The Ratio's The Same, Just Reversed
©2007-2009 Shreve Stockton. All Rights Reserved.
All images and content are copyrighted material and may not be used in any manner without prior written permission.
All images and content are copyrighted material and may not be used in any manner without prior written permission.
120 comments:
I like that it looks like he's looking to Eli for guidance. Like, he's determined to go where the cat goes.
I'm wondering...has their relationship changed at all as Charlie has gotten bigger?
is Eli still the 'big brother'?
That is one of the sweetest pictures ever!! They are so cute!!!
What a striking composition! You are a gifted photographer.
WAY TOO CUTE !!!
Great photo .........
Animals are just so amazing. We could learn a lot from them about getting along with others.
What a sharp contrast to yesterday's picture!
What a little sweet pea!
@meow house: "Animals are just so amazing. We could learn a lot from them about getting along with others."
It's all fun and games until one of them gets hungry. =)
Great pictures from your archive, Shreve. Love these!
how adorable!!! Charlie has grown up so much since then!
Love the picture. Thanks!
@ spicyapple: lolz, well ya gotta eat too, but seriously lots of animals who should be preying on each other are proven long-term friends. Like that crow who raised a stray kitten (long documented on video), or the many examples of one species serving as "mother" to another: cats protecting and caring for squirrels or rabbits; a cow acting as mother to a cat, pigs raising ducks, etc. Perhaps the fact that Charlie came to Eli when he was a baby will have a lifelong alteration of the "traditional" animosity between the species. I've had several dogs who treated my kittens and cats like precious babies, when with one snap they could have killed them easily. Also maybe the fact that Charlie gets food from a reliable source will change his perception of Eli as possible dinner.
Not to get too analytical about it! :-)
This blog makes me so happy.
They are so beautiful together!
Recent pics of the more adult looking Charlie don't have him next to something that makes an easy size comparison. How much bigger than Eli is he now? I don't have a real good idea on how big coyotes get.
No judgement but you should really think about getting Eli neutered. Fixed cats tend to live a lot longer lives. Less incidents of cancer and they don't stray so far from home. Plus, the world really doesn't need more stray kittens.
Doesn't it always amaze you how quickly they grow? Charlie was so teeny tiny just a snap of our fingers ago. How'd he get so grown up so fast?
Why isn't Eli neutered? Aren't there enough unwanted stray kittens in the world?
Shreve, bet you love getting all this advice that you didn`t ask for! Do your thing girl, if it an`it broke don`t fix it right? I love the picture, true brotherhood
I think it's amazing how well Charlie blends in with nearly every setting. Such beauty.
I agree. It's very irresponsible not to have Eli neutered. As far as "Do your thing girl, if it an`it broke don`t fix it right?" Take a visit to your local pound to see just how "broke" it is.
Hello! Those of you who live in very, very rural America raise your hands. The rest of you? I'm sorry but you don't have a clue what it's like. It's like a different planet. It's like the Wild West you see in old movies. If Eli didn't have his balls, he'd be killed. Too many stories of experience here for me to do that. And no, I'm not going to make Eli stay indoors. Plus, my neighbor LOVES his seventeen cats (no joke). S.S.
And, as a gentle reminder, please see:
http://dailycoyote.blogspot.com/2008/01/notes-on-charlie_03.html
Amen to that, Shreve! A very kind response... maybe a coupla' people haven't had their morning coffee yet?
As to this exquisite photo: even their shadows are cute!
Thanks for the perspective in this incredible shot. Speaks volumes, again, about Charlie's puplet/nubule size, their health and well-being, your love for them, and more.
To be fair, Shreve lives out in the middle of nowhere. Probably not a ton of other domestic animals around. The worst to fear would probably be interbreeding with bobcats. I come from the US, but when I moved to Norway, I was a little surprised to hear that it was illegal to "mutilate" an animal by "fixing" it for no reason, only medical reasons were permitted (this also includes docking tails and ears). But guess what? The stray dog population is next to nil and I've only seen a handful of cats out in the city after being here for a year.
You know, some people have different ways of doing things, and it works for them. Don't throw stones before you know the whole situation.
