Welcome to Our Place to Paws - A Website by and for animal lovers everywhere.

OK cat-lovers and dog-lovers, this is your chance to speak upon your pet preference! Send us your letters describing why your dog or cat is the ultimate pet, or send in your cat and dog photos. Each month we’ll highlight the best arguments and photos, and choose one winner in each category to receive an Our Place to Paws T-Shirt!

Summer Essay

"Dogs"

From Facebook Group Member Jezzie

It was in the late summer when the heat made shimmering waves across the sky. A car pulled into our driveway and the dogs took out after it with a barrage of barking. Julie brown came from the house wiping her hands on a towel and she smiled when she saw that the person in the car was one of our next door neighbors, Bear was his name. Parking the car he opened the door and patted both the dogs on the head.
The dogs were named Mocha and Java; Java was a black Alsatian German Shepherd and Mocha was a tan shepherd with a black saddle over her back. Bear climbed out of the car with a grin and left the door open to quickly go up to hug Julie Brown. Then with a bigger and brighter smile he said, "I brought you a cake." Turning he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Java was sitting in the drivers' seat of Bear's car, his tail wagging furiously, and his face was adjourned with cake frosting with little bits dropping from his jowls.

For a moment Bear stood there almost paralyzed, and then Julie gave a kind of muffled laugh and Bear turned, seeing tears of laughter streaming down Julie's face. Bear grinned suddenly and shrugged. "Never mind."

"Cats"

From Facebook Group Member Vickie:

When I moved in my place about 9 years ago, I had and still have several cats. Well, I hadn't even met my new neighbors or anything. I got up early one morning around 6 a.m. to let the dog out. I heard one of the cats meowing wanting in, I opened the door and she ran in with a "live" mouse in her mouth. I chased her through the house, caught her still with the mouse in her mouth, and thought I would just open the door and put them both out..Well, when I opened the door, the squeeking of the door startled the cat and she dropped the mouse out of her mouth, it landed IN MY HAIR! so I was at the front door, screaming and shaking my hair all over the place...looked up and my neighbor was looking at me, like "what kind of crazy lady moved in here?" Needless to say the mouse took off, cat went after it, and I remained emabarrased for quite some time.

The Story of Paws (Part 2)

By Temma O’Connor

I opened my eyes and everything was dark. I was confused for a second, then remembered what happened when I snuck out of my house. But, where was I?

I got up and stretched my front paws forward. They hit something hard. To investigate, I walked forward. Too far. My nose hit something cold and hard. It was in a kind if web form. I skitted back at the sudden coldness. But my hind paws hit the same cold, hard stuff.

My eyes finally adjusted to the light. All around me was a dull silver webbing. I suddenly realized where I was. I was in a cage! I noticed that there were other cages, all lined up, stacked on top of each other. I looked out of my cage, down the long rows of cages. Somewhere in the darkness, I heard a dog bark.

Suddenly, a light was turned on and I was blinded for a moment. My eyes adjusted and I could see everything. There were many other cats (and dogs) in cages. There were so many cages, so many animals. A human walked in and another after him. They held bags in their hands, big bags filled with….food! Hunger suddenly stabbed at my stomach. The humans opened the cages, one by one, filling the food bowls.

Eventually, one made his way down to my cage. He opened my cage door gruffly and took out my food bowl. Then he quickly filled it, closed my cage door, and moved on. I looked down at my food. It smelled bad, like the stuff my owners used to give me, until they found out I hated it.

I lapped up some pellets and slowly began to chew. The food tasted even worse than it smelled, worse than I remembered. Reluctantly, I swallowed, telling myself that it was food and I was hungry. I ate more and drank some water. I laid down and began to think.

The humans were done, so they turned off the light and went out the door. Darkness engulfed me as I thought. What will I do? How will I get back to my guardians?

April Essay

By Nicole in California

Cats and dogs. whats not to love, they are furry, cuddly,and cute and what not.They play, they speak in different ways ,show their kindness every day.Sometimes dogs and cats are the only thing that understand you.Dogs and cats are very attaching,once you get one and raise one you want to get another new one.Thank God for cats and dogs or people would be so lonely they would soon fade off.

