Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Pets in the House & An Attitude Adjustment

Via
This may be one of the most controversial posts I will ever write.  
I don't like pets in my house. Please don't go hating me.  Most every single one of my friends have pet(s) in their houses.  It's a personal choice.  I love dogs and always had one growing up. My mom did not allow us to bring them inside except for puppies to nurture.  I'd climb out of bed at night and sneak the puppy into bed with me because I could not stand to hear one cry.  So let me assure you, I do like pets.
I just prefer they have their own space.  Not to ignore, but somewhere to run and play and make all the messes they want. We'd never leave one out in inclement weather, etc. either. 
Via

For those of you who keep yours inside, I'll happily pet them, play with them and let them sit in my lap when I come to visit.  I enjoy that. Although, I do not allow my children to continually bother an adult guest in my house and think the same rule should go for pets.  


I'm highly allergic to cats.  Not the "sneezing and watery eyes"  but the "absolutely can't breathe" kind.  Without treatment, cats are lethal to me.  I once became so ill, it lasted 3 months, all from one encounter with a cat.  
Via
Hard to imagine how something so adorable can make me so sick,  but it does. 

Via
Not sure why some people find this amusing.  We were once invited to dinner at a friend's house and this is exactly what was happening in the kitchen. The cats were on the counter eating out of the very bowl meant to serve us.  I didn't eat and my visit was short.  Maybe the only time I was grateful for being allergic to cats. 

Nothing sweeter than puppy dog eyes.  It would be hard for me to say no or scold something so cute.  I really have a big soft heart for pets.
Via


Here's the reason for this post.  In my last post, I told you how our house was not as we left it.  Turns out the tenants had at least 8 dogs maybe 12 inside.  The house was a dog house, not a people house.  I can't begin to tell you of the filth that was awaiting us.  So much damage has been done.  I can't fathom how people lived in that type of mess.  The smell alone was enough to make me sick.  And for the first time, I had an allergic reaction to dog hair in the same way I've had to cats. Everything from the plumbing to the a/c unit has been damaged. I could go on and on but, I really desire for this blog to be a fun and positive place so details will be spared.  In the upcoming weeks, we'll be replacing all the flooring, etc.  Therefore, you'll know why we are remodeling. 
Via


Each time I relay this story,  my friends feel compelled to tell me how clean his/her pets are and how his/her house is not affected.  I know that.  I'd be the same way about mine. Unfortunately not everyone is so clean.  What's even more sad is some do not realize how unclean they are.  So if you have pets and you lease now or in the future, do not be upset at rules, pet deposits, etc.  I pray you never have to live on this side of the fence.
Via


When I drove away from my house, I cried a little but then remembered things are only things... and things cost money, which made me cry a tad more. 
Later that day, I saw my little buddy Gavin, the 3 year old who was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago.  
Nope.  I really don't have a single thing to complain about.
Some of you have asked how he is.  Perfect way to end on a positive note!  The chemo has made him really sick but it only lasted for a couple of days.  The best news is that it's working better than expected.  His lab work came back great!  The tumor is shrinking!  We are praying for less chemo and a quicker surgery.
Gavin has the prettiest dark hair and the longest dark eyelashes you've ever seen. The next round of chemo will probably take that so his mommy was going to get pictures made this week. 
He was rather droopy when I saw him and this made me cry on the inside.  It's hard to see a 3 year old who doesn't feel like running and playing.  But we are so grateful he is still with us and all the good reports thus far!  His parents are in great spirits and have a beautiful attitude.  A lesson for us all.
God is good!

42 comments:

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

No controversy here, I love dogs, have them in my home always have but completely understand what you are saying. As for cats, I was at a friends house once eating a bowl of cereal and her attack cat sat on the table voicing his desire for the milk. My friend seems to be reasonable in so many other areas didn't understand why she thought this was ok! As for Gavin and his family, angels around them! Thanks for sharing.

sweet violets said...

I am so sorry for your terrible experience...how awful....what are people thinking??? How rude and disrespectful to destroy someone's property!!! I hope you are able to mend everything and get back to a comfortable living area.....

And Gavin....what a cutie pie....we continue to hold him in prayer...hugs...cleo

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I know what you mean! Last year we lost our pug Bennie at 12 yrs. old and we still miss him very much! When he was a puppy he destroyed a few things in this house, like the feet of chairs, tables, side of the kitchen cabinets, etc....and never mind shoes and he's own bed things! We remember that, and so we haven't replaced him yet! Your little guy will be in my prayers, he's adorable and may God bless every step pf his recovery!! Lots of hugs. FABBY

Rose M. Rodriguez said...