Well, here I know we lose cats to the coyotes. With Charlie being raised with Eli will that overcome that instinct?
i just love your pictures - thanks for the ones of the warmth :) reminds me that yes - it will be warm again! (it was -10 as i was walking to the bus here in northern Utah this morning, not as cold as -30, but cold enough).
Love, LOVE - "If Eli didn't have his balls, he'd be killed". Could so be figuratively and literally!
I don't know how this blog site works, if this is even something you wnat to be bothered with, BUT, it might save you some time in the long run...
A FAQ link, for, you know, those repeated questions that we all want to know.
Not that it matters, but I also enjoy seeing where your commentors are from, Australia, England...
Have a good day!
Chilly here in Texas
Shreve, You do a wonderful job of portraying life with a coyote and your photographs.
I live in the rural country, have all my life. I go back 4 generations of living with animals in a rural area. I think you are very nieve about your animals. I think you are listening to hunters and trappers. Reading about your background I don't believe you have the personal experience to know how to properly take responsiblity for your pets. Neutering does not mean that Eli will be injured by other animals. Where is the research from this? I had a neighbor with 20 some cats and I must say they were unhealthy, ate all the bird population in the area and propergated like rabbits. There were dead cats all over the area and they weren't neutered. If they aren't being neutered then they aren't being properly cared for.
Charlie will leave you if you give him the opportunity. Whether he is neutered or not, the wild animals will kill him just for being in their territory. If he leaves you he will seek out human companionship, he hasn't learned to be fearful of them. If the coyotes don't get him then man will, maybe some of your hunter and trapper friends......
I wonder when Charlie uh, "starts a family" :), how soon his pups will be introduced to their Nanna Shreve and Uncle Eli?
Wow, bossy people, telling a blogger how to manage her animals and their lives. Seems rather rude, given the great lengths she goes to in order to share this amazing experience with the rest of us.
Everybody just chill. Shreve has proven herself to be smart, capable, knowledgeble, and thoughtful. She'll do what she thinks is best. Unless you'd like her to comment on how YOU could be doing things differently or better, I suggest exercising some restraint when you post here.
sheesh...
ya' know, I've read every post on this sight, & I have to say I think Shreve is doing GREAT. maybe I'm 'naive'. I don't live in rural America, I don't have a relationship w/a coyote. (I do live 2 feral cats, but that's beside the point)
Each of us might & probably would do things in our own ways, maybe slightly different, maybe not, but I come HERE to enjoy the wonderment of this 1 particular story.
not to hear whining from the peanut gallery.
I have no advise to Shreve other than to 'keep up the good work'.
end of rant.
I can't believe the audacity of some of the people in this blog! We are here to observe, not to actively participate. It's beautiful to have this window into another person's life.
I adore this blog and look forward to a new picture every morning. This morning's picture surprised me a little - seeing Eli packing heat back there. My immediate reaction was to get that cat fixed, but then I had to remind myself you are not even remotely in an urban area. All the usual consequences of having an intact male in your area do not necessarily apply.
To those that are urging her to neuter her cat, back off. And this is coming from someone who has spent many years volunteering for my local trap-neuter-return program. Now, if you were living in suburbia, I'd be all over you about snipping him :)
I just discovered your blog... what a find!
I noticed the blurb about Charlie eating some dry dog food, and thought I would pass this link on in case you were interested:
http://www.mazuri.com/
They have a canine product line that is specifically designed for wolves, coyotes etc..., I buy my ferret food from them, and I've always been happy with the quality.
Anywho, just thought I'd share. :-)
J.
I guess that is why there are so many people in this world, and getting more populated by the second. Yeah, I second that neutered comment. :( Need to take care of the cats (for their health). Bah!
Shreve has been kind enough to let us comment on these photos and her experience.
Let's not take advantage of that kindness, we might find ourselves muted if we can't restrain ourselves.
I would be sad to not be able to see the POSITIVE comments people have to say, but I would totally understand if Shreve decided not to allow any more comments on the photos if she's constantly being given unsolicited advice.
Beautiful photos as always, Shreve, I look forward to checking the blog daily.
You may want to research how feral cats negatively impact indigenous wildlife populations, including coyotes.
Shreve:
"Every noble work is at first impossible." Thomas Carlyle
...And from the equally erudite Jack Handy ("Deep Thoughts" on SNL):
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes; that way when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes."
