Here's Why I Enjoy ZOOTOO - nanette C. (nanettejw) Journal on ZooToo

Here's Why I Enjoy ZOOTOO

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw) in General

posted on:

Apr '09

9:37am

One pet, Two Pet, Three Pets, Four - Five pets, Six Pets, Seven or more....

I think the last recorded number of households that have a pet was taken in 2006 and it was reported that something like 86% of households have at least one family pet.

Then there's the billions of dollars that people spend on their pets every year...

Yet, in daily life, I am constantly asked, "Why do I have so many dogs?" It's almost like I should feel ashamed for having 8 dogs and 2 birds... I don't get it when I look at the statistics. And, I'll never feel ashamed for loving, saving, enjoying and embracing the unconditional love of my animals!

On Zootoo, no one ever asks me, "Why" they are just appreciative and supportive that people are rescuing animals and providing them a loving home.

It doesn't matter if we love dogs or cats or dogs & cats... It doesn't matter if we love fish, birds, lizards, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. We ALL just LOVE animals.

Everyone on Zootoo, whether they enjoy one pet or 20 - no one ever asks, "Why" so many or "Why" that type of pet!

It is a magical place where we can all share our stories (funny & sad), where we can share our photos, where we share each others lives and most importantly, we enjoy visiting with each other and sharing.

There's no "Why" or "How could you" questions. We all just embrace animals and the common bond we share is our love for animals and the love we receive from animals.

Where else could thousands of people come together and enjoy, share, and agree on issues? Where else is there such a vast collection of information for pet lovers?

I've searched the internet and yes, there are other web sites that offer 'blogging' but none with the ease of use or so freely shared.

Here we can agree to disagree and know that at the end of the day, in the morning, we'll still maintain our common bond, our common goal - to save animals lives!

So, a hearty thank you to those that have provided us this wonderful tool to come together. No less, FREE! WE don't have to buy anything or pay to use this site... What a generous gift.

And, most importantly, thank you to everyone who enjoys, as I have and will continue to do, share your pets, your stories, your shelters of choice, your lives... I've learned so much from each and everyone of you.

And, that's why I enjoy Zootoo! If you enjoy Zootoo - let's shout out a Hip-Hip-Hurray for Zootoo!

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49 comments found.

Posted by Bonnie M. (bonnie1957)
7 months ago

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What a great journal. How true. Whether we are a rescuer , a volunteer, run a shelter, take care of strays, have one pet or fifty, we all have one thing in common. We ALL love animals.

Posted by witchone
7 months ago

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I envy you! My job demands travel, lots! I grew up with horses, dogs, cats and goats! When I change careers I plan on staying put and having that all!

Posted by Anonymous
7 months ago

This comment has been removed.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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I feel so ashamed... You are so correct - how thoughtless of me. If only I could convince my husband to buy more land then I would, if I could, have as many "pets" as there are animals that need loving homes! Thanks for showing me the errors of my ways - LOL!

Posted by Marleydog
7 months ago

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Hip-Hip-Hooray for ZooToo! You are so right, it is a fun place! Thanks for the GREAT observation!

Posted by Debby (zennla)
7 months ago

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you are exactly right.. this is a great place to hang out with people who love animals and don't look at you like you are from mars.. I couldn't imagine my life without my animal kids..

Posted by Mylima
7 months ago

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I read your journel about people talking about the amount of pets ... I think that we if can fit more than one pet, than we should ... if we have a small apartment, than we should have one pet or maybe two.. it depends on space and time! ... I don't care how many pets a person has as long as they are happy and the pets are happy! ... God Bless!

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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I couldn't agree with you more. However, some people think it's awful if someone has what they consider "more animals then they should." People can be really critical of pet lovers. Personally, I've long sense stopped caring what other people think of me having 8 dogs. I feel sorry for the person that has never known the unconditional love a pet! And that's why I love Zootoo - no one ever says anything mean about "how many" pets people have. To me, I'm just really lucky to have the unconditional love times 8.