Hi Tammy, I have a Shitzu and believe me is a labor of love ', and education for her. at the same time I say that has been a process to adapt to it and keep my house in a position, as always an animal in the house is a big challenge! Every day or almost every day I have to get the mop and sweep, keep it in your area, educate and love my children 'does not allow him to visit their beds or my husband who adores her (not on the furniture) has been my work (which they see as a dictator, ha, ha, ha) is a real commitment, but I must confess that she has given me his love for 8 years without conditions, and is faithful and that is what has earned our love! On the other hand, how good the child is better! is that the prayers of many people and their parents have gone to heaven! as you say, God is good! Greetings, Rose Marie

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh Tammy how utterly horrible. I totally understand how you feel. I'm not sure I would handle this situation as gracefully as you...but that is your motto and you're doing a great job! I have seen shows on TV about "hoarders" who have multiple animals in their homes. Unbelievable...as is the photo of the cats on the kitchen counter. I wish I could come there and help you!

BrushedByAnAngel said...

I can certainly understand how you feel. I love animals but just not in my house because I am a bit of a cleaning freak and I do not have the time to train them. I have also had rentals and had the carpet and doorways ruined because of animals but the worst is the tenants who do not have animals and leave the house completely torn up and so filthy that we had to have a cleaning crew come in. It made me sick to even enter the house - replaced the carpet, tile, even the swimming pool liner. I no longer offer rentals. I don't mind visiting friends and family with animals because they love them and take care of them and treat them as members of the family so they are also trained well.

The little boy is precious and it does remind us all how fortunate we are. I will keep the little on in my prayers for a healthy recovery.

Had problems posting comment so I had to retype several times - hope it makes sense.
Brenda

Unknown said...

I so agree with you! I think that if you are going to keep pets inside, and lets be real, those who do treat them as their children, then they should have the same rules children have. I love animals, we had a dog until about 3 years ago when she died. Right after that we moved to a house without a fenced yard, and so we have not gotten another dog. I would get another!
As for rentals, we own two rental homes, and both have pet deposits. One renter tried to hide the fact that they had a cat inside, but after I saw it several times we had to add a $500 pet deposit. They willingly paid it, and we will probably end up keeping it because of damage the cat has done to the house. (peeing in the air vents, on carpet, scratching on the carpet and tearing it up) To my mind, if you want to have a pet inside, you have to be willing to pay the consequences.
Oh, and the cats eating out of dishes you were supposed to eat off of, I cannot tell you how disgusting that is! I would not have been as nice as you. I would have told them exactly what their cats do my health, and then I would have told them just how rude and disgusting it was of them to expect me to eat off a dish their cats had eaten off of. It just not sanitary! Sorry, but that totally offends me!

So glad that Gavin is doing better, hope they are able to stop the chemo soon and do the surgery!

michelle said...

I am so sorry that this happened to you. People have to remember that there is so much more into caring for animals than just owning one. I hope that you can fix things up.
That is such wonderful news about Gavin, I pray that he continues to get better.
xo

Kelsie - MGD said...

Arg some ppl simply don't understand the health of them and their beloved pets is put at risk from those kind of living conditions.

I am so glad for your grandson, what a sweet little man he is...Big hugs and love from Fl.
Blessings Kelsie

Sunny Simple Life said...

You poor thing. There is never any excuse for people to live in animal filth like that. That is disgusting. My heart goes out to you and I wish you the best of luck getting the house all ready for you to move back in. What a nightmare.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Oh, no, how could they do that to your house?!! Shame on them. I never wanted a dog in the house until three years ago. I grew up with them always outside, too. My daughter begged for an inside dog when we moved in this house and I said no way. Then she got married and got her yorkie and I kept her while they were on vacation and fell in love. Then I talked hubby into getting our own. We love her to death, but she does have some boundaries to some furniture and she sleeps in her crate and not with us.
So glad that the little boy is getting some positive progress from the chemo.

Leo said...

