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Friday, March 29

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Fuel

Jasmine / March 25, 2008 8:19 AM

Dog person, definitely.

Spook / March 25, 2008 8:53 AM

large dog person

Poppy / March 25, 2008 8:56 AM

I have both - 2 cats and a small, inherited dog. It's made me realize that I'm totally and completely a cat person because I enjoy the flexibility of cats - you don't have to worry about leaving them alone for too long.

Poppy / March 25, 2008 8:57 AM

I have both - 2 cats and a small, inherited dog. It's made me realize that I'm totally and completely a cat person because I enjoy the flexibility of cats - you don't have to worry about leaving them alone for too long.

Poppy / March 25, 2008 8:58 AM

I have both - 2 cats and a small, inherited dog. It's made me realize that I'm totally and completely a cat person because I enjoy the flexibility of cats - you don't have to worry about leaving them alone for too long.

charlie / March 25, 2008 9:13 AM

Dog is my co - pilot

Carrie / March 25, 2008 9:18 AM

Cat! My girl is 14 and I still remember the day we met like it was yesterday.

I do like dogs a lot though. I'm the girl that will stop and visit with your dog while you're on a walk-- I'll have a nice little conversation with the dog, letting him/her know how cute they are, thank mom or dad for the visit and then be on my way. One reason though that I prefer cats to dogs is b/c dogs are too much like kids. Cats can be left alone for a few days or a week (if someone checks on them), but a dog, you need a really good friend or some extra dollars to take care of it while you're out of town.

I also love hamsters.

Rufus T. Firefly / March 25, 2008 9:27 AM

Don't have a pet (do dust bunnies count?) but if I did it would be a dog.

Cats don't do sh*t.

(Just threw that in there to get the eventual "cat vs. dog" fight started early)

Mikey / March 25, 2008 9:32 AM

Dog person, hands down.

But as an animal lover in general, I have softened my stance towards cats recently, especially since meeting my girlfriend, who (along with her young daughter) has a cat...

My pit bull, Scotty, doesn't get along with most other dogs, yet loves their cat famously. He often ends up the worse one off after their occasional melees, but then I suspect he's also holding back...

spence / March 25, 2008 9:37 AM

Bonsai Tree Person. (and various other green growing things.) After living in between two dog owners and after watching my friend's puppy for 1-1/2 weeks, I've found that I am definitely not a dog person. I'd only own a pet that is virtually self-sufficient and that doesn't make loud noises. You know, like a fish, or turtle, or snake, or something where I just toss in the food, clean the cage once a month, and look at it from time-to-time. Actually, if I were to move out of the city, I'd like to own bees and make honey.

Eric / March 25, 2008 9:58 AM

I love cats and would have one if I weren't mildy allergic to them. I love dogs and would have one if I was willing to make time in my life to care for one. I think we'll get a dog when the kids (which we don't yet have) are a few years old.

Eamon / March 25, 2008 9:59 AM

Non-pets-with-poop-I-need-to-handle person. I love our shrimpies, though.

Baldeesh / March 25, 2008 10:07 AM

Both. I own 2 cats and I think they're the bomb.

My mom has 2 dogs - an 18-year-old chihuahua and a 7-year old chihuahua-and-God-knows-what-else mix. I make sure to spend time with them when I visit Mom.

At work, we've got two mid-sized mutts that run the office. I love the fact that they're so damned excited to see me in the morning.

ab / March 25, 2008 10:10 AM

DOG!

Not generally a cat fan, although one of my friends has cats I actually like. They swim in the bathtub.

r / March 25, 2008 10:10 AM

I'm a dog person but can appreciate cats from a distance, as I'm allergic to them...

kate / March 25, 2008 10:12 AM

Both. I like cute animal faces.

Grew up with a cat and am now a dog walker.

ahn / March 25, 2008 10:16 AM

cat cat cat

kitty kitty kitty

(am contemplating gerbils as well. huh. gerbils.)

Mac / March 25, 2008 10:21 AM

Kitties!

I love my little Lilly (when she's not being an annoying little nag!...sorry, we were arguing this morning).

anne / March 25, 2008 10:22 AM

I had a cat for a few years in grad school, but she got very sick and I had to put her down.