So, to the many critics who have posted their cranky comments this morning: please walk a mile away, take Shreve's shoes if you have to, and leave her with her boots... her ballsy cat... and her nubule wild thing.
The rest of us are filled with gratitude for this glimpse into the truly amazing experience of a young woman in a remote cabin doing her dead-level best to do the right thing.
Jenny in CO
ahh, sweet Eli, he's such a strong character!
Hahahahaha!
Great caption Shreve ;D
Who knew eli's balls would get so much attention? Everyone wanted a picture of Eli, and we got one. Appreciate it. Enough said.
I disagree with kuni_bob, active participation is the lifeblood. What's wrong with a little friendly debate anyway? We can all learn a little something. Anonymous gave a link to finding packaged food for wild ones, others may do some research on feral cats/housecats, and we're all probably doing research on coyotes and their behavior. As Debate on and learn stuff!
The fact that Eli's balls are a topic of discussion today gave me a good laugh! Thanks for the wonderful photos.
I feel like a perv for noticing the cat's nuts.
People, if she doesn't want to neutered her animals that his her right to do so. Please, stop being so negative. Life IS different in the country then it is in the city. So instead of bitching about the cats balls, why don't you just take in the beauty of the two subjects in the image. I seriously didn't think the first thing half the people would notice is the cats balls, I mean come on. Just chill out and enjoy the pictures.
This has become one of my favorite blogs to visit. I adore your pictures and envy you your unusual animal friend. Charlie is beautiful and I love that he and Eli get on so well.
I have just set up my new blog which is in addition to the one you may already know. http://printsandgiftsbylori.blogspot.com
Check it out and feedback would be appreciated. It will be an ongoing project as I add more "stuff".
Uh, yeah. I didn't even notice the baggage on Eli until it was mentioned, and I had to go back and look at the picture.
Good grief, people. Take several (collective) pills and relax.
Thanks, Shreve, for bringing us into your life and sharing Charlie and Eli with us. Let the bored folks comment away, spreading their judgment and negativity, but don't let it shake your resolve. Hang tight, and thanks again!
@ Anonymous who said "Shreve, You do a wonderful job of portraying life with a coyote and your photographs. I live in the rural country, have all my life."
Sweet Jebus, go stand over there where the other 257 anonymous commenters with "special knowledge" of Shreve's situation are tut-tutting. Form a club and start your own blog.
*Dies of cuteness*
Adding my voice to the MYOB choir. This isn't the forum to prosletyze to Shreve about your favorite hobbyhorse, no matter how significant or apropos you think it is.
Thanks for this wonderful story. I look forward to checking in every day. Charlie's story reminds me strongly of A Ring Of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell. I hope you are considering publishing...
Bwah - I think I have a new phrase. Now, when I'm angry, instead of something like "bollocks," I'm going to yell, "Eli's balls!" Sorry - this entire thread made me turn into a 12-yr-old. ;)
As a cat lover and shelter volunteer, I must admit the first thing I noticed about that picture was OH MY GOODNESS HOW CUTE IS CHARLIE?!?
And that, folks, is why I visit daily for my dose of the happy and the cute.
Shreve - if you'd rather we avoid getting drawn into these kinds of discussions ("Please Don't Feed the Trolls"), feel free to delete this post.
After surviving many a kerfuffle on internet boards over wide ranging issues, I'll make a couple of general observations:
* communities rarely give much credance to the negative opinions of those who hide behind anonymity; if you want to make a strong counterpoint and be heard, you'll get a lot farther if you demonstrate the courage to speak up under your own identity
* it's difficult to have much sympathy for the folks who don't enjoy the 'culture of nice' that springs up in places; there are plenty of tarpits out there on the net - if rough and tumble is what floats your boat, go play in one of them
* this one thing I've learned for certain - there's every kind of experience to be had in this world and they are each legitimate to the people who are having them; no one way of looking at things stands as the absolute, universal truth. You're welcome to your perspective - but so is everybody else. And I'm more likely to listen to yours if you'll be respectful of mine.
As for today's picture -- what a cute skinny butt! LOL.
He is gorgeous!
I have a question for your Q&A.
Do you pronounce it coyo-tea or coyot? I hear both alot but I would liek to know what you say.
Thanks!