December Essay

By Lacey White

Currently there are way too many feral cats being taken to shelters. The animals in the shelters can be adopted but only by a certain age. The animals that aren't adopted are killed. Feral cats are just as healthy and live the same amount of time as a socialized cats. They live just fine outside. Just because they aren't very calmed all the time doesn't mean they can't survive a life outside.

Another important thing to remember is that "catch and kill" doesn't work. The trap-neuter-release system does work.

To have your voice count go to alleycat.org

Simba the Cat
By Lacey White

I got my cat named Rascal from my friend, Amanda. She was a beautiful calico cat. Later she had seven adorable kittens;Tuffy,Tubby,Blackey,Chedder,Simba,Keara,and Calie.

One day, after feeding the cats, we left them to eat. Simba was the last one there finishing the last couple of pieces. Unfortunately, our dog loves the cat food and wanted it, so went after Simba and bit his poor little jaw. I was in my room with the door closed, my brother was at his friend's house, my dad was working in the yard near the place my dog and Simba were, and my mom was in her room. All you heard is my dog bark real loud, a cat whining, and my dad yelling, "HEY!" Then by the stains on the floor you could tell where Simba went off to, the corner of our
garage.

We took him to the vet and we found out his jaw was broken, the roof of his mouth was split, and his eye was so bad that it would be a very bad idea for his eye to remain there on Simba. He is doing fine though.

Later he was wandering outside for a while because he now had to live inside, but he did not come in that night. We looked for him, but could not find him. The next morning he was lying by our front door and had been kicked so hard by a horse, he broke his ball joint and it had to be removed by the vet.

Then, a couple of weeks ago when we got back from vacation, Tuffy, Simba's brother that I told you about, tackled him and left him with an abscess. The vet operated on him and in the end he wound up with stitches. His fur on his back is not fully grown back yet.

So that is Simba's story. We are proud owners of a one-eyed, one-hipped, shaved-back cat, but he is one of the best cats you could ever ask for.

July

THE CHARM OF CATS
by Petra (DesPres) Beel

Cats are lovable, soft bundles of fur

When they're happy, they like to purr

They sit on windowsills, to get warm

And curl up happy, in your arms.

They chase wild birds, and butterflies

And watch the antics, of spiders and flies.

Cats twist and turn, around your leg

They won't stop twistin', until you beg.

They love to be stroked, by soft hands

And play with string, and rubberbands.

When cats are bored, they hunt for mice

Without trying, they add joy to your life.

Cats are a comfort, if you're in pain

They warm your heart, with nothing to gain.

They're soft, and cuddly, and never mad

There's nothing as charming, as a cat.

AN ALL-WEATHER FRIEND
by Petra (DesPres) Beel

A dog is a loving, all-weather friend

A companion for ladies, a pal for men

He warms your heart, and sits on your lap

And lays by you, when you take a nap.

He lifts your spirits, when you are sad.

And wags his tail, when you are glad.

He expects no reward, for doing well

And will sit with you, to rest a spell.

He likes to play ball, with the kids

And gives, everyone, a big, wet kiss.

Dogs have a knack for sensing trouble

They can save a life, on the double

For his master, a dog will do all he can.

Dog, an all-weather friend, for man.

April Essay Winner

Rudy and the Next Door Neighbor

Many years ago we owned a big orange and white cat named Rudy. He was a gentle giant with a laid back personality.

Our neighbor directly across the street was a woman in her eighties who lived alone. In those days we allowed our cats unsupervised access to the outdoors, something I would no longer consider. Our neighbor was quite well, and in good weather she was often to be seen outdoors tending to her yard.

Rudy took to crossing the street and spending quality time with her. She would stop to rest frequently and chat with the cat. He appeared to listen intently and clearly enjoyed her company. We had several cats at the time, and this friendship was so sweet that one day I asked her if she would like to keep Rudy. She thanked me but declined. She said that at her age health was uncertain and she didn't think it was a good idea.

So Rudy continued to live with us and visit his pal across the street often. Who says that cats don't know when someone is lonely and needs a friend?

- Callie R., New York

March Essay Winner

Lilla

For people who do not have human children, you will understand. I have a child named Lilla, she is 6 years old, 13 lbs, grey and white silky and cuddly. This is my daughter in every sense of the word. Tonight I came home from work and found her in desperate need of her Mom, me. She was crying in pain, which she has never, ever done.

