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August 13, 2003
ride the worm
'pthhhhht!' Nya-hah! About a month ago I had a corrupt Outlook file, and thought it was a virus. So I freaked out and downloaded all the latest security and support patches, and had my antivirus software updated. No killer virus for me today, fine thank you.
Troubled...troubled...must keep mouth shut, fingers stayed. Not one, two, but THREE bloggers who have gotten or are thinking about getting dogs after recent changes in relationship histories, good or bad. Dogs are great when your life has been stable and you have the time and energy for one. But they also have souls and are beings that require care, and are not things to be had or discarded like Hummel figurines. As I watched my ex obtain, discard, and obtain dogs yet again (multiple times) I know I do have strong issues about this. Dogs are part of your family, and it takes more than euphoria or depression to make such a decision. Just ask anyone who works at an animal shelter on how little thought is put into dog ownership.
There, I said it. I know I'm gonna get into trouble for saying that though. Mitzhi, Our Lady of Sagacious Temperance, tried to defend all of you, but I still had to say it, especially after the third blogger. It just ain't right.
Interestingly, the major topic of discussion at yesterday's neighborhood meeting was of the infamous House of Secrets, at 507 T St. across from our house. This guy has been hosting parties for profit for 40 years. Of course this business made it through the Barry administration unnoticed. Even Prince had a party there, as did the Metropolitan Police. The owner has been a slippery fellow, running this nightclub-like enterprise in a 'hood zoned for residential use. Anyway, we are mobilizing and getting a case on him. As for the crackhouses, two are being sold and one is being condemned as a nuisance property. What made the meeting bearable was the presence of Officer McWoof from the DC Metropolitan Police. Hairy forearms, 'stache, simian cast, bright eyes. Grrr.
And again, happy birthday to Vince! Send him an e-mail if you can think up a cool band name.
Hey, has anyone seen the alternate ending for 28 Days Later? I mean the scary ending, the not happy ending. Don't worry, I don't mind spoilers, and may just see it if you make it sound cool.
Posted by jimbo at August 13, 2003 10:01 AM
Comments
i saw the alternate ending, it's about 30 seconds of 'wha'eva'
it's not scary
basically dude dies
girls walk out of the hospital.
end.
lame
k
Posted by: kiri at August 13, 2003 11:28 AM
I agree completely that people need to think long and hard about getting a pet of any sort. They are not accessories. They have feelings and needs and require not only time and attention, but lots of money for good food and trips to the vet (especially when they get older...my cats are 14 and geriatric blood work runs in the many hundreds of dollars every year.)
Of course, the fact that they are willing to treat animals as disposable might be an indicator as to why their relationships go sour, eh?
Posted by: Troy at August 13, 2003 12:10 PM
that's so funny you riffed on this today...I was just looking at the WARL web site yesterday thinking about getting one...
Posted by: stebbins at August 13, 2003 1:23 PM
I've never commented before, but I have to chime in with a big 'Amen!' on the dog issue.
I admire you for saying something about it, too. Most people, I think, would just let it go, for fear of losing a link from another blogger. So kudos to you, Jimbo.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew at August 13, 2003 6:25 PM
A-Men to the Dog Issue. We got a dog in April, after I whinged and begged for a few months. Partners last dog died in December. Its a big deal and one I learn more about every day. But its worth it.
Posted by: darren at August 13, 2003 6:31 PM
I agree with you Jimbo, when one adopts another lifeform it is a huge responsibility. We (Rob & I ) prefer cats. When ever I look into Bajor's eyes (my cat)the way she looks at me and nuzzles with Rob, I know she has a soul and emotions. I never see her as a pet. But as a little child in my care and as my true friend
You can always tell how a person is by the way they treat the animal in their care.
Posted by: Dax at August 13, 2003 9:05 PM
I didn't realize there *were* any hot cops in DC....this one must have been in hiding.
Posted by: Dan at August 13, 2003 11:54 PM
On the other side of the coin, there's something to be said for acknowledging when you can't give your pet a good home. If that's the case, though, you better make damn sure you find something better. We had a rescue pooch for a little under a year, and although we definitely helped him get over what seems to have been a very troubled puppyhood before we got him, it became obvious that life in our little apartment with people who worked too much wasn't what he needed. Not just for practical reasons but also because we loved him so much, we didn't do anything until we found a better place: family with adoring kids, big yard, lots of attention. There's responsibility in letting go of a pet as much as in getting one.
Posted by: Sparky at August 14, 2003 11:05 AM