Everyone that's posts anti-balls comments are just jealous they don't have a set of their own! Thank you, Shreve, and you keep doing you.
I wonder how Eli would feel about his balls being bandied about on the Internet...
Love the picture. They are both so adorable!
to what Jenny In Colorado said:
AMEN TO THAT!!
I feel honored to be able to see into Shreve's and Charlie's and Eli's life, and I fully support Shreve for putting herself and her little family out here on the internet, a dangerous endeavor in itself, just to enlighten our lives a little each day. So to those of you who leave bad tempered messages (because you are constipated? haven't had coffee yet? haven't had your daily reality check on what kind of person you are??) I say go away and yell at someone else. Yourself, maybe!!! It'll do more good, and you won't have to waste time typing vomitous rantings that ultimately make you feel worse!
oy, I promise, no more soapbox.
Anonymous said...
"I feel like a perv for noticing the cat's nuts."
....................................
LOL - Good one!
Jenny in CO
Isn't it just something the way folks will say unkind things and give unsolicited advice to perfect strangers in cyberspace that they wouldn't dream or saying to your face. I look forward to seeing Charlie and getting updates from you daily Shreve. It is a very engaging site. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Kayah
Is this out of sequence??
.......that awesome dude that you showed us yesterday is too grown up to be Eli's shadow in this photo
no matter, they are totally awesome
Just came on and sorry but I have to add my two cents. I live in a VERY rural area in Montana and have my 3 boys neutered. They've all lived to ripe old ages. My neighbors down the road don't believe in spaying or neutering animals and they regularly drown the kitten litters they find in their barn. You don't know where Eli is tomcatting around and if this is happening to his offspring. I'm with you though - I don't believe in keeping cats indoors.
another vote for the neuter.
based on my anecdotal experience: my neutered, clawless male cat (I adopted him that way, no hate pls) had been let out by his previous owner. He became an indoor/outdoor cat again by vaulting through my ankles when I tried to leave the house. I gave up.
We live next door to a fox den, there are hawks, groundhogs (I have one under my shed, other male cats and purportedly coyotes though though I'm not sure. My cat is "retired" at 13 (in heart failure) and sleeping on my bed. He's never lost a fight and he's fine.
The only danger worse for Eli would be coyotes and wolves I would guess. Balls or no they're going to eat him if they want to. I'd actually be more worried about Eli eating poison or getting caught in a trap. Your assertion that fixing Eli would someone take away the "fight" in him is...(hee hee)...bollocks.
If you live in an area where the homeless pet population is a concern, then spaying/neutering makes sense. In this case, her remote location and abundance of predators prevent this.
There's no need to push the issue of surgery (even minor surgery) if it's not necessary.
In Eli's case, I say keep your hands off those balls.
we're lisa and nate said... "I wonder how Eli would feel about his balls being bandied about on the Internet... "
he's probably thinking: "With all this discussion, my balls better get their own chapter in the upcoming book!" :)
Shreve,
Thanks for all the wonderful photos (even the cat balls!)
If you didn't live way, way out there, I would also hope you would get the cat neutered, but you're not in that situation. I also realize that indoor cats usually live longer, but just try explaining that to a cat who is used to being outdoors. If they could speak to us, I wonder if they wouldn't tell us that they would rather have a shorter lifespan than give up all the fun and adventures they have outside.
Shreve,
Considering the harsh weather you're experiencing this winter, have you ever given thought to moving back to your old life? If so, what would you do with the boys? You've become quite the close trio.
"another vote for the neuter."
I really don't think we get votes here. I get being concerned, but I think it is better to save advice for those people we know personally or who asked for it.
Great picture.
Thank you so much for sharing your 'little gift from nature' with us all.
Charlie looks fantastic and is a credit to your care and attention.
I've been trying to think of best way to describe yours and Charlies relationship. Charlie would still have a lot of instincts that would have been breed out of a more 'domesticated' pet. The mouse episiode certainly tells you that, and that should Charlie wish to leave then he would survive on mice and other critters :>
What you have is a rare gift of companionship. A special bond built on mutual love and respect.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
I myself have had several run in with Degree'd Experts. What they tend to forget is that knowledge has to come from somewhere. And tis knowledge often comes from the outside via observations.
