Reviews from

A Touch of Reality.

You've Got to Be Kidding Me.

13 total reviews 
Comment from MelB
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

For 4 �?�½ years she never left my side. - FS gremlins strike!

This is a great post and contest entry! I often post things like this on Facebook. I can't stand when people have a dog in a hot car or leave them outside in the winter.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much Mel for reading and taking the time to review. I really appreciate you comments and kind wishes. I guess it takes an animal lover to recognize another one (smile). Holiday blessings.
reply by MelB on 18-Dec-2017
    You're welcome. It sure does! Merry Christmas:)
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written story about pets that need to have shelter against nature's elements v that can cause to distress to our pets when they are left outside no matter the weather.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2017
    Thank you for reading and reviewing and your kind comments. Holiday blessing.
Comment from Bichon
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great write. Our cat is an outdoor cat, but she has the protection of a nice warm shed with plenty of beds and a heating pad.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you for reading and reviewing. I am so glad that you have decided to protect your cat, so many don't. Again thanks.
Comment from Mabaker
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh that was sad Alie. But sometimes honesty is sad. We have snow here in Australia, and folks have pets, but I've never known what people do for their dogs during the Winter. I have only had cats and they stay inside. Loved this. Anne

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much Anne for reading and reviewing and for the wow 6 stars. I do so hope it was enjoyable, luv alie.
reply by Mabaker on 17-Dec-2017
    Yes it was and you taught me something I didn't know I don't know about salt can you explain, also why haven't you written about being blind? Love U Anne.
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2017
    Well I guess for starts it was really a short period of my life so many years ago and I only think of it now and then. The story was inspired by a poem that I read here. I remembered volunteering afterwards. Now about the salt thing- in Canada they tend to use a salt mixture on the roads during the winter-it causes the ice to melt, however it is a different salt than what we use on our tables, it is almost like a higher concentration and it is prepared with some chemicals so when it melts the ice the water makes it stick to their paws and it causes chemical burns. I was so glad when they invented and created to doggy boots. Even now we are sometimes in cold environments and Sallie wears hers- mind you she walks a little goofy lol but its better than problems. Whew that's it. Luv alie.
reply by Mabaker on 18-Dec-2017
    Well I didn't know that. I couldn't tell you if they do it here, I'd never heard of it until I read your story. Hey, want to hear something nice. My regular cleaner lassie came yesterday (Mon) and she said what were Raymond and I doing for Christmas dinner. I said nothing and she replied "You're coming to my house for Christmas lunch." I thought that was beautiful. So that's us sorted, what are you and Jim doing? Love U Anne.
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2017
    I am sure Anne, that different countries and even states have different ways to deal with snow and ice on the roads. I know we have been to states where they use the salt mixture, others use a salt brine that is sprayed and some use sand. Well Jim is teaching until noon on Friday, his step-mother is visiting his sister but will come over and stay with us Friday night (glad the new camper has a bed sofa) and go home to be with her brothers on Saturday for Christmas. We are going to move campgrounds on Saturday to one that is just a few miles from his sister and then will visit her over Christmas. I think we are actually staying at that campground for a week and Jim is taking the week off. His sister is going away right after Christmas but his one nephew who is 15 will be home so he plans to spend time with him. Then we come back to the same park we are in for another week for more teaching etc. Then back south again. Whew I am so glad you are going out for Christmas lunch, that was so nice of her. Take care and enjoy, luv alie.
reply by Mabaker on 19-Dec-2017
    Do you ever get confused Alie, like where you are or where you should be? Yeah I joke, but heavens dear one I'd be a mental wreck. Did I tell you what we are doing for Christmas Day? If I have I won't repeat if I haven't I will. LOL Love U Anne
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2017
    LOL Anne, yes you did mention that your cleaning girl/ woman has invited you and Raymond for Christmas lunch. Have no fear, I have moments like that all the time. Take care, luv alie.
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

But do we bring them in during the cold? Probably not! I have seen owners use the coats for short haired dogs that are left outside. Isn't that like us trying to survive outdoors in a sweater or perhaps wearing a heavy coat in the summer when the temperature is 95 degrees? ... My Chihuahua, Gidget, is strictly an indoor dog. She goes out to do her business then heads back inside to her doggie bed and special blanket. I would never, I repeat -- NEVER! -- dream of leaving her outdoors, Anonymous Author.
We have a lot of coyotes in my area. She wouldn't last a week outside.