Posted by Kelly (nitewisp)
7 months ago

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Amen Girlfriend! I have 7 rescued kitties & 1 rescued dog, plus my house is like Grand Central Station with all the fosters that come through! When the next one comes along that needs to be rescued, we'll be here for that one too. Its nice to have a place to congregate with great people who don't "look" at you like you're crazy! My only problem is that I want to be on ZooToo ALL the time so I don't miss anything! I love this site & the people & pets I've met here. So, here's my big HIP-HIP-HURRAY with a Texas YEE HAW! thrown in.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Yee-HAW! Right back at you! I know what you mean about not getting anything done - Z2 is contagious! Some days, it is the only thing I do! Except take care of my furr-babies. Good thing animals don't complain about dishes in the sink or the laundry getting done.
Like you, my home is always open for fosters. The only problem I have is I want to keep them all - I get so attached! But, when we find good new homes for them I pass them to their new families and whisper in their ear, "It was an honor to have them in my life even if it was for a short time..."

Posted by daryl b. (darylob)
7 months ago

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hip hip hooray for z2 and you for posting this. i believe we should all have as many as we can care for properly. it is good to hear something good about the zoo for a change

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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HIP-HIP HURRAY right back at you!

Posted by maria h. (mariamoose)
7 months ago

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I love seeing everyone's babies and reading the journals.People are always taken aback when I tell them I have 12 cats and 2 dogs.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Good for you Maria - I'm glad that you have the heart to have so many wonderful pets in your life! If more people opened their minds and their hearts, there may not be sooooo many homeless animals.
Here's a big - HIP-HIP-HURRAY - I'm sending your way! Hope you'll have a great day.

Posted by Anthony G. (Gencare)
7 months ago

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Very well put. In my efforts to get more affiliates for my shelter, I always throw in that it is a great site for animal lovers. My wife and I also agree that the quality of the journals, reviews, etc. would improve when the points phase of the contest was over. I think we are seeing that but unfortunately it looks like there has also been a significant drop off in the postings. I hope to see more participation after members take a break. Unfortunately I was getting burned out and had to take a break during the points phase, but I'm back.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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This is really the nicest time to be on Zootoo - the hassle of the contest is over and now, true-blue Zootooer's can really reach out share. We can better appreciate the stories and animals on Zootoo because we're not all focused on "points." Not that I was ever focused on points as anyone can see my zoo-level. I just think that a lot of people really come here for the fellowship with other animal lovers.
So, catch your breath, relax and enjoy!

Posted by Lynn C. (MEKOMO)
7 months ago

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Hip Hip hurray! it is a fun site. Only problem is...now my hubby has to hear about my babies and all of zt babies too.lol

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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You know how you conquer that? You generate a log-in for him. It has taken my husband a few months - but, he's getting in to it more and more. You know the old saying, "If you can't beat them, join them?" Well, he got tired of me ignoring him. It seems on my computer 12 hours a day. Now he just says, "I'm talking to so-and-so. Who are you talking too?" Then there's always the times we actually look up at each other and say, "did you read that?"
It has given us so much more to talk about besides, bills, work, etc. Try it your husband might like it :)

Posted by Lynn C. (MEKOMO)
7 months ago

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I am still living in the stone ages and don't have internet at home. But, a new computer is coming next week and I am finally getting internet service.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Hey! Make certain when you get the new computer online that you sign your husband up on Zootoo - then you two can Zootoo together!

Posted by Linda (linthepin)
7 months ago

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HIP HIP HOORAY! I love this site. I've laughed and cried. The qualities in animal-loving people, all together, all for good. It's been alot of company. We're all about the positive impact we can make in this world.

BTW in my picklist is a great " positive" journal from Joanne Schoch, I think it's called "how can we thank Richard Thompson," it addresses how we should all treat each other.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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I know what you mean about laughing and crying... my heart breaks every time I hear that someone has lost a beloved pet....