Take Care
Dave
Beautiful pictures, Shreve! I was almost thinking that there was going to be a recent picture of Charlie and Eli, so see how much their ratios have changed. :)
I do wish that the people who came to the website to make mean comments about the way Shreve lives would at least have the balls to put their own name down. But I guess they don't want anyone to have balls.
All of you who are giving her a hard time on the neutering thing sound really ridiculous. She is taking great care of that cat, even if he never gets neutered. He will live a full life with or without balls. There are plenty of cats out there who have no home, no food, get hit by cars and left in the road to suffer and die-or worse, get tortured by some ssick kid or something. I'm sure Shreve is well educated on what happens when male and female cats mate. She has evaluated it and made a decision based on her surroundings, etc. How can you really call her irresponsible? she seems like the wrong person to give your "responsible pet ownership" speech to.
Your pictures are just wonderful, and I thank you for being so kind to share them with us.
After reading the comments rude people leave for you I am amazed that you are still sharing.
Isn't it too bad we live in a world where people feel the need to try and tell others what choices they should make in their lives? Of course it's easier to make negative comments when one remains anonymous, and those people are easier to ignore too.
Stop staring at Eli's balls, you pervs!
And for those who worry about Eli's health and well-being at the hands (paws?) of other wild animals, Eli looks perfectly capable of taking care of himself. And besides, you're forgetting Charlie himself. I am certain he would never let anyone molest Eli so long as he's within biting distance.
I have a feeling that they look after each other out there.
Who cares if Eli's neutered or not? Take a look in the city, and see how some people treat their animals. At least Shreve takes good care of Eli.
By the way Shreve, I love the picture!
Ohmigod, I just hosed my monitor with diet coke w/lime ... HILARIOUS!!!
I was actually feeling like a perv for noticing Eli's balls. I thought, "shit. I've been single way too long and I've just got the female kitty. I need to get out more or at least see a naked man." But then I read through all the comments and, I'm feeling much better now.
Cathy in the boonies in Washington
(more cows than people)
I think that cats should be neutered. But I am pro choice. No need to judge.
Actually, you could just give the cat a vasectomy -- as they sometimes do to male police dogs, for reasons similar to the ones you gave.
That way, he keeps his testicles and testosterone levels, while the number of stray and feral cats wreaking mischief on the local environment is minimized.
The "you city folk just don't get it" routine can be just as annoying as the detractors' sanctimoniousness, especially given that in this case, the detractors happen to be making a valid point. A compromise of sorts is at least worth considering.
oh another comment, and no, i'm not talking about his balls.
it's his TAIL that interests me, seems like it's always erect. are orange cats like that?
I really don't think we get votes here. I get being concerned, but I think it is better to save advice for those people we know personally or who asked for it.
omg, it wasn't a literal vote! hahahaha! It's not like Shreve is taking a poll!! She made her position clear, she believes firmly that her cat's balls give him some leverage during a fight. I was just offering a counterpoint based on my own personal experience. I didn't bash her for leaving her cat intact, I just presented a different concept.
Anyone who has a blog and is wise enough to leave the comments section open surely understands that there will be unsolicited advice, stories, feedback, opinions, squabbles, etc. Meaningful dissent is what makes the internet interesting. One of my teachers once said that conflict is the path to knowledge. I always love to read more than one side to a story.
And for the record, maybe you should follow your own advice. ;-)
I feel so exposed.
I know it's weird that so many people noticed Eli is an intact male. His other pictures are so sweet and innocent and then WHAM, he flashes the camera and it is, ahem, striking. City dwellers don't often see a true tomcat out and about.
My apologies to Mr. Eli. I hope today's discussion doesn't make him camera shy. Your photos are gorgeous and I'd hate for them to go away.
I've lived in the boonies, and my cats and dogs were always spayed or neutered and nobody ever got killed as a result of being fixed. However, Eli and Charlie are not mine, and I could care less if they are neutered or not. I will say that I'm betting that if Charlie was not neutered, he is gone by now. I hope I am wrong. I am a HUGE fan of this blog, and I sometimes think it helps me keep my sanity. BUT, I when one opens oneself up to the whole world, she can expect something other than a constant stream of blathering praise every once in a while. Shreve is an intellilgent person, and she knows that. Not to mention that she's making money off of sharing this life with us. A little criticism goes with the territory. People can't get in your business if you don't let them in.
this has been one of the most amusing comments section so far... after the "elf leg" thing last week, of course!