I've actually always been a dog person, and I've got extreme "doggie fever" right now. Hard to find places that will let me have my choice, which is a medium to large dog, so I may have to wait a few years for it to become a reality. If you have good advice on finding a dog-friendly apt. to rent, I'd love to hear it!

eep / March 25, 2008 10:30 AM

Both. I grew up with both cats and dogs, so I'm an equal-opportunity pet fan. Right now I own a cat, just because it was easier for a single person living in an apartment.

At some point the fiance and I want to get a dog, but it would have to be a puppy in order for the cat to assert her dominance. Introducing a full-grown dog to a full-grown cat would be disasterous. But now we have a tiny yard, so a dog would be great. We'll see...

m / March 25, 2008 10:33 AM

well. i guess i like other peoples' cats but a-im allergic and b-i HATE when they stick their butts in my face (which happens EVERYTIME i meet a cat). i will never own a cat due to these 2 reasons.

as for dogs, i like medium sized dogs and would love to own one some day, but there are times im just REALLY disgusted by doggy germs. yippie lap dogs get the boot from me.

lindzray / March 25, 2008 10:39 AM

Dogs rule and cats drool.

p / March 25, 2008 10:41 AM

i like babies. but also not really. Anyway- Dog owners- stop fuckin around w/ those proxy babies and have u some. Cat People- get rid of your cat, then work *slowly* towards being less creepy and have u a baby. If ya'll don't want kids but still just really want to preen and support something- help a homeless person, there's at least 20 of them around. And your new dependant can actually TALK to you- take THAT lonely-town!!

I've got fish.

printdude / March 25, 2008 10:55 AM

normally I have no preference. Both have their qualities.

But lately, this furbag of a cat has been howling at night and driving me nuts. And the wife won't allow me to send the pups after him to shut him up. The freakin' thing is worthless - it shows no affection, hates being picked up and occaisionally craps on the floor. And is like, 17 years old.
Worst. cat. ever.
Worst. Pet. Ever.

Anybody want a black cat that howls?

This hatred for the shitty kitty is compounded by the fact that I have the two best dogs I have ever owned at the same time. So the comparision is unchartable.

Freakin' cat.

Mucky Fingers / March 25, 2008 10:59 AM

I have a hairy chest. I love a single-malt whiskey and a mild cigar. I own many gangster movies on DVD. I never cry. I have broad shoulders. I lift weights regularly. I listen to Black Sabbath and the Clash incessantly.

Despite all that. I love my 3 cats. They all have multiple nicknames that I alternate between. I baby-talk to them when I rub their stomachs. I kiss them on the back of their heads.

Shhhh! Don't tell.

steven / March 25, 2008 11:34 AM

Both. Started off a dog guy, then had some cats and loved them just as much.

And for anyone who can't have animals at their current residence but needs that furry fix, I suggest volunteering at the local animal shelters. Does wonders for both you and the animals. It really all comes down to love, right?

anna / March 25, 2008 11:48 AM

Kittehs -- I lovz them.

www.icanhascheezburger.com

zoenotcool / March 25, 2008 11:52 AM

Both. I've lived with 1 dog and 3 cats. I love/d them all for different reasons. I can't choose - it's like comparing cheese and chocolate (which I love, too).

Renting for my whole adult life has made living with cats more convenient, but I would like to have a yard and at least one dog soon.

I am that person who will ask permission to pet your dog when you are out walking, and then will thank you afterwards. It makes my whole day better!

I am also that person who will stand on the sidewalk making silly faces and/or noises at your cat, as she/he sits in the window.

jen / March 25, 2008 11:52 AM

despite never having had one, i am a dog lover. can't have one now in the apartment nor do i have the time/money for one, which is kind of sad. anyone with a dog want to be my new best friend?

the only cats i like are ones that are old(er) and/or think they are dogs. what's the point in having a pet that sheds and you have to clean up its crap but won't say hello to you when you get home?

Leelah / March 25, 2008 1:02 PM

Growing up with no pets has left me overcompensating as an adult... two cats and two dogs. Every morning at 5.30 am, when one of my dogs frantically barks at a person leaving one of the condos in my building, I prefer the cats.

After my week in Hawaii, I would also like to own a sea turtle and an octopus.

Carrie / March 25, 2008 1:10 PM

Both in theory, neither in practice--I've never had either a cat or dog, thanks to parental/personal allergies.