I love all animals...but it really is a personal choice and you shouldn't feel bad that you don't like animals in your house. I have two golden retrievers and 4 cats who live in the house...my cats never even go out..and I am okay with that - but I have a full time housekeeper 5 days a week....of which one of her primary duties is the keep the house free of animal hair. She has been with us for years...and she loves the animals as much as we do! We wouldn't be able to have them if we didn't have her to help :)

What shame you had people ruin your house. I went into a house like that once...that was a dog house. It was awful. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Even though I have pets that I share my house with, I can understand how you feel. One of my cousins is highly allergic to cats in the "I can't breath" way too. Yet our house was the only place he was allowed near a cat. He'd make a bee line upstairs where out cat lived, although he knew on the way home, he'd have to dope up on meds and suffer for days.

Now I live with dogs. I'm aware my house isn't the cleanest because of them, but I'd rather enjoy the love my dogs bring me than having the cleanest home. Again, if I had pet allergies, that might be different though.

There are always limits that one should have with indoor pets that involve not letting animals up on the counters, or on certain furniture. We even restrict our dogs from certain rooms.

So sorry these people messed up your house so badly!

Becky K. said...

That is one of those horror stories that you hear when you are considering leasing or renting to someone. We only had a couple sets of renters in our short stint as landlords but knew each time we were taking a huge risk. I am so sorry you ended up with such a mess especially when it puts your health at risk.

We are "pet in the house people" and I know that our home would be prettier if we weren't. It is worth the trade off to us...however, a part of being a pet owner is training the animals well...doesn't sound as if those people understood that part of the deal.

Gavin is precious. I'll be praying that the chemo is extra effective. Chelsea and I were at the Hershey Children's Hospital Outpatient center this morning and I watched the little children coming with their parents. You know that each one had something serious going on or they would not have been there. Just heartbreaking....the pain and worry so many are suffering.

Nita Stacy said...

Oh...you know I love my dogs and I have to have them inside with me but I totally understand your feelings too. I feel one dog doesn't make much of a difference in a house but with my four....there are compromises. They tear up things....I think one decides it's a good idea and then the pack mentality sets in and they all decide to do it. Oh....life would be calm with just one...my Violet who is so well behaved. So my dogs are in and out as much as they like and that means...I have to think of very cleanable flooring in the room the go in and out of. Mine do not have run of the entire house....dining room and living room are off limits...Momma needs some space of her own. If I had just Violet...she could have run of the entire house but the others would be jumping on the sofa and tearing up the pillows...so they are not allowed.

Also....when I have guests over....all dogs go out into the backyard and don't come in unless the guests ask for them to. Just as I don't think you should push your unruly kids on people...you should not push your unruly dogs on people either.

But I have friends who let their dogs jump all over you as soon as you come in the door. I think that is rude and do not let that happen in my house. I hate to hear about the damage at your house. I cannot imagine renting and having that many animals in a house. Well, I can't imagine having that many animals period. I never meant to have four and probably never will again. I think three is the most it should be. Of course my fourth, Sally is the one that tears things up the most. Now I know why she was being given away. ha!

Hate to hear about that sick boy...I hope he does better soon.

Julie Harward said...

It's not the pet, it's the people..every time! whether it's filth or bad behavior..it's the owners fault. Too bad you are so allergic to cats, I would hate to suffer with that. God bless this sweet little boy, he is so cute! :D

Yvonne@StyleBurb said...

First,I am so happy to hear that Gavin is responding well to the treatment. It really puts things into perspective.

Second, I'm really sorry to hear that your house has been so damaged by your tenant's dogs. Over the years I've seen and heard about the damage pets can do. I'm a dog lover, and I totally understand your point. As for that picture of the cats on the counter- yikes and yuck!!!

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Poor Gavin! But on a bright note, so many of these little children who are diagnosed at such a young age do completely recover and go on to lead amazing, LONG lives! I pray he is one of the many!

As for the pets...I totally get it! I am a dog person, but keep my house very clean and hate doggie smells, etc. He has been gone now since September (he was 17...my best buddy) and it's so quiet without him around. On the other hand, I am NOT a cat person, at all. Yes, don't hate me girls, but I cannot stand cats in the house, litter boxes and them crawling around on countertops and other places. It just creeps me out! But it all depends on the owner, my sis-in-law has two cats in the house and her house is amazing and you would never know that they are there...so clean and fresh smelling.

It's heartbreaking though to hear about the damage to your house. That is terrible and I feel for those poor animals too being treated like that. Some people shouldn't have kids or pets! (*_*)

Stitchfork said...