Posted by Cheryle D. (1Westie)
7 months ago

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YES, YES, YES!!!!!! GREAT JOURNAL!!!! I too love this site for the same reasons. Everyone loves animals of all types and doesn't think there's something wrong with you because you love animals. I have wonderful friends of this site. Sometimes I don't want to even get away from the computer and deal with normal daily things - ZooToo is more fun. So my house is a little dusty. Maybe a rabbit will run through and take some with him. Thanks for the journal. A lot of happiness here. HIP HIP HOORAY!

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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If you find that bunny that will run through your house and take the dust with them - will you send them my way? Like you, I find myself mesmerized with Zootoo - I love reading other people's journals and stories... I wake up in the morning and get all excited to read what's new... keep writing, keep enjoying and never mind the dust bunnies - all of us on Zootoo must have them and besides, it's not like any of us are going to ring the other's doorbell - or, maybe if you're in the neigborhood - come on by - cause I know you'll understand the wild fur-bunnies on my floor.

Posted by schnoll007
7 months ago

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yes this was a great journal have have lots of pets too hip hip hooray yahoo

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Love the Hip-hip-hurray and adding the YAHOO! Oh wait, that's another web-site... I don't think as many pet lovers are on that site as we are on Zootoo - so maybe -
HIP-HIP-HURRAY AND ZOOTOO!

Posted by N. Cathy S. (stevecat511)
7 months ago

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Nan, this is a well thought out, wonderful journal! I could not have said better myself! It is nice to see something so positive after all the negative posts lately! Thank you so much for these true and beautiful thoughts!

Posted by N. Cathy S. (stevecat511)
7 months ago

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Oops, I forgot the HIP HIP HOORAY!

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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You know the lyrics of the old song - "You have to focus on the positive and accentuate the positive." There's always going to be cloud in the sky somewhere - we get to choose if we're going to stand under the cloud or stand in the sunshine!

So Hip-Hip-Hurray - it's a beautiful kind-of Zootoo day!

Posted by N. Cathy S. (stevecat511)
7 months ago

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I so agree and when I see a negative post, I just mosey on by!

Posted by Lourie H. (LourieH)
7 months ago

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I really enjoyed this journal. I agree with everyone - it is wonderful to read something happy about Ztoo. It is wonderful to interact with people who understand the love of animals and understand why a person has 6 cats or 8 dogs or in my case - 6 cats, 2 dogs, 4 guinea pigs, 4 geese, 8 chickens and 4 goats plus several granddogs. I would probably have more if I had mor money! Thanks for this journal.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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WOW! I love your pet-family! HIP-HURRAY FOR YOU!

Posted by Diane H. (catsecrets)
7 months ago

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Hip Hip Hurray!!! from me too! I love this site. Finally people who "get" me. I have 8 cats and many people react like I'm some kind of crazy cat hoarder. Hey, some days I think I'm nuts too, but its a good nuts. Great journal.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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You're not nuts! You're experiencing the greatest joy in the world - unconditional love! Pitty the person that has never known what it means to have another creature look to you with nothing but love!

Posted by rottaholic
7 months ago

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I agree with you! Hip-Hip-Hurray for Zootoo!

Posted by EILEEN B. (ms12doolittle)
7 months ago

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Good one- enjoyed your thoughts - I too get why so many and bottom line - they find me and I won't turn my head the other way when one crosses my path. I thoroughly enjoy every single one. I have 4 dogs, 8 cats, 3 birds and one rabbit and a partridge in a pear tree hahaha. Most people are amazed when they come and see how many and some think its insane. Actually some days it is insane in a good way. I get a kick out of them running around, jumping in the canal, chasing each other and just being themselves. Too funny.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Eileen - thank you so much for taking in such a variety of animals! One good thing about having so many dogs - is that once people get over the 'shock' of 8 dogs in one house, they always ask me, "what kind of dogs do you have?" I enjoy answering, "what kind would you like?" Keep up the great job...