It apparently tried very hard to get up and eventually succumbed to howling is in despair.

A few years ago a close friend had commented that animals belonged outside and one should not worry because after all they had fur coats. Although he did put an old blanket in the dog house, his dog was never let out of its kennel and definitely not allowed in his home. ... Your friend was obviously very misguided in his thinking. Sub-zero temperatures will cause a dog to freeze to death--fur coat or not!

You've got to be kidding me, if you imply you don't care. ... Oh, I care alright, Author.
I care...
 photo Gidgey and Me_zpslkrlnm4a.jpg
Gidget and Dean




 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Oh what an adorable picture, it certainly represents the bond and love between you and Gidget. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, your comments were well appreciated.
reply by Dean Kuch on 17-Dec-2017
    You're very welcome.
    ~Dean
Comment from Sharon Haiste
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a good entry for the 'You've Got To Be Kidding Me' writing prompt.
Your story is well told and certainly highlights the inconsiderate and sometimes cruel way that some people treat their pets.
Thank you for sharing this and good luck to you with the competition.
Sharon

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Your kind comments and good luck wishes are greatly appreciated.
Comment from Cheryl I
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a good advocacy for caring for our pets. I think your writing is good, and it was interesting to see how you went from zero experience with animals to caring about them so much. Keep up the good work. All the best.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Your kind comments are greatly appreciated.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I agree with you wholeheartedly, I hate seeing pets comfined to the outdoors, and have always have them "live in". At one stage, we owned 6 cars and two dogs, both the cats and dogs, divided themselves between my daughter's and our bed at night, (we installed an animal flap in the back door for convenience) Well done, an excellently written entry in this contest, I think a lot of people will identify with this story. (We don't have snow where we live, so I didn't know about the salt) well done, good luck, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, your kind comments and good luck wishes are greatly appreciated. MMM I think your experience with the cats and dogs would be interesting reading, you should write about it. Blessings in return.
reply by royowen on 17-Dec-2017
    Well done
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a remarkably humane and empathetic write about the profound pain animals suffer when they don't have proper shelter in heat and cold. Your story is heartbreaking. It's very well written and clear for your reader. I'm sorry to hear that you yourself had a terrible accident as a child but eventually did get your sight back. Thank God for that. I wish I had a sixer for you for your compassionate write. I hope to read more from you in the near future. Good luck in the contest with this fine entry. Marilyn

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much for reading and reviewing and for the good luck wishes. I don't often get inspired to write but once in a while a great poet gives that nudge. Thanks.
reply by BeasPeas on 16-Dec-2017
    Your work is really great. It would be nice to share it often. Marilyn
Comment from humpwhistle
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am a pet lover. And I'm a feral animal feeder.

I've never seen a 'dressed' pet left out in the weather. Am I missing something?

While I champion animal rights, your opening premise left me out in the cold.
Anyone who puts a sweater on his Yorkie isn't going to leave him out in the elements.

I like the rest of your essay. But the opening premise strikes me as flawed.

Peace, Lee



I have had what some may call the misfortune, but what I think of as a fortune of seeing what the cold weather can do to those four-legged friends we call pets.
--I wonder if this sentence has to be so convoluted?


 Comment Written 15-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you for reading and reviewing. Usually I prefer to read rather than write but then someone here inspires me so I attempt to add my contributions. I will see what I can do to correct the confusion, again thanks.