Pet Monologues

While searching for “pet stories” it came as a surprise that Sim2 first new companion game is “Pet Stories.” Though Sim2 comes in at #55 on Gamespot.com, this is a popular game—among adults. Craig’s List most popular forums, in Chicago, have huge followings for “romantic advice” and “politics” while “women’s issues” and “pet and animal” are next in popularity, considerably less visited, and evenly weighted. For such a popular adult game to target pets is interesting. The concept of alotting time towards animals but for whatever reason a “virtual” companion, is worth thinking about. Here is just one narrative on the upcoming game…

Based on The Simsâ„¢ 2 Pets, the top-selling expansion pack to The Simsâ„¢ 2, The Simsâ„¢ Pet Stories is the second release in the new product line called The Simsâ„¢ Stories. Train, play with, and care for your Sims’ cats and dogs, and do your best to keep them happy. Count on many unexpected twists and turns in this easy-to-play, laptop-friendly version of The Simsâ„¢. Choose from two different stories in the directed Story mode, taking on a variety of challenges as you compete in a local pet show and learn that even pets have their own personalities. Unlock rewards as you achieve set goals for your Sims and their pets. In open-ended Freeplay mode, create your Sims and their pets, design their homes, and teach your pets tricks. You decide how their stories unfold. Read the rest of this entry »

The Humane Society brings up an issue that has national exposure. If you feel strongly about this issue this is the very best time to participate in any way you can…

In the past week, millions of Americans were introduced to the barbaric reality of dogfighting in America. On July 26, NFL quarterback Michael Vick appeared in court and pled not guilty to dogfighting-related charges.

But our mission is not only to see Michael Vick brought to justice. His case is a symptom of a larger problem: Dogfighting is a surging underground enterprise involving an estimated 250,000 dogs. The Humane Society of the United States wants to wipe out this industry and save these dogs from the violent fate that awaits them in the dogfighting pit. But to do so, we desperately need your continued support. Read the rest of this entry »

Dog Training Online. Dear Dog lover, there’s no shortage of dog trainers, each one saying something different – all claiming that theirs is simple, fast, and easy. And since it’s so important to start your dog off on the right paw, I want to ask you an important question: Why should you listen to me? Read the rest of this entry »

When death comes calling, so does cat. PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (AP) — Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. Oscar the cat doesn’t like to be put out in the hall when a patient is dying. Read the rest of this entry »

911 rescue dog dies. NEW YORK (AP) — A black Labrador retriever who searched for survivors in smoking debris after September 11 and flooded rubble after Hurricane Katrina has died after battling cancer. Read the rest of this entry »

Abstract

Relationships inevitably develop between humans and animals, regardless of the function or use of the animal partners. The need to recognize the existence of these human-animal bonds, as well as acknowledge the use of the animals, is widespread. Religious memorial services for animals in certain areas of the world provide an historical basis for such acknowledgment activities. The diversity of sacred and secular approaches to memorializing or acknowledging animals is illustrated by representative examples of such events. The need to establish such events, particularly in academic and research settings, is emphasized. The pros and cons of developing and establishing acknowledgment activities in addition to the benefits of implementing such events are discussed. Read the rest of this entry »

Ten tips for choosing a cat. The idea that we mere humans can “choose a cat” is questionable as without a doubt it is usually the cat that chooses us. If you are at that point in your life where you are ready and willing to be chosen by a cat or a kitten – here are our Top 10 Tips for “Choosing a Cat” ! Read the rest of this entry »

Serving up quality prose about animals has been a mission of Pet Monologues from the start. Below are three of many contributing authors who provide our stimulating content. Find out a little bit more about them by clicking on their links. If you wish to contribute or wish to send stories/authors to Pet Monologues, it would be greatly appreciated. PM

Lucia Blinn The stories: Who was Harvey Krane?
John Grogan. The stories: Bringing in breakfast.
Eric Hawxby. The stories: Dead pet stories.
Ward McBurney. The stories: 1) Stupid. 2) Loftus. 3) Get up.

Domestic cats have common ancestor.
12,000-year-old feline history traced to Middle East.

Inside the cells of your pet cat lies a history book, a story that stretches back to when humans first settled into civilizations and discovered agriculture.

Using DNA from modern house cats, researchers have traced the origin of domestic cats to a specific time and region that coincided with the settlement of humans in the Middle East known as the Fertile Crescent. Read the rest of this entry »

Somewhere between astronaut, basketball player and “American Idol” winner, veterinarian is the job of choice for kids today. The thought of working with furry, four-legged friends and cuddly cats is just too good to pass up, and veterinary work may be the only animal career people think of.

But you don’t have to be a vet to work with animals.

Art: Dorling Kindersley

In reality, there are a variety of other ways to combine a love of animals with a paying job. Do you enjoy teaching and working with people as well as pets? If so, you might want to be an animal trainer. Do you have an interest in rescuing or offering a helping hand to neglected animals? You might want to work in an animal shelter, wildlife refuge or zoo. Or maybe you’d like to make animals comfortable and neat by starting your own grooming business. Read the rest of this entry »