Joy Of Pets A Shared Experience

There’s a common misunderstanding about pets.

A lot of people seem to think only their owners enjoy them. And that’s crazy.

It takes no leap of imagination to envision being pals with animals belonging to friends or relatives. That happens all the time.

But you don’t even have to be acquainted with the pet owner to know and like the pet.

Ask anyone who regularly takes extended neighborhood walks. Sharing a roof with a dog or cat is not a prerequisite to having an ongoing relationship with it.

Sure, there are times when the after-dinner stroller’s encounter with an animal is on less than friendly terms. But for every incident that involves snarling and baring of teeth, there must be 100 cordial sidewalk meetings.

It’s never wise to underestimate the threat posed by a barking dog. But sometimes detente can be achieved by saying, in a calm voice, “If you don’t stop that, I’m going to break into your master’s house and take the TV and stereo.”

There haven’t been any studies on this tactic’s effectiveness. But some dogs seem to find it amusing.

And anyone who thinks cats are always aloof must never walk anywhere. Those who do get out and stretch their legs now and then can tell you. There’s nothing unusual about having, say, a big orange cat walk up and present itself for a pat on the head.

Cats don’t always answer you when you ask them for their names. So making up monikers for four-legged regulars along your walking route can be part of the fun of seeing them.

For all you know, a certain feline’s owner might call it “Chiffon.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t address it as “Fatty Pumpkin.”

Who knows? Maybe the cat will prefer the name you chose.

With luck, you could be on the receiving end of a shin-rub. And for just a moment, thoughts about your upcoming performance evaluation at work or worries about your car’s transmission might fade away.

Even a yard cat that responds to your greeting by halfway shutting its eyes — as if your mere presence is giving it a splitting headache — can add color to a constitutional.

Of course, these casual walk-by friendships with dogs and cats can take on a certain poignancy if you know a specific animal is old and perhaps nearing the end of its life.

A moment of sadness is all but inevitable someday down the road.

Meantime, you get to feel a little lift each time you see that your favorite battle-scarred tabby or slow-moving German shepherd is still hanging in there, still on duty keeping the neighborhood in line.

Sometimes the best thing about getting a little exercise is seeing a friend.