Love the pictures... Looking forward to the book! Thanks for sharing!
LOL
Eli has hit the level of Britney for flashing the goods to the paparazzi.
who would a thunk it.
keep it covered, dude!
So true, MissKitty; it has been amusing following this today. I do think I laughed a bit harder at the "elf leg" thing, too, including the "no part of the elf was wasted" comment... hmmm... still laughing.
Shreve, how ya' holdin' up? We wearin' ya' out?
Jenny in CO
ok. I finally gave up reading all the crap. I would NEVER presume to tell anyone how to 'raise' their cats, dogs, coyotes or whatever; and I would NEVER listen to anyone try to tell me what to do with mine. They are all rescued animals, I love them dearly, they love me in return, and are just fine. LEAVE SHREVE ALONE!!! Can't we just enjoy Charlie, Eli, Shreve and their lives, and enjoy the site for what it gives our lives? I know I can, and will. The rest of you extraodinarily RUDE people go find another website to find something to bitch about and leave us alone. Thank you.
yeah, I was laughing too. That any female would actually believe that testosterone keeps males of any species OUT of trouble. Now that is funny.
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww...
When I first saw this photo I have to say that I did immediately notice Eli's 'maleness' but dang-- no judgement!--- I then realized, 'Shreve has decided not to neuter him. 'kay.'' After those initial thoughts, I just continued to admire the fine pictures that Shreve takes and continued on being jealous of her life with the furry ones!
I am totally in love with Charlie.
this comment is only for the people who feel the need to lecture Shreve, and tell her the death of Eli is imminent:
a number of years ago i was part of a listserve who openly ciriticized a former member for her irresponsability when her dog was killed while running loose. we also attacked someone for letting animals of two normally antagonistic species live together. up there on my high horse i was so smug, and so right! i would never do such a thing because i knew so better, and the world was so black and white.
when we found out the owner of said dog was still on the list, i was deeply ashamed at how i had attacked her with the crowd in her time of grief - over a mistake, that let's face it, many of us have made. and as i sit here now in my apartment with 2 cats, and 2 free roaming rabbits (who have never been attacked by the cats) along with 2 rats who frequently roam free in the apartment as well, the taste of humble pie is still as bitter in my mouth.
before you hit that post button, remember for a moment that Shreve is a real live human being, and that _you_ are also but a lowly human being. please learn from my mistakes, and save yourself the years of guilt and regret that come from judging others.
Shreve, if nothing else the comments section of your blog should provide amusing material for a chapter in your book. But I hope it also gives you a feel for what people want to know about Charlie and his world. I suspect that Eli is still the "big" brother but I would love to hear about their relationship as Charlie matures. Thanks again for this peek into a special world.
Anonymous Dave: I have actually been thinking the exact opposite. As in, "wow, when I look at Charlie and Shreve's relationship, I can really see how the domestication of canines came about." I'm not trying to be argumentative, just interested that we can have such opposite reactions to the same thing. We're probably both right, really.
Incidentally, we had a Labrador retriever who would chase rodents. And when my brother's hamsters escaped their cage and disappeared, she found them. We know she did because she carefully left them in our bedroom doorways, as little gifts. Um, thanks. I guess that part is different from Charlie -- he apparently wasn't going to share his mouse with Shreve. :-)
I rarely comment, but I have been reading your blog for about a month now. I'm deeply fascinated by the relationship between Charlie and 'the cat'. Not that your pictures aren't good enough, but I was wondering if there's any chance you can get videos of the two of them playing together? I guarantee that whatever you capture will be instant sensations. =)
Eli has hot balls. No doubt about it. Nice and furry, round and orange. But when you post your private joys and lifestyle into a public forum, you invite the space for comment, and that is that. No need to act huffy from either end; both anonymous bloggers and Shreve & her defenders could remember that there is much to be said for courtesy and humour. I love the idea that healthy debate is exactly that...healthy, and debate. Not a personal attack. That said, I think the pair should both be neutered, to keep pee-contests at a minimum, if for no other reason.
