Things We Can Learn from Cats and Dogs

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 10-04-15 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[Salvation]

Things We Can Learn from Cats and Dogs

Msgr. Charles Pope • October 4, 2015 •

Here at Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Parish in Washington D.C., we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (one day early, on Saturday, Oct 3^rd) with the blessing of the animals. Although most folks bring dogs to be blessed, there are usually some cats and a few other animals like ferrets. Once, someone even brought a snake!

Over the years, I have shared with the dog owners a list of “Things we can learn from dogs” (see below). When I was growing up, we always had a dog, so although I did not personally compose the list, I can vouch for its accuracy.

But over my years of city living I have grown accustomed to having cats (they are great mousers in old rectories). So I set my thoughts toward composing a similar list of what I have learned from cats. They are such independent and self-assured animals! They really let you know who is boss, but mitigate their arrogance somewhat with clownish play and affectionate head-butts.

God speaks to us in all of creation, including our pets, to whom we are often so close. What is God saying? Many things!

So I’ve composed a list of what I have heard God say through the cats I have adopted and loved over the years: Tupac, Katy Bell, Jenny June, Gracie Girl, Rita Hayworth, Ellen Baine, Jerry McGuire, Benedict (Benny), and Daniel (That’s Daniel’s picture at the upper right). Some of them have lived in the alley, some in the house, but they have all taught me things. Here are a few pearls of wisdom they have conveyed:

1. If you can’t get your way, lie across the keyboard until you do. (Be persistent.)
2. Keep them guessing with meows and long looks to keep their attention. (Mystery attracts.)
3. When you’re hungry, meow loudly so they feed you just to shut you up. (Get your needs met.)
4. Always find a good patch of sun to lie in. (Simple pleasures have their place.)
5. Life is hard and then you nap. (Be well-rested.)
6. Climb your way to the top; that’s why the curtains are there. (Be resourceful and creative.)
7. We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please. (Be yourself.)
8. Purr often and use judicious head-butts. (Express gratitude.)
9. Sleep on their clothes and personal items to leave your scent. (Forget-me-nots have their place.)
10. Use your litter box. (Be clean and polite.)
11. Be a mouser. (Earn your keep.)
12. Clown around and do silly stuff. (Be humble.)
13. Run wildly for no apparent reason; chase toys and laser pointers. (Exercise often.)
14. Rest in hidden places. (Solitude has its place.)

Dogs, generally speaking, have a great outlook on life. The following list of things we can learn from dogs has been making the rounds on the Internet for years, but it really is rather instructive. Dogs do have a lot to teach us, and I thank God for the dogs to whom I have been close over the years: Prince, Missy, Molly, Taco, Salsa, Chili, Kaila, Lucy, Clancy, and many others. And again, although others compiled this second list, I can affirm through much experience how true it is!

Fifteen things we can learn from dogs:

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
5. Take naps and stretch before rising.
6. Run, romp, and play daily.
7. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
8. Be loyal.
9. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
10. When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
11. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
12. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
13. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
14. No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout … run right back and make friends.
15. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

Happy feast of St. Francis!

All creatures of our God and king
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

[Salvation]

All creatures of our God and king
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

[Salvation]

Monsignor Pope Ping!

[GreyFriar]

Dog & Cat ping

[Farmer Dean]

I think God sends us an animal in need from time to time,helps us develop compassion and empathy.Or He may be testing us.

[Twinkie]

This morning Brutus Butt (cat) was hanging by her hind legs
(I suppose) over the A/C in the window behind the window
shade. Don’t know how or why. She got herself down fast.

[patriot08]

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Cats
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Cats, like butterflies, need no excuse. - Heinlein

God made the cat to give man the pleasure of stroking a tiger. – François-Joseph Mery

The smallest feline is a masterpiece. - Leonardo Da Vinci

A loving cat can mend a wounded heart. - Anonymous

‘No Heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me’.- Epitaph on an ancient tombstone in England

< One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.- Pam Brown

What greater gift than the love of a cat? - Charles Dickens

Time spent with cats is never wasted. ~ Colette

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. - Albert Schweitzer

It always gives me a shiver when I see a cat seeing what I can’t see. ~ Eleanor Farjeon

Of all God’s creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat. - Mark Twain Notebook, 1894

The cat, it is well to remember, remains the friend of man because it pleases him to do so and not because he must.” — Carl Van Vechten

To respect the cat is the beginning of the Aesthetic sense. — Erasmus Darwin

For a man to truly understand rejection, he must first be ignored by a cat. - Anon

I love cats because I love my home and after a while they become its visible soul. - Jean Cocteau

There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat. - Tay Hohoff

With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats? - Fernand Mery

Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons. ~ Robertson Davies

There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats- unknown

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. - Winston Churchill

There is the little matter of disposal of droppings in which the cat is far ahead of its rivals. The dog is somehow thrilled by what he or any of his friends have produced, hates to leave it, adores smelling it, and sometimes eats it...The cat covers it up if he can... - Paul Gallico

Beware of people who dislike cats. - Irish Proverb

(see my profile to see our herd of cats..scroll about 3/4 way down)

I love dogs, too.

[midlander]

Dogs are a constant friend, a early warning system and defenders, cats bless us simply by allowing us to see their calm noble state of being. They may enjoy a bit of interaction, but they are truly independent, (except being forced to live in town inside a house, and not allowed to roam. Great climbers and very fast. Both are good for their masters. ALWAYS!

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. I think even more highly of Monsignor Pope now that I know he has adopted so many cats and dogs.

[redgolum]

Dogs are family, cats are roommates.

I have seen dogs die to protect their master. I have never seen a cat even stir to do the same.

Dog fan. For that matter, I prefer terriers. Little dogs with huge hearts willing to charge into the dark hole to kill badgers.

[verga]

Ping worthhy

[verga]

Great post and solid lessons.

Thank you

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Slings and Arrows]

[BigEdLB]

Thanks. Emma, Rufus (dogs) and Martin (cat) all all through those lists, though Rufus would deny it.

[LucyT]

Meow, meow.

That’s kitty-speak thanking you for a nice thread.

P.S. Bark, bark, bark, me too said the goggie.

[mupcat]

These are wonderful. I notice at the top of your reply there’s a reference to a video and/or image? Is there a link? Thanks.

[Hot Tabasco]

I have never seen a cat even stir to do the same.

There is one Youtube video that would dispute that claim but this topic is not worth arguing over......

Some of us like dogs, some of us like cats and some of us even like both.

Cat saves boy

[JoeProBono]

[patriot08]

I’m not sure what you’re referring to, dear.
I just said if you want to see our herd of cats, click on my profile and scroll about 3/4 of the way down.
(clicking on my name will take you to my profile page)

[patriot08]

I’m not sure what you’re referring to, dear.
I just said if you want to see our herd of cats, click on my profile and scroll about 3/4 of the way down.
(clicking on my name will take you to my profile page)