Go Gavin - get better every day! And shame on those who had no respect for your property.
xo Cathy

Nan ~ Playful Decor said...

Oh my gosh Tammy, what a beautiful blog you have! Thank you for visiting mine and finding inspiration. I'm coming back after I get the kids to bed so I can read more. We are closing tomorrow on selling our previous house after a year of mishaps and renters (good ones!) so I hear your frustrations and want to know more what you've been going through. Our new house needs a complete makeover - sounds like we're going through similar things. Best, Nan

Brandi said...

such a great post Tammy. i enjoyed reading through all of the comments. i have 2 inside dogs and i agree, like children, pets should have boundaries. cats on the counter and eating from the same bowl you were to be served out of is insane. so sorry that your previous tenants left your house in such a mess. so glad to know Gavin is responding well to treatment.

Pamela said...

Glad to hear the good news about Gavin. I was just thinking about that little guy today too!!!

I don't hate you for not liking pets in a house. My house has one dog and one cat. It used to have 3 cats and one dog. Everyone always asked me why my house didn't smell lol !
My dog is not allowed on the furniture and she has never never tried! She is not allowed upstairs as well. The cat is so funny he prefers the high shelf in our library room or the top of the stair case. He rarely goes on furniture which is strange. Never goes on counters. I've been so lucky with my pets and yes i have been to homes where i have had to hold my breath the smell was sooo bad!!! My father-in-law is deathly allergic to cats too.

I also agree totally with you about annoying pets with guests. Just like annoying children with adult guests. Can't stand it either. We never allow our dog to bug a guest if anything she gets put away!
Good post Tammy!

Cindy said...

Hi Tammy,
I am one friend that does NOT have pets and does NOT have any in the house. I do NOT like pets in the house either, and I'm also allergic to cats. But I love cats and I enjoy our neighbors dog very much. I give him treats when he comes over, so he LOVES me. But, his owners do not allow him to pester us, which I really appreciate.
I am so-o-o-o sorry to hear of what has happened to your house. I would cry too! The money part just makes me sick for you.
But God is still so very good, one look at Gavin's little face tells us that.
Bless you my friend, I hope you have a good evening.
Love and hugs, Cindy

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Hum, here's the thing. I am the cat lady, I only have 2...so,I'm not that crazy. I'm a clean freak, no cats on the counter etc. I hate that I have cat hair in the house, but here is why I have cats. My husband left and my son is grown. I have a wonderful life with tons of friends, and I am involved in more activities than this little comment box can hold, but when I get home there is no one to greet me until my fury friends come running to say Hi. They are someone to nurture and chat with. Now, I don't know what your situation is kids, husband, etc. , but if you did not have allergies, (which takes any possibilities of pets out of your life) Things could happen in your life, things change, people leave, and you could feel differently. Cat hair is a small price to pay for what I get in return.....Just saying! I am wishing continued blessings on sweet Gavin.

Carol

Unknown said...

I'm with you on this one. We have two large dogs that are outside dogs. They do not come into the house, but are allowed to stay in the garage when the weather is really cold or rainy. We love them dearly, but neither of us want animals in the house. I've seen people give their plate to their pet after eating, or feed them out of their spoon. Can't do it, but that's just me! Hope you are able to get your house back in shape. Praying for Gavin.

Gina said...

Where to begin?

First, I'm still praying for Gavin. God bless him!

Second, I'm so sorry that your house has been destroyed. That's awful! My husband & I once looked at a house that was for sale. The owners had 4 cats. The whole time we were viewing it, the cats walked on the countertops & stove. Then they kept moving around our legs while we walked around. I'm not sure who was more annoyed, us or our realtor. My husband's comment? These cats alone would make me NOT want to buy this house! I guess some people just don't realize that not everyone is a cat (or dog or animal) lover.

Third, no need to apologize for how you feel. Over the years, my kids have begged for pets (dogs, hamsters, bunnies, you name it). I've stood my ground...I'm just not a pet person & I don't think I ever will be.

Susan said...

I don't mind dogs in the house! As long as I can sweep every day to get up the shedded hair!
But cats will never be in my house! I love cats I truely do, but the thoughts of them crawling all over my counter tops and eating out food bowls...........that I can not tolerate!!

Unknown said...

Prayers for the little boy...I hope good news
will continue and he will enjoy a cure someday.