I'm now a (proud) rabbit person, actually. Seriously, an uncaged, litter-trained house rabbit has the sweetness and loyalty of a dog combined with the independance of a cat--and they're totally silent and get cuter every day. Best house pet ever! Learn more here: http://www.rabbit.org/
Or go find one to adopt here:
http://www.reddoorshelter.org/adopt_rabbits_chicago.html

anne / March 25, 2008 1:11 PM

BTW, for those who need some, here's a dose of puppy cuteness for your bookmarks: http://dailypuppy.com/

snuh / March 25, 2008 1:59 PM

DAWGS!!!

alison / March 25, 2008 2:02 PM

I grew up with dogs and cats and loved them both. Now I have two of the best cats in the world....They run to the door when I come home and sleep curled up at the foot of the bed.

...if only they'd stop scratching furniture and digging up my plants, though...

tk / March 25, 2008 2:51 PM

Didn't realize I was either, but The Boys knew I was wrong. The cat hunted me down at the bar where I worked in '96, the dog chewed my heartstrings to shreds in '98 (he was going to be taken to The Pound, and never would have made it out), and the thought of being without either makes my chest hurt.

I draw the line at fish, though.

ted nugent / March 25, 2008 3:10 PM

I love cats. I just can't eat a whole one by myself.

zoenotcool / March 25, 2008 3:14 PM

I've been fortunate to know many affectionate and non-aloof cats. Too often, cats get a bad rap/rep!

zoenotcool / March 25, 2008 3:14 PM

I've been fortunate to know many affectionate and non-aloof cats. Too often, cats get a bad rap/rep!

jenn / March 25, 2008 3:17 PM

oh, definitely a non-pet person. my family had so many animals growing up (dog, three cats, bird, tank of fish, multiple hamsters) that I longed for a space without having to deal with all that comes with having a pet (i.e. paying attention to something else even if you're too busy and rearranging your schedule to do so).

it sounds cold, I know, but luckily, my boyfriend is also a non-pet person. there will be times when we are taking a walk and I see someone walking their dog that I will then turn to him and say, 'I'm so glad that you don't have a dog.'

and anyone who thinks that having a pet is practice for having a child...just so wrong. totally different.

peta / March 25, 2008 3:28 PM

Fluffy says I'd better say "cat."

tortor / March 25, 2008 4:07 PM

I loves the dogs. Last year during a down time, I gave into my doggie fever and suddenly came home from PAWS with a little thing that looked like a rat, had a rockstar name, and was the coolest little guy I'd ever met.

This is not to say I'm a cat hater... I've met a couple of really fun, playful, friendly cats in my day. Only a couple. But a cat's love is NEVER genuine...

jd / March 25, 2008 8:29 PM

I love dogs, I kinda like cats.
Guinea pig owner (no dogs allowed in the building)
Allergic to cats (and dirty guineas)
Dogs Dogs Dogs!
To P:
Fur babies are the best babies!

S / March 25, 2008 8:37 PM

Always liked cats better until I decided to get a pet. Got an iggy (Italian greyhound) instead. Spooge doesn't shed. Doesn't smell. Doesn't claw anything. Doesn't bark. Does his business in a litterbox so I don't have to go outside at 6 am. And is always happy to see me, even when I don't have food in my hand. And yes, his name really is Spooge. I loves me Spooge.

Brian / March 25, 2008 10:02 PM

Dog person, by far. I've lived with cats, though.

Being mildly allergic (I only survived thanks to Claritin), the cats all seemed to instinctually know that. They LOVED me and couldn't get enough of climbing on me, rubbing on me and swishing their tails in my face (causing me to have a sneezing fit and my eyes to water).

As far as dogs go, I've had 4 since I was a small child. I've been close to all of them, and when they died, it was like losing a child. I miss my boys.

Luke / March 25, 2008 10:06 PM

I can't believe Annie hasn't beaten me to this...

Dogs, only dogs. We have two beagles, one, Dublin, is 11 (Annie got her in college) and the other, Katie, is 4. We just adopted the young'un about 3 weeks ago, and it has been interesting. Beagles definitely have their own personality. As someone who has never even had much exposure to beagles, much less lived with one, I thought all of the strange things Dublin does are unique to her, a product of being raised by Annie. But I have come to realize that beagles just are the way they are because they are beagles. Motivated only by the nose, able to sleep me under the table, produce insane amounts of heat when they sleep, must sleep with their people, etc.

The little fights seem to have stopped, and they might even be starting to be pals (but they won't let us see that).

