ArcaMax

Bark at me, purr at me -- doesn't matter! I love when you squawk back. Here are some interesting notes and comments from readers. Keep those emails coming to petworld@stevedale.tv

Comment: "I came across a ridiculous comment of yours, something along the lines of, "There's no relationship on the planet like the one between people and dogs." Are you kidding? What about between a man and his wife? Or between a mother and her children? Or between a bear and her cubs? How small-minded are you?" -- J.A., via cyberspace

My reply: I stand by what I said, but you ignored the explanation for why I said it. There is no relationship where two different species live so intimately with one another, trust each other with their young, and will die for the other, as that between dogs and their owners.

Dogs will inexplicably give their lives for us. One example: At a burning building in Northwest Indiana, a pit bull-type dog smelled the smoke and worked hard to wake up the adults sleeping inside. The two couldn't make it to the other side of the house to rescue their infant. When firefighters arrived, the panicked parents screamed that their baby was still inside. At that moment, the dog pulled the bassinet out of the house. Instead of saving himself first, the dog suffered smoke inhalation, and might have even died, saving that child.

Comment: "I've been reading your columns online and in the newspaper for years, and I'm a fan. One day, I was listening to a guest on the radio talking about pets, and I thought, 'this sounds like something Steve Dale might say.' Imagine my surprise when I heard it actually was you! I could hardly control the steering wheel." -- C.L., Kenosha, WI

My reply: Don't text and drive -- and apparently, for you, don't listen to me and drive!

Comment: "You don't have children, do you? You're obviously a pet kook." -- L.T.W., Reno, NV

My reply: I realize you mean to insult me, but I'm proud to be a pet "kook." And, for what it's worth, my wife and I have no children, although I'm not sure how that's relevant. Can't a pet kook also have children? I suppose I'm unaware of the pet kook rules.

Comment: I'm the owner of Snuggles, a dog who's afraid of other dogs. I spoke to you on the radio about Snuggles, then followed your advice about taking her for walks with neighbors and friends and their dogs to get her used to being with other dogs. I'm happy to report that she's made some progress -- slowly and gradually. I wanted to thank you for your tips; you helped when no one else seemed to know what to do. -- H.M., Las Vegas, NV

Comment: "Remember me? Ella was urinating on our bed. What a mess. We were about to get rid of the cat and your advice saved her life. Thank you so much." -- G.H, Hartford, CT

My reply: Being a pet kook isn't so bad when I receive emails like these, which mean so much to me. I'm so glad I was able to help.

Comment: "I'm an 84-year-old woman and I have the best solution for bathing a cat. Hire a good-looking young man to do the job. That's what I did, and ever since, my cat has been pretty dirty, needing a couple of baths a month. My cat doesn't love it, but I sure enjoy it." -- J.T., via cyberspace

My reply: Now, I know what keeps you young.

Comment: "I saw a parrot in a pet store and heard it talk. Later, I brought my 4-year-old grandson in so he could meet the parrot. I spent at least five minutes, and probably longer, trying to get the bird to talk, but nothing. Finally, as we were walking out, the bird hollered, 'Come back here!'" -- J.R., Rockville, VA

Comment: "A parrot walks into a drugstore and buys a Chapstick. The clerk says, 'Will that be cash or charge?' The parrot says, 'Just put it on my bill!'" -- T.J., Fort Myers, FL

My reply: These comments show there ought to be a comedy club for parrots!

========

(c) 2014 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.