Being the good Mom that I am, I rushed her to emergency room where I then found out she had been suffering with stones in her bladder. My baby could not pee and her bladder was like a balloon. For the first time she was not going to sleep on her Mom tonight and her Mom would not feel that little heartbeat on top of hers.

Lilla will have surgery tomorrow to remove the stones but she doesn't know this. She is sitting in a cage all alone with out anyone and doesn't know why. Her doctor told me that the surgery must be scheduled in a week or two so Lil would come home with special food to keep her peeing until they can remove the stones. I was worried about leaving her everyday to go to work, would I come home and find her like I did again? Possibly yes. Tonight her doctor called me to tell me that the stones were so large that she was going to do the surgery during her lunch hour so Lillla would not have to go home with the stones.

This is why a vet is a vet. The animal comes first and they put themselves second, when they can fit the rest in. She told me that I could come and sit with Lilla after the surgery while she wakes up. Of course I will bring her doctor lunch, and a great lunch at that!

So, my essay is not to say that cats are better than dogs, but to say that cats and dogs are as good (if not better, please no offense meant) as human children can be. To me there is no difference. If my human child had surgery I would be there when they came out of recovery as I will with my child Lilla, a 6 year old beautiful little girl who has brought my husband and I love each and everyday. May she come through a successful procedure with flying colors, and may she never spend another night away from her parents again.

Amy Z., Framingham, Massachusetts

Editor’s Note: We learned that Lilla came through her surgery fine and is coming home soon, and we wish her well!

January's Essay Winner

Cats

by Temma R.O., Benicia, California

Cats, in my opinion, are better than dogs. They are cuter and you don’t have to take them for a walk every day. I’ve really never had a dog, but most of my friends do. I’ve learned from my friends, and I think I like cats better.

What I love about cats the most is that they will cheer you up when you’re down. All you have to do is pet them. You can’t be sad when you are near them. But, you have to make sure they are happy too. When they’re not, cheer them up, give them a good home.

Cats are very fun animals to have around, but when they are gone it’s sad. I had a cat named Baby once. She was 18 years old, but she’s gone now. I don’t have a cat to play with anymore. Sure I could get a new one, but it won’t be the same.

Cats can have different attitudes, mean or nice, but always be kind to them, even if it’s not your cat. Deep down, all cats have their own niceness. You just have to find it. If you don’t have a cat, but meet one, don’t be mean to it, or it’ll be mean to you. Have fun with them, play with them, and you’ll have a great friendship.

December Essay Winner

A Vote for Kitties

I do like dogs very much, but I will forever be a true cat lover. When I was a child, I remember often visiting a dairy farm that belonged to one of my neighbors down the road. I was maybe ten years old at the time. I wandered around the farm and looked at all the cows, and my friend’s father showed us how the cows were milked.

There were a lot of cats in the barns, and they were given sprays of milk directly from the cows. One day I came across a tiny little kitten. He was grey, with long hair, white socks and a white triangle around his nose. I fell in love with him and asked my friend's parents if I could take him home. They had so many cats that they were happy to have me take him.

When we drove up to my house, I got out of the car and ran to the front door. I remember that my friend’s mom held the little kitten out the car window and showed it to my mom, and said that she'd be happy to take the cat back to the farm if my mom didn’t want it. But I begged my mom to let me keep it, and she did.

Coco lived with me for almost 13 years, and he was my very best friend. He was a real clown, and he and our other family cat, Rudi, ran all over the house playing with each other. Sometimes it sounded like a herd of elephants were trampling across the floor upstairs.

Since then I've had many other cats, and I've loved them all. Each one has had its own personality and has brought something special to my life. Like I said, I do like dogs, but for me, cats are where it's at.

S.B., upstate New York

Past Entries:

November Essay Winner

Cats vs. Dogs? Don’t ask!

How can I choose between cats and dogs? Our house is over-run with both of them, and we love them all.