I totally understand how you feel about pets in your home. I said no to pets for many years then my third son broke me and we got a dog and a cat a year later. I have strict rules but it is so much extra work to have animals. I will not be having anymore pets when these are gone someday. Some of us just aren't (in the house) pet people

Marianne said...

Hi Tammy, Well, this is a tough one. I really love animals but I don't really want them in my house anymore. I'm somewhat of a germ-a-phob. I had three cats for years that I loved more than anything but they were a bit of a mess..the hair, the litter and I was always cleaning. I'm so sorry to hear about your house and I really feel for you but I know you will make it beautiful once again. Don't feel bad about now wanting pets in your home, everyone is entitled to want what they want. I never let kids in my house unless they take their shoes off and some might think thats a terrible thing!

I didn't know about Gavin but glad to hear that he is doing well. Will pray for him. Children with cancer just breaks my heart. My good friend lost her 7 year old daughter a year ago to cancer. The poor kid battled it since she was 18 months old...and children seem to be able to handle it so much better than us adults. It's amazing how positive thoughts help.

Marianne :)

Comeca Jones said...

Praying for your special friend!Hope you get things together soon at the other place.:(

Eileen said...

I love my dogs to pieces, but I have to tell you, it is much harder to keep the house as clean as I like it due to the fur ~ I swear, our lab mix leaves it everywhere, bless him. They used to sleep outside but then we moved and that didn't seem like the best idea so they came inside. And now they are quite old and prefer to be indoors, so I let them be and just run the vacuum a lot more. It's a trade-off. I am so, so sorry that happened to your house ~ what an awful thing. I don't know how anyone could live like that but I know it happens. I really feel for you having to clean all that up. Some people are so amazingly dirty and inconsiderate, it makes you wonder sometimes. I'll be sending good thoughts your way ~ think how wonderful everything will look when you're done. :)

xinex said...

I feel the same way you do, Tammy. I feel and pray for Gavin and his family....Christine

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Tammy,
I hope you are the only one that reads this...we are not animal lovers at our house. Yes...we don't have any animals...just don't want animals in my house...love small dogs, but rather see them at other peoples homes...now for cats...no way! So glad to hear Gavin is doing good and so awesome that his parents have a good attitude.

Blessings,
Linda

Kelly said...

That is such great news about little Gavin! I will say a prayer for him.

I'm so sorry to hear about your terrible experience. Truly unacceptable. We have two cats and a dog who go in and out, but you hit on two of my biggest animal annoyances--cats on the table/counter (EEEEK!!!!) and pets who annoy visitors. Now I'm thinking, kicking out my three little ones sure we save me lots of cleaning and leave more time for blogging!


Kelly

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Tammy we are big animal lovers here, but I totally understand where your coming from. That's horrible what they did to your house. I've always had dogs. We trained our Toby not to jump on the furniture, the only chair he's allowed on is the leather recliner we have in our fam. room, and he doesn't go upstairs either because all the bedrooms have rugs.I cant understand how someone could live like that and destroy someone elses property!! I am so happy that precious little boy is getting good news!! Martina

laxsupermom said...

That's so awful that your renters ruined your home! I can't even imagine how heartsick you are to see it. So glad to hear that Gavin is doing well on the chemo! That's great to here! Thanks for sharing.

Kathy said...

Oh life is just not fair, a 3 year old...oh my goodness, makes me stop and realize just how lucky I am, thank you for that. I too had a rental that was trashed, it was an eye opener that people can live in filth and not worry about the damage they do to others property...I was so sad while cleaning that place up.

Sarah said...

Tammy, glad to hear that Gavin is getting a good report. Our niece who was diagnosed in 2005 at age 5 completed treatment September 2011 and doing well. Long treatment! I wish the best for Gavin and his family. ~ Sarah

Lori said...

Gavin, such a precious little boy. I pray for his return to health and playfulness he deserves, a real doll. Lori

From The Heart said...

I will pray for little Gavin. He is such a precious boy.
I like animals but don't have them in my house either.
Blessings,
Shirley

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Tammy, I'm 100% with you on the pets in the house issue! Two close family members have inside dogs, and I have to "mentally prepare" before visiting them. Good luck getting your house back together. I'm so sorry for your mess!

As for little Gavin, I pray he's still doing well...

Angela McInnis said...

Tammy,
I'm with you ('nuff said.)
Angela