Author Topic: Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...  (Read 2672 times)

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8277
  • reisen statt rasen
Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...
« on: May 27, 2012, 04:28:25 PM »
Hi All!

Everyone knows the "bad" side of being chased by dogs while riding, but many of us have also had the pleasure of animals who so greatly enriched our lives, it is hard to imagine them gone (and yes, we've probably all lost a few to the passage of time).

"Owning" an animal seems like a harsh term when describing relationships where we often receive a hundredfold more in love, loyalty, and companionship than we give, and all of it unconditional. If anything, I've found myself "owned" by the animals in my life, and gladly admit it! My best friend for 16 years was a remarkably doglike Norwegian Forest cat. Yours might be a dog, a cat, bird, horse, or whatever. Doesn't really matter, so long as you love 'em and they love back.

At any rate, animals add a lot, and if we can't take them biking with us, at least they're waiting for us at home or can go by car to re-visit the places we've explored first, so that qualifies for the heading "animal biking pal".

If you have a photo or wish to wax reminiscent, post one and a summary, special story, or just a little piece about them here.  Doesn't quite fit in the Gallery section, but I can't think of a better Muppets thread, so have at it. Thanks, Dave (expr) for the terrific idea.

All the best,

Dan.

Relayer

  • Guest
Re: Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2012, 05:43:50 PM »
Dan

I have had quite a few pets in my time, one Scottish Terrier dog, and one black cat both of which were very very special.  However, I have never actually taken a pet biking with me, but your heading "animal biking pal" reminded me of a photo I took in 2008 at Aberfeldy of an elderly couple and their dog, with a very very old (vintage) AJS motorcycle and sidecar.  The little dog just sat in it's box watching me get my camera out to shoot while the couple were unaware, such a magical moment to spot this.



I know this isn't strictly in the terms of your thread since I don't know the pet or the people, but I think this picture is well worth sharing.

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8277
  • reisen statt rasen
Re: Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2012, 05:52:29 PM »
Quote
I know this isn't strictly in the terms of your thread since I don't know the pet or the people...
No worries!
Quote
...but I think this picture is well worth sharing.
Absolutely, and I'm so glad you did!

A priceless shot that says so much. A truly magical moment you did well to capture. What quick thinking and action on your part, Jim; well done!

All the best,

Dan.

richie thornger

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 320
    • Batman to Robben
Re: Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2012, 10:10:55 PM »
Interesting post alongside the Chinese dog one.
I stopped on the hard shoulder of the motorway cycling through Bulgaria and a puppy started to bark at me. Poor little thing all skin and bones and the wrong side of the fence. I gave it every bit of food I had. I was going to hit the Turkish border the next day and I didn't know what would happen but I so wanted to pick it up and take it with me.
I have decided that at some point on the next trip I will be acquiring a dog and taking it with me for part of the way.
I have also decided that if I think about the logistics of this it won't happen. Everytime I see a dog now I just keep thinking about how much it might weigh?
The Chinese dog post makes me think this is not a problem ;D
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy

Danneaux

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8277
  • reisen statt rasen
Re: Show us your animal biking pal (past or present)...
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2012, 10:57:56 PM »
Quote
...I so wanted to pick it up and take it with me.
We're in the same boat, Richie. A part of me just does not feel complete without a pet (of the dog or cat variety, anyway; all animals are nice once you get to know them). The trouble is, it has been around 9 years since RKitty passed away, and I'm still not over it. Miss him everyday. And, he set such a high standard, it would be hard for another to measure up. Friends in The Netherlands also had a Norwegian Forest Cat when I visited in 2008, and it was plain she was of the same tribe as RKitty. Not the same, of course, but there were so many similar (doglike) behavioral characteristics.

The trouble is, the rational side of me projects 16-18 years ahead, and I know it is most fair if one has an animal, to "be there". There is a mutual bond that is important, and that goes away to the animal's detriment if you're not present. By some astonishing quirk of fate and a small tear in the space-time continuum, I'm now 52. 18 more years (a likely lifespan for a dogcat in my care) puts me at 70. While I still can't quite wrap my mind around that, it does tell me it is a fair amount of time devoted to a pet-centric lifestyle that I'm not sure present circumstances will allow.

I was mightily tempted last week by the latest batch of kittens to be born in the woodshed. The neighbors on both sides hoard cats, and the one is convinced multi-colored cats are all males. I call these "plaid cats", and can say for a fact that whatever their gender, they readily produce kittens. Unfortunately, those kittens are also really, really cute. I uh, had to go out periodically to see them, just to make sure they were okay, you understand. They were uh, really soft, too. And warm. And felt good to hold, like I remembered. Fortunately, MamaKitty decided to move them to the Neighbor's boat house last weekend so they could be nearer to the food supply. The Neighbor works as a baker and in his off-hours, smokes meat and slices it thinly on a meat saw in the garage before making it available for catered events and weddings. The kitties have all discovered the meat saw and lick the blade clean as soon as the Neighbor's back is turned. Something to think about next time you have an event catered.  :P

I have to say, nearly everything that has four legs and doesn't actively bite gets petted on my bike rides. Cows, horses, dogs and cats are usually good for a brief stop, a good chat, and some gentle petting and pats on the head.

It is possible to adopt a pet while on-tour, no doubt about it. It isn't much of a problem if you're touring domestically, but it gets soon gets sticky at border crossings unless you can produce certificated proof of vaccines and such, and even then it can be tricky. I can't imagine being denied entry because of an animal companion. Dunno what I would do...go back...and then run into the same thing at another border? As I mentioned in an earlier thread, this person found a way to do it: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=6195 The trailer is a great way to have an animal with you with fewer concerns about them getting hurt or lost along the way and gives them a nice place to rest and even sleep while riding along. If I could do that with another Norwegian Forest cat, well...

Best,

Dan. (who's waiting for the computers to chug through another simulation and keeping an eye on high-mountain weather reports. Looking more like Tuesday or Wednesday for the snow-camping adventure with Sherpa).