful and intelligent animals.
Calvins Brother over 6 years ago
We’re on our 3rd set of Labs, with 1 still from the middle set. These last 2 were rescue dogs, 2 sisters. We’ve never had kids, but our “children” have 4 paws.
AZPhinFan over 6 years ago
Thank you Wiley, very touching!
Chrystos B Minot Premium Member over 6 years ago
Beautiful. Contemplative. Poignant. Tears. Thank you.
Neal Janzen over 6 years ago
The comic is a great statement! Thank you. I currently have about 10 rescues. Not adoptable due to “issues” i.e. missing an eye; personality disorders; age etc. I love them all and continue to foster. I do this for cats only as I have no room for dogs…oh, my wife and I are over 70 and quite happy as “crazy cat people”.
Comics-Reader Premium Member over 6 years ago
A beautiful strip — the first time in a long time that I’ve been moved to cut a strip out of the paper (Wash. Post) and put it on the refrigerator, like in the old days.
We have three rescue/shelter dogs and couldn’t ask for better friends. Ever since we got our first rescue dogs, we’ve always included a rescue league in our yearly charitable giving.
Nicole ♫ ⊱✿ ◕‿◕✿⊰♫ Premium Member over 6 years ago
5 years ago we went to the pet store to adopt a kitten (our area has shelter animals that you can adopt at most pet stores) but the cashier convinced us to also adopt his mom who was 1 years old at the time. She said the kittens are easy to adopt out but his mom, being older may never be adopted and would have to go back to the shelter, possibly for life. She even gave us a big discount on her so we agreed. It was the best decision we made. Both cats give us so much joy and oddly enough, his mom is actually nicer than he is!
Andylit Premium Member over 6 years ago
May all your pets be rescues. Been doing it that way for 30 years. It feels so much better.
librarian4hire over 6 years ago
Older dogs are often harder to place. Please consider an adult or older dog when adopting — they need homes as much as puppsters do!
kgornick Premium Member over 6 years ago
Thank you for this! So very true. And I love that the new dog is not a puppy…adult dogs and cats are wonderful to adopt.
Richard S Russell Premium Member over 6 years ago
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.” —Will Rogers, American humorist
car2ner over 6 years ago
we currently have two purebred dogs brought home as pups, BUT we have also have also adopted some wonderful adults pets, too. Just make sure the drives and temperaments of the dogs and cats match your life style…and if bring home a dog with “issues” find a good trainer. It makes a huge difference
SaundraRaynor over 6 years ago
It brought tears to our eyes. Who thought of this particular cartoon? Some genius who obviously has a strong love for dogs. So sad when they have to leave us – always too soon. (Ralph and Saundra)
pchemcat over 6 years ago
All my kitties have always been and always will be, rescues. I still mourn the ones in kitty heaven, each one is so different.
dgmiller over 6 years ago
Our latest “shelter” dog was a small fuzzy white bundle, huddled into the bottom of the wire screen, while all the others nearby were barking their heads off! I stuck my finger through the mesh and scratched behind his ear, and that was it!
mr_sherman Premium Member over 6 years ago
I’m guessing the space in the sky in panel 4 is part of a crescent moon?
RonBerg13 Premium Member over 6 years ago
My wife swears that after our Pi dies we will never have another dog.
That means it will probably be about a month after Pi dies before we get another dog from the local shelter.
BALLARDBOY over 6 years ago
Our beloved Lucca died in July 2010. Today’s beautiful strip broke our hearts all over again.
Wiley creator over 6 years ago
It’s now posted on EBAY to bid on the original art!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/172940934943
mnd0829 over 6 years ago
Beautiful. Best one you have ever done.
jmworacle over 6 years ago
What mnd0829 said…..
GiantShetlandPony over 6 years ago
Awww…..
Dogs have masters.
Horses have staff.
Cats have servants.
