AT A kaffeeklatsch with a group of fellow newspaper editors recently, the subject of pets was raised.
One editor told of a lady who came in with a four-generation picture she wanted printed. He happily agreed until he learned that the picture was of four generations of cats, not people.
Another told of a lady who wanted to run an obituary of her cat that was longer than one she had submitted earlier about the death of a family member.
Every farm has cats and dogs and every farm family can entertain to no end with pet stories. As we come to the end of the 1900s, friends, our cats and dogs are “in.”
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Various theories abound as to the whys – empty nest boomers who need something (one?) to care for, childless younger couples and singles with the same need, the trend to cocooning, or being environmentally correct, perhaps?
There are numerous books on caring for and naming the family cat or dog, and one firm of pet food manufacturers is developing television commercials aimed not at owners but directly at their pets. The owners are given a warning so they can have Hudson or Muffy in front of the screen in time to see the message.
If you want to know just how “in” cats and dogs are, take a walk through a stationery store.
Our furry friends grace note cards and magnetic notes, they are on every kind of greeting card imaginable from happy birthday to so sorry you’re sick.
There are cute drawings and actual photographs. The notes are divided by breed, from Rottweiler to German Shepherd, from tabby cat to Persian.
There is also a new line of pet-related cards. One can be sent to the vet thanking him or her for the compassion shown in putting down the family pet.
Another announces the adoption of a new pet, and there is a sympathy card for a friend whose dog or cat has died.
There is a line of blank cards for pet owners who like to make up their own messages. One of them features a picture of a furry feline under the heading “10 good reasons to envy cats.”
The card I like best has a blank space on the front where you can insert your pet’s picture. The verse inside reads “See this picture of me? Aren’t I the cutest sight! My owner says I’m precious, And I guess my owner’s right.”
At the moment, we have one very pregnant barn cat. When her brood arrives, I’m going to buy the card with the frame and the cute verse, put it all together and send it to my editor-friend who wouldn’t print the other lady’s family picture.
It’ll make his day, one way or the other.
