Photo by Lissa Gotwals
Wiener dogs Roxy, Uncle and Lucy, the stretch limos of the canine world
We asked readers to send us stories about their pets and received more than 40 responses. These are the ones we thought were most representative of all the stories we received about dogs and cats, birds and rodents, the living and deceased. As an extra bonus, our media writer, Cat Warren, who also is a devoted dog owner, wrote a useful training guide.
We shouldn't be surprised that people like to write about their pets. The U.S. Census Bureau says that in 2001, 36 percent of all households owned a dog and 32 percent had a cat. The number of households with birds is going up (4.6 percent in 1996), while the number with horses is going down (1.5 percent that year).
So, if you find yourself falling for the stories of Chewy, who was saved from a short chain on a dusty road; or wiener dogs and the "Dachshund Underground Railroad"; or a parakeet as beloved as any puppy you've ever known, remember: Like people and the pets they love, you are not alone.--Richard Hart
Is this your dog?
Carol and Katie Wolf, Raleigh
Ten things I like to chew on
Domino Houston (as told to John McMullen)
The big man & little dog club
Rob Gilbert, Raleigh
Crazy for Cavy
Talena Chavis, Durham
Wild and crazy girl
Katherine Schulist, Chapel Hill
The weiner woman
Diane Daniel, Durham
"Look how much I love you"
Nicole Tavitian Pawelski, Holly Springs
Karmic fur
Linda Schmoldt, Chapel Hill
Charlie and Matthew
Clare Brown, Raleigh
Mark's best friend
Larry W. Tombaugh, Cary
Plus:
How to train your dream dogby Cat Warren
Don't just sit there: Pet resources
by Alanna Miller