Posted by JenniferMaurer
7 months ago

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I wish I could have 8 dogs! But i'm a renter and would be evicted. Good for you. I live in a one dog one bird household!

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Hey Jennifer - it's ok to just have one dog and a bird... I predict that someday you'll have a huge house filled with all the animal love imaginable! For now, may your days be filled with fur & feather love!

Posted by Carol L. (langsford)
7 months ago

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YIPPEE I am so very glad to read something happy, uplifting and positive about ZOOTOO-
I have long adored this site, I have made many great friends and learned so very much about all types of animals, the big and the small, the feathered, finned, scaled and furry type. ALL pets are great, it doesn't matter what kind you have, they are your pet and you LOVE them and that is all that matters.
This is a place I love to come - I feel happy and at peace - This is a place full of wonderful people that show understanding and compassion.
I never felt so much love as I felt when I lost Max and I received so many messages, e-mails , photos and journals and personal tributes to Max from so many..

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Carol - your are one of the people that makes Zootoo so enjoyable! By the way, I sent you sun shine today - has it arrived yet? :)

Posted by Carol L. (langsford)
7 months ago

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I did receive it and the dogs thank you so much. ALL the pictures I posted yesterday were outside in they yard and the sun was shining.. good job -

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Swooo! I was hoping I hadn't lost my touch! Enjoy!

Posted by MICHELLE G. (CHELLEO543)
7 months ago

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HIP-HIP-HURRAY!! I too enjoy the zoo!! It is great to be able to talk with people who feel the same way about animals. I have had alot of people say to me "Oh, six cats, why?" And just like you said, why not? I enjoy them, I love taking care of them. That's all that should matter.To each his own. :)

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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Michelle - I'm so glad you have 6 cats! I love cats but highly allergic - so, I have the dogs - Actually, were I able, I'd have hundreds of acres of land and hundreds of pets! My attitude (short of sounding like a hoarder) one can never have too much animal LOVE!

Posted by MICHELLE G. (CHELLEO543)
7 months ago

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I would love to do the same and rescue dogs, cats, rabbitts( I also have one bunny!) and would love to own a donkey and some pot belly pigs! :)

Posted by kavykeeper
7 months ago

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Nanette, thanks for including guinea pigs in your pet list. :-) I think the small pets are sometimes overlooked as a real pet. I'm really allergic to cats, although I had one growing up. I would have liked a dog, but my daughter is afraid of them so it wasn't fair to her to try and convince her otherwise. I also enjoy zootoo, too, with the different perspectives and a lot of smiles and laughs that are like icing on the cake. Nothing is perfect, but I think what we get out of it, is what we put into it.

Posted by nanette C. (nanettejw)
7 months ago

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I knew you loved guinea pigs... that's what I love about Zootoo - the various animals we all have as pets and the fact that we can all love 'different' animals. I fully understand the whole cat allergy. I'm often asked "why I don't have any cats?" Also, people assume, because I have dogs that I don't like cats - like you, I'm highly allergic! I love ALL animals. My husband and I feed as many animals as we can whether they live in our home or outside.
We are often asked "why" we have birds? After all, people can't have a relationship with birds, right? WRONG! Both of our birds have just as much personality as our dogs and we both enjoy our birds even when they scream at us!
Have a Great DAy!

Posted by kavykeeper
7 months ago

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I've had a lot of birds, including cockatiels. I had them before my kids were born. My friend took the male when my daughter was about two years old because he liked to be loose and was a biter. We didn't want her bit, but also didn't want him to lose the freedom he had. We kept the female . My kids loved her. She would stick her head out the bars so they could pet her head. She never talked but she was very interactive and friendly. The male talked and would fly around and land on my shoulder.