I can't believe that some people would go to the extent of looking for cat's balls just to get on people's nerve.. Im against neutering cats.. how would it make you feel if someone simply snip your ball off without your agreement??so lay off, ok.
Shreve, I love your blog and i love both Charlie and Eli :) keep up the great job
Nice post. What a wonderful memory of those times you have to enjoy forever.
Char, I live in Norway, too, and it sounds like maybe you arrived here prior to the mid-90's, when Norway finally changed its neutering rules, one main reason being that the contraceptive pill given to female cats gives them cancer, the other being that there are strays. Neutering of cats is now both encouraged and recommended.
Where Shreve lives, I'm sure that rampant breeding among uncared for pets is not the norm. But I am wondering if the two male animals (Eli and Charlie) have argued territory with each other or if their relationship precludes that.
People always say that fixed animals live longer.
I have a hard time believing that.
My family have always been animal lovers. A couple of them were animal breeders.
I've seen lots of fixed animals die of cancer and heart disease.
I've seen lots of unfixed large dogs live to be fifteen and sixteen.
And I've seen fixed and unfixed cats live to be in their twenties.
There's all sorts of good reasons to spay or neuter. And all sorts of good reasons not to.
Most of the people who express opinions on the matter have never been neutered.
It also amazes me that people who contribute to the utter destruction of the world in so many ways - through rampant burning of fossil fuels, to filling of landfills, and often breeding out of control themselves, will suddenly find that they can't live another moment without telling another person that they're irresponsible if they don't neuter their pet.
Often, when human interaction breaks a natural cycle, the reaction is to break an animal in some way, and then pretend one is "being responsible."
If y'all were responsible, I wouldn't have to eat out of your trash cans and breathe your car exhaust all the time.
I'd rather Eli have working family jewels than many of the humans I know.
Don't get me wrong. Controlling the population of domestic species of animal is very important if an ecosystem is to remain stable.
But it amazes me that people will worry about the suffering that can be caused by uncontrolled cat breeding, when uncontrolled human breeding creates so much more suffering for humans and others.
Yes. You should spay or neuter your pet. Your pet. If Eli isn't your pet, you should go scratch.
And no, Shreve, I won't be upset or offended if you delete my little rant here. ; )
To Betharoopie: The Kushieline book series (Kushiel's Dart, " Chosen, " Avatar, " Scion and " Justice) actually has the swear "Elua's balls!" Elua is their "god".
Hey, Shreve? Keep on keeping on. :3
I totally didn't notice that Eli still had his balls. Could be the fact that I've only had boy cats until this last June and every single one of them was neutered and they all still looked like they were carrying a full sac back there!
I am betting Shreve is having a good ol' time laughing her ass off during winter time at "our" comments. Paparazzi? Elf Legs? Brittney wanna-be? Haha!
Love the pics Shreve. How are Eli and Charlie getting along couped up in your house? I know my cats used to fight. Do Eli and Charlie ever fight, tussle? Does Eli do the back hind leg thing??
Curious.
(I miss my cats, Shekky and Dino)
Ummm....can we just change the subject, please?
I got my 2 lb rabbit neutered for no other reason that I didn't want him spraying all over my bed and furniture. He's an indoor rabbit. The only way he ever would have reproduced is if I arranged it (he has a pedigree).
However, my 115 lb puppy who has been known to get loose and fight off wildlife for a seat around the local Road Kill table still has his pair. And we like him that way. At 18 months, humping still hasn't struck him as a worthy pastime.
To each their own.
I'm sure you've seen this, but one of your google ads is for a coyote trap! ACK!
Can I just say, that I looked at that picture a couple of times and never noticed he was not "fixed"....what is wrong with you people? I am a detective, but I don't think you have to be a professional to look at all of these pictures and see that Eli is not living in a place where stray cats are running rampant getting pregnant.....can we just let people live how they want to, and enjoy their blog's without having to give them advice on how they should live their lives???????
hey
eli and charlie are shrev's pet.. let her do what is best... geez its like telling other how to raise their kids when they are not ur own!! give it up already!!
Yeah, this is getting a wee bit silly. How many of the gents here will volunteer to be "snipped?" After all, SIX AND A HALF BILLION HUMANS...? Puddy Cats are not the ones being irresponsible, here.