And now for the PSA portion of my post: Beagles have always been popular, but with Uno the beagle winning the big show, people are rushing out to buy them without realizing that they are, not much unlike any dog, high-maintenance. This means more beagles in shelters, which is a real shame. So when you go to adopt a dog, pay special attention to the beagles. They are lovers and worth every bit of the garbage messes, howling and general mayhem they create.

annie / March 25, 2008 10:22 PM

Yes, Beagles rule!! And, Luke is right. Beagles are very affectionate, down to the point of annoyance at times, but well worth it if you love them and train them properly. Dublin is a bit special though as far as any breed goes, b/c I raised her like she was human.
Now on to cats... I hate cats with a red hot hate. I was attacked by a cat in the 5th grade (I'm talking pet cemetary to the face attack). 'Nough said. Never met a sneaky stinky cat that I liked. I can see the appeal with their low maintenance though. I hate when I'm just buzzed and realize, shit, we have to get the dog out. On the other hand, that is a nice save on the hangover and the piggy bank. Speaking of pigs, I wouldn't mind a pot belly pig!

Spook / March 26, 2008 10:44 AM

I’m tired of these "dog du jour selections". If you love dogs, pick a general breed, learn it well, and stick with it.

I dig mastiffs. Now I have a Dogue de Bordeaux. Folks think big dogs equal big problems, but this aint true! A Dogue de Bordeaux is easier to manage than beagles, labs or any rat dog.

My 128 pound pup has an easy to care for coat, is calm and quiet, and needs only moderate exercise. In a hood like Logan Square she is serious looking, self assured and is watching my back because they don't stray

But around my baby brat cousins, neighborhood brats, old people, joggers, other dogs and even cats, she is supper kind. kids can pull her ears and tail but she don’t mind.

Oh and the Dogue de Bordeaux is close cousin to the Neapolitan Mastiff who won the big show two years ago.

But fellas has any one noticed that Dog girls are so much cooler than cat girls? I mean no disrespect but it’s true!

Cheryl / March 26, 2008 1:42 PM

I accidentally became a cat owner. The people who were moving in to the empty apartment next to me wanted to use my phone to call Animal Control to come get a kitten out of their stove. They were tired and she (the person) was pregnant so I volunteered to shelter the kittie in my apartment for the evening then find a real shelter for her the next day.

That was about 6 and a half years ago. I did find a shelter. I have two cats now, Cleo and Ted.

Bill V / March 26, 2008 3:01 PM

I have always liked dogs, but prefer not to own. Renting is better. And now I have a friend that has two cats and I can see how they can be cool pets too.

Matt / March 26, 2008 7:09 PM

I started life being a devoted cat person. As I got older, I switched to big dogs. Now that I'm older and lazier, I'm back to fat cats.

Jeff / March 26, 2008 10:27 PM

Everyone in my family has dogs 'cept me. I have a Bearded Dragon, 2 frogs, and a tarantula though...

Hal / March 27, 2008 8:46 AM

Used to think I was a cat person, my Siamese being the best goddamned pet ever. Affectionate, loyal, blah, blah, blah. Had her for sixteen years - knidergarten through college. After college, I've had two dogs and two cats over the years.

Turns out, I'm actually a dog person. It just happened that first Siamese totally acted like a dog. Except I didn't have to walk her to let her poop.

Spook / March 27, 2008 8:48 AM

Jeff,

Cool on the Bearded Dragon when I move to a warmer climate cooler city, I want a
green Iguana and a Tortoise. I saw a of couple of Tortoises couple in a dumpy pet store in Pilson,but besides for being a dump, the owner couldn't even tell me what type they were but I was tempted.


LS / March 27, 2008 10:27 AM

Used to always consider myself a dog person, sans dog. I too felt like a previous commenter: cats don't do anything! Then I got the greatest cat in the world who has so much personality, listens to commands, does tricks and is basically like a dog--but I don't have to worry about leaving for the weekend and all that other dog-related drama. So now I'm a crazy cat lady but I can see myself getting a dog when I'm old and retired. (But only a large dog--can't stand the small ones...)

Nick / March 27, 2008 12:44 PM

Cats because sometimes they sleep on top of dogs

fluffy / March 28, 2008 10:31 PM

I like both, but for now, prefer cats. I have one cat in my life right now, Mr. M. and he's amazingly cute.

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