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“When pets become entangled in human relationships, invariably the animal is a catalyst for bringing out unresolved psychological issues," says Gavriele-Gold. "People tend to dump their own personal issues on their pets and the animals wind up looking as if they’re the problem when they’re not.”Gavriele-Gold tells the story of female client who had a boa constrictor named Crunch and went through various boyfriends over the years. Often she and her boyfriend at the time would end up in the bathtub together and the snake would slither down the shower curtain, surprising the unsuspecting suitor. On more than one occasion, she was forced to call the paramedics to prevent the man from going into cardiac arrest.
“Finally,” Gavriele-Gold says, “ I got her to understand that she had a fear of commitment and this was her way of keeping a distance in her relationships. Ultimately, she met a guy who loved snakes and they rode off into the sunset together.”
See full article here [msnbc.msn.com].
“Animals do manipulate,” says Dodman. “They are capable of attention-seeking behaviors, knowing the results will alter their owner’s conduct for their benefit.
"Seventy percent of people asked to choose between their spouse and their dog will choose the dog."
“Watch out,” he cautions, “for someone who doesn’t own a pet, or who owns one that doesn’t shed. And beware of someone who doesn’t keep plants unless they are cacti.”
(Is your dog having "issues" with Brett? Something you need to tell us? hehe)
No. I use my colleagues for that.
Don't have a dog. The cat I've had for 10+ years absolutely adores Brett.
And interestingly, this same cat used to pee on the ex's side of the bed every once in a while. tee hee.
> My old cat would pee on my fiance's dirty laundry.
Man, animals are smart! I'm going to listen to my cats more often.
Sorry about the dog Hawkgirl
They all even occasionally do the "if dad says no ask mom" thing or vice versa.
I'd hate to dump my unresolved issues on the pets though!
re: manipulation -- I love meeting other people's pets and watch them trying to figure out what I'm good for. "Can I beg her food?" "Will she let me jump up?" "Do I really have to listen when she says 'No'?"
It's just like a small child: Gotta test your boundaries with the new person... hehe
Years ago I had the best calico cat. One day (I forget exactly why) I thumped her pretty good, and she ran off about 20 feet, sat in the yard and gave me a good stare.
A couple of weeks later she cozied up in my lap, then quite suddenly dug into my legs with all 4 paws, and again jumped off about 20 feet away, giving me the same eye.
What could I do? It was a well deserved payback. After that I remembered to always be nice to that kitty.
Pretty amazing what they are capable of. Sure wish they could talk. We have 2 big dogs & a cat living in harmony. Well, throw in 2 & 4 year old boys, and you can imagine what 'harmony' is around our house.
I think the animals are fortifying their position now in the back room preparing for the future battle against the boys in the years to come. Ocassionally, you will find hostages the animals have taken captive from the boy's possessions. We never seem to catch the "interrogation" of these hostages in the act so we can't be sure but appearantly, the animals rarely get any useful information out of the hostages as they are always found dead. ;)
duckhunter: I would hate to see things around here if the horses WERE in the house.... we have a friend across the valley who has UK Shetlands for helping out with autistic kids and those otherwise specially able, and her little ones are occasionally inside with kids. It'a a hoot! Mine however are the large variety, and the "extra-large size" (17 hands or so) to boot....