Shreve-- Is Eli teaching Charlie how to hunt and kill yet?
I've been reading this blog for a while now and the subject of spaying/neutering is the first that really compelled me to post a comment. I hope my posts don't come off as a directive for how Shreve must handle her pets. I simply wanted to get in on the discussion. Some of the posts seem to be judgemental or defensive which takes away from the enjoyment of reading them. A healthy discussion about a topic should be stimulating and maybe someone can pick up some info along the way.
I'm laughing at the posts where people are upset that we are discussing the topic of Eli's naughty bits. And yes, I'm using a term different than testicles. Just because we're discussing the reproductive organs doesn't mean we can't inject a little humor here and there.
In response to Miriam's comment:
"That said, I think the pair should both be neutered, to keep pee-contests at a minimum, if for no other reason."
I'm not sure that would be a problem in Eli's case. He's a free roaming cat with a lot of territory to cover when he's out doing his thing. I'm sure he marks the perimeter of his territory but I doubt he'd mark inside the cabin. There are no other cats around in that one-room cabin to compete with. It would be interesting to know if he feels he needs to mark the cabin because he shares the room with Charlie. I don't know if he views Charlie as another cat in his territory. Does the marking of territory by a cat affect a coyote in the same way?
Hey! I just checked out the latest video from Mookie and Sam and it was so funny! You have to check it out on youtube. It is called "Sam goes to Texas" and I couldn't get enough of the two cutest dogs ever! Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDdTgS0FunM
Don't forget to check out their website at www.mookieandsam.com
Your life and work seem too good to be true. I'm sure you appreciate that you are one in a million and are very lucky. I got your calendar recently, thanks much. It is beautiful. - Liz in Belmont MA
PS: you will have to choose your own path, regardless of society and all the crazies who write to you. Why do you even allow comments?
Differing opinions and disagreement are healthy and provide good food for thought on many topics relative to Charlie and Eli. We all learn from these discussions. The timing has been such that some of us have seen several of the nastier comments before Shreve gets a chance to see them and pop them off her blog and back into cyberspace. It's those comments that some of us are referring to when we get a little intense in our responses. Courtesy and humor do go a long way, and one of the best things about this blog is that it is generally a courteous forum.
Of course, if anyone is vicious or vile... or tacky... toward Shreve, Eli and Charlie, then all bets are off. ;-)
I bet Charlie will always "look up" to Eli, his big brother.
Are we finished talking about my nuts now?
one of the cutest pictures yet! adorable ! :D
love your blog!!! You make me want to give up the bustling city-life for the wild, wild west.
...I have to keep reminding myself that -30 is very, very cold, and that I *may* live in the windy city, but lord -30!?
beautiful photos, beautiful writing. Congrats on the book!!!
After reading the posts on this "debate" with mention of "Britney","the paparrazi" and the "Leave Shreve alone" comments I can't help but invision the dude on YouTube crying out to the world with his best makeup on..."Leave Shreve Alone! Pleeeessee...stop talking about her poor kitty and his jewels!" These are her babies!" "Stop please everyone!" **giggling**
Lori in Montana
What a ride reading this thread has been! :\
Charlie is so cute, waddling away next to his big bro. I swear that I can see Eli telling him "now see this here? it's good for X."
Shreve, keep on keeping on. I have no respect for anonymous haters. They obviously don't have the BALLS that Eli (obviously) has!
I'm sure that if Charlie as much as gave them the eye they'd wet their pants.
Puhleeeze. Like a user name isn't anonymous?!?
It makes me smile how people try to instill their ideas on others.
They don't just let you know, they friggin' tell you.
Gotta love keyboard warriors. They always know best, right? :)
The funniest thing is how many people are surprised to see Charlie's balls...the top of the blog says "He lives with me and a tomcat..." Tomcats are unneutered males. I was totally expecting to see Eli's balls in the pic. I'm surprised neutering didn't come up sooner.
As a police officer I know of many people that need their balls cut off. Never met a cat that I could say the same thing about. Love the pics. I'm new to the site. I'm trying to catch up.
My cat said:
"See, this is the price of fame. You're trying to have a life and people are obsessed with your privates. Mark my words, they won't be happy until Eli shaves his fur off and has a bed next to Britney."
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