Add me to the list that sadly has not time for dogs and allergies to cats. I miss my German Shepherd from way back when often, but sigh, another dog will have to wait for retirement, or winning the lottery. For the latter, I usually keep a few possibilities in my favorites from Petfinder.com , just in case. ;) I am always happy to see when they are no longer available due to being adopted. :)
The ponies are not as readily available, they are boarded and not in my backyard, but help with keeping my sanity. OK, they probably help keep me from retiring anytime soon. ;) Though I do worry about my Giant Shetland Pony. He’s not ancient as horses go, but doesn’t have the genetics for longevity that my little Morgan had. Who sadly has been gone nearly 7 years not. Crisp colorful fall days are the ones I miss him the most. Then there is the other one, he’s a bit of a pain in the butt, which is why he needed rescuing, so I figure he might just live forever.
MY DOG IS MY CO PILOT over 6 years ago
3 years ago past July I lost my beloved Border Collie Samba due to complications brought on by diabetes. He was 8 years old. I had never been more heartbroken in my life. It still hurts to talk about him now. While trawling through the internet I came across a local animal charity who were looking for homes for 4 abandoned Border Collie puppies. We went to see them and immediately fell in love with one of them. I picked him up and he just cuddled into me and that was it. I wasn’t sure about bringing him home so soon after Samba had died but as the lady the rescue centre said “You’re not replacing Samba you’re gaining a new friend”. It still brought little comfort though. But I took him because I really wanted to give him a good home. Fast forward 3 years later and I am so glad I did and that the lady at the rescue centre was right. Samba will NEVER be replaced but the puppy who we called Shilo after the Neil Diamond song has become a real friend and a wonderful asset to our lives and home. He is just the perfect mix of love and fun and a beautiful and amazing . I love him so so much. I Never thought after I lost Samba I could ever love another dog but Shilo proved me wrong. Samba will ALWAYS be my soulmate and favourite but Shilo is extremely special too.
somebodyshort over 6 years ago
After we separated our daughter came to live with me. I had to take her to the chiropractor on a Friday. On the way she asked if we could stop at the shelter just to see what they had. I told her we could look but we couldn’t adopt. I knew she needed a pet, I just wanted her to think about it first. They had three and she checked them out. We went home and Saturday evening she came down and said “I’ve developed an attachment to the husky, can we get him” We were at the shelter Sunday morning before they opened. We walked in and I said we wanted to adopt a dog. The woman behind the desk said “I’m sorry all we have is the husky” Should have seen my daughters eyes light up !! I swear he saved my daughter’s life, kept her from running away and being a pile of bones somewhere in a ditch.
lopaka over 6 years ago
I have 3 feral and 1 ex-stray cats living with me. I welcome everyday with them.
Sionyx over 6 years ago
Most of our cats have been of the Show Up At The Door And Look Pathetic rescue type. The exceptions were one who came along when mama went looking for a sucker to take care of her when the kittens came (four kittens, three adopted out, one stayed) and a classmate needed to find homes for some of their barn kittens. All of our cats have been wonderful. We are currently short a cat, as our resident senior cat got suddenly sick and went downhill quickly. The family is unable at the moment to dedicate the time to safely introduce a new cat into the family (one of our two is rather territorial), but soon enough we’ll be heading to the rescue, unless someone decides to show up and look pathetic. Our non-territorial cat misses having a buddy. My childhood dog was probably dumped before she found her way to our yard and was the bestest dog you could want in a house with a toddler, a newborn, and two cats. My father was followed home by another dumped dog when Dad was a teenager, and that dog became the star of SO many stories told to my brother and me.
jwriii over 6 years ago
I’ve never been so moved by a comic strip as I was this one. Well done.
SharkieMark over 6 years ago
This comic brought a tear to my eye. Two of our 3 dogs are shelter/rescue dogs. They bring great joy and love to our household. So much so that we also foster dogs awaiting adoption from “our” rescue organization. We tend to foster the older and/or infirm dogs, so we often have them for months. It is heart-wrenching to let go of every foster – we fondly remember each and every one of them. But it is also heart-warming to see how the perfect people always find their perfect furbaby. We have been blessed to have such wonderful people fall in love with and adopt our “hard to place” fosters. Truly, everyone – the dog, the person adopting, and us – are “rescued” in these cases.
alexgfx over 6 years ago
Thank you for doing this.
sarogers over 5 years ago
I would like to purchase a copy/print of this. Is it still available? If so how do I do that? Thanks