It's so funny, when you start talking to people and they hear you used to have a large pack of four German Shepherds, they automatically put you in a certain category of "person." Now everyone knows I shared our house with a pack of four German Shepherds for years: Lex, Rowan, Lana, and Myla. And now we have just one German Shepherd left, our Skipper.
Lex left in 2018, and Rowan followed in 2019. Then Skipper walked into our house in 2020 (figuratively speaking, because a German Shepherd his size doesn't fit through a door subtly). He came to keep Lana and Myla company. And that went really well, until early 2024. First, Lana left in February, then Myla in March. And so Skipper was left on his own. It took him a while to adjust, and not just him. We had to adjust too, and sometimes still do.
When you share your life with several large dogs for so many years, the transition to just one dog is a big one. And honestly, there are pros and cons to having a pack, but there are also pros and cons to having just one dog. I just didn't want to talk about that today.
Prejudices
So what do I want to talk about? Well, about the many prejudices that exist among people. You know, if you have dogs, many people automatically fit the stereotype of a dog person. That automatically seems to mean you're extroverted, you're also seen as extremely sociable, you're expected to cheerfully strike up a conversation with everyone, and befriend everyone. I hate to admit it, but this image above suits me about as well as sending your 93-year-old grandmother to the disco in a glittery miniskirt. So, not at all! I'm naturally quite calm, I also like my peace, I'm not so sociable that I immediately become friends with everyone, and lastly, I much prefer observing to being in the middle of a crowd. Spare me, put me in the spotlight, and I'll shut down.
Taking Care
And then our neighbors went on vacation, and we were asked to care for their three cats while they were away. Of course, I knew them, but I'd never spent much time with them, well... when I visit the neighbor across the street. But that was about it. Until that vacation.
I may be a dog person myself, but I'm certainly not blind to a cat's needs. And I noticed that Raphael, one of the three, missed the contact with his people. Naturally, I wasn't shy about giving him attention. Caring for them also means giving attention. Not just cat food and water, no, attention too. But then you notice the difference with a dog. As a dog person, I'm used to dogs coming to you immediately; they quickly become friends with you. Especially when they know you're bringing them their food.
Selective Affection
A cat has much more of a mind of its own, and a certain... selective affection. The first few times we changed the water, replenished the kibble, checked the cat beds, picked up the mail from the mailbox, and so on, they looked at us as only cats can: as if they doubted whether we were worth their time and attention. But somewhere in those mysterious feline minds, it clicked: these people could stay. And before the neighbors returned from their vacation, we had become friends. I discovered that cats don't just jump boldly onto your lap. They're much more about subtle surrender. They stay put longer when you approach, instead of immediately running away, and so it progressed each day until they came running to us when we arrived, and we could cuddle them. After that vacation, we had slowly built a friendship with the cats, and I realized there might be a bit of a cat person in me after all.
Skipper Is, And Will Always Be My Number One!
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not losing my dog loyalty. Skipper is and always will be my number one. But yeah, I recognize something from myself in cats. Just like a cat might sit and observe you, waiting, somewhat suspicious of strangers, preferring its own space and quiet… Yes, that's kind of my manual too. People tend to put everything into boxes. Animals, on the other hand, take things as they come. People often think you're either a dog person or a cat person.
It's like signing a contract at birth: "Congratulations, you're team dog. Cats will keep their distance from now on."
Well... that's not how it works at all.
For example, I'm not a social person at all. Seriously, leave me alone in the garden for a whole day and I'm happy. Peace, quiet, just watching everything happen, I can observe for hours. That doesn't fit the stereotypical dog person at all. And yet... Skipper is lying here next to me. A tough German Shepherd to look at, but actually, he's a kind of overstimulated softie. He's startled by a slamming door, but stands like a wall in front of you when danger threatens.
The cats next door are the complete opposite. They can ignore me for days, until they suddenly decide I'm okay. Then they'll come over to me when I'm outside, give me a quick rub on my legs, I can give them a little pat on the head, and off they go again.
Are You A Dog- or a Cat Person?
Of course, I'm curious if you're a dog or a cat person. Do you get up early from your bed because someone is panting and wagging their tails in front of you: "Get outside now!" Or do you wake up at 3 a.m. to a jump on your head because your cat thought it was the perfect moment to sprint through the house?
When you come home, do you find a dog that reacts as if you've been on a world trip for at least six months, jumping on you, squeaking and wagging its tail? Or do you have to go upstairs to look for your cat, who then opens an eye and turns around when it sees it's you without any treats?
When planning your vacation, do you consider where you can take your dog and do you stay home if you can't find a suitable place? Or do you arrange for someone to leave fresh water and food for your cat twice a day?
Everyone Is Unique
There are indeed a few small differences between dog and cat people. But in terms of personality? I don't fit into either box. For years, I had a whole pack of dogs: Lex, Rowan, Lana, and Myla, all with their distinct personalities. Now we only have Skipper left, and he creates plenty of activity in the house. A true dog, in that respect. We always have someone to talk to; we're never alone. And yet, I also love those quiet moments and the peace that cats radiate.
It's a good thing animals never judge. They don't look at a temperament test; they just take a sniff. And if it's right, it's right. If only people were less judgmental. Ultimately, it doesn't matter how different we all are... It's precisely those differences that make each of us unique!