Let me tell you about my granddog.
One of the best things about having a mother: You're guaranteed at least one reader for your blog.
We always had pets as kids -- cats, turtles, fish, an armadillo. My mom continued to keep the company of cats long after her nest was empty, and she had no more kids to bug her about getting a doggy or kitty. But after she became a widow, she wanted to travel more. And she has a more active social life than I do. So she has been pet-less for more than 10 years.
I've asked her if she misses sharing her life with an animal companion and she has said no, not really. But I notice she dotes on the pets that my brother and I have, her "granddogs" and "grandcats," as she calls them. And even on dogs and cats (cats especially are her weakness) that are no relation.
Here is an e-mail she sent me last week, from an inn in the Ohio countryside, where she is staying with her friend, Bob. I think Caesar may become an honorary granddog:
Bob and I met a new friend this weekend. His name is Caesar. He is a border collie and can he herd!
Caesar lives in Amish country, Holmes County, and cows take a path by his home each morning and evening. When they pass by, they usually stop and much on the lovely green grass in the field next to Caesar's home. Caesar watches patiently for a few minutes and then starts to wiggle. Finally, unable to withstand the urge, he crawls under the fence and dashes out and nips at their heels, in effect saying: "Move on, ladies!"
The cows move down the path about 100 feet and then again stop to eat. Caesar watches impatiently. Then off he goes, squeezing under the fence again to nip at their heels. They finally move on. Caesar relaxes, his job complete.
Do any of you enjoy the companionship of other people's animals if you are not able to have pets of your own? Do you have "granddogs" or "grandcats?"
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
Hi, I think that was a great thing to share, there is so many anamals here it feels like a petting zoo, with babys cats just born and puppys on there way there is no time to stop having fun. I love all are animals. My mom and dad both have they own dogs same with my little and big sister, But my mom couldnt help but get another puppy and named him hukoberry (I think thats how you spell it) after one of her fav songs. Liveing on a farm is great, for me I think that for a 12 year old girl I am very lucky. Thank you for sharing your story, I found it really cool.
thank you
~Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | November 2, 2008 8:39 PM