We currently have nine indoor cats in our home, and several that roam the woods around us but come to our porch at mealtimes. Before you wonder how we can let any of the cats outside, all of these cats are outdoor strays or feral cats who won't come through the door, but we make sure they're well-fed and have a warm place to curl up in our garage on cold winter nights. As a matter of a fact, all of our cats, indoor and out, are rescues, just like our dogs. A number of them curl up on the bed with us at night and help keep us warm, and I never get tired of their faces or their spirit, no matter how many trips to the vet we end up making to cure ear infections or other little problems.

How much do I love our dogs? Let me count the ways – and the dogs. There’s the sweet one we adopted from a rescue organization ourselves, when we laughably believed that we’d actually have only one dog. She follows me everywhere and is gentle with all of the other creatures who find us. Then there’s the puppy who was born to a stray that we picked up by the side of the road, pregnant and frightened, just before Christmas last year. We found the mom and her pups all homes after the pups were born and grown, except our guy, who we kept. The other two dogs we see daily are his brother and sister, who found a good home with a neighbor but still visit daily for doggy daycare. They’re all playful and fun, although I do spend much of my day answering calls for an outdoor break and a game of "fetch."

Cats vs. Dogs? Well, where would I start? I guess I'd use the old joke that goes something like this:

A hungry dog received food from a human and thought, "that human must be a god." A hungry cat received food from a human and thought, "I must be a god."

But you know, I love them both!

By Chris D., North Carolina

October Essay Winner

Go Cats! I love dogs but because of my busy schedule I decided I would get a cat until I can dedicate the time I'd like to spend with a dog. I am very happy with my decision because my Siamese cat Dupree is my "best friend.”

A lot of dog lovers tend to believe cats do not love you like dogs, which may be true for some but not mine. Dupree immediately comes out to greet me when I get home. He doesn't like people food so I never have to worry about him begging. If I cry he won't leave my lap for anything. When I'm away I know he's "cat napping" and he will forgive me. He loves to explore inside and outside and always comes when I call, amazing I know!

His favorite thing outside is long grass to jump in. We both love our sleep so we're a perfect pair! At night we share a pillow and I cover him up to his neck. Once and while he snores and has bad dreams so I wake him up and he'll do the same. A few nights ago I was having an awful dream when I was awoken by paws brushing my hair. My first reaction was that he was being a pest but I quickly realized he was saving me!

I've been through a lot in my life in the past 6 years I've had Dupree, I've moved, and had to take him on a few car rides....which again he amazed me because he rides very well. He likes the air from the vents better than the outside air and he'll rest his front paws on the doors and look out the passenger window.

He's a lot of fun to have around. He loves to play fetch....although it usually only lasts a couple of tosses. He also likes to pounce at me and hunch up like a Halloween cat, I let him know how scared I am and then I give him a big hug. His favorite toy is a white mouse and he always leaves it the same place. One day there was a real mouse (dead) in the spot. Maybe that's a good trick?

I think I may have answered some of Jamie F., North Carolina's questions about cats. I do agree that cats can take care of themselves but when it comes down to it I feel the same way about Dupree as he does for Alexander, in that I couldn't live without him and I don't think he could live without me.

Thank you!

Kim M K.

August Winner

Why Dogs are Better

Dear Our Place to Paws:

I’d like to submit my brief essay explaining why I feel that Dogs should win the “Cats vs. Dogs” contest this month.

My dog, Alexander, is the most loving, loyal creature I’ve ever known. Ever since he was a puppy, he has loved me unconditionally. He follows me everywhere, and he’s such a good dog. He learned very quickly to sit, give his paw and even roll over on command.

Have you ever met a cat that would do that?

Don’t get me wrong, I like cats, but to me they seem to be very aloof. They don’t come running to greet you, they just stay where they are and let you go to them. They don’t follow you around, and they definitely don’t give you unconditional love, do they? I have a friend who has a cat, and it seems like her love is definitely tied to being fed.

Cats are great, and they have fun personalities, but dogs are something really special. It’s not a coincidence that dogs are called “People’s best friend.” Alexander has been my best friend since I adopted him from a shelter. I couldn’t live without him, and I don’t think he could live without me. He also gets me outside because I have to walk him everyday. Have you ever met a cat that really couldn’t live without a person, or who you can walk outside? I think they can pretty much take care of themselves. Again, they’re great, but they’re just not dogs.

Anyway, that’s my vote for dogs winning this contest. Thanks for listening!

Jamie F., North Carolina