Pets and ESP

After all, you can't spell "Pets" without  the letters e.s.p. So is it any wonder our chosen housemates seem to know when we are sleeping? And know when we're awake?

Even pets not our own seem to have that inborn knowledge of when you are awake and when you are just faking it. I dog-sat last weekend and the big Retriever who had his head on the pillow next to mine knew the instant I was awake. Was it a change in my breathing? Or do we humans mutter "oh sh*t" under our breaths in a tone so low only dogs can hear?

And cats. My cats too knew when REM had ended and BFB (begging for breakfast) could commence. And once they know it's no good trying to shoo them out, or begging for just "five more minutes" sack time. You've got to bite the bullet and rise to face the day.

When heyletssplitit is up and running in late spring, think of the new fellow pet fanatics you can meet. Dog dates in the park, an exchange of kitty litter tips, planting a community garden of catnip are just some of the delicious possibilities once you meet up with fellow animal lovers. And let's not even get started on the cool ideas for Youtube.

Maybe you are too busy for full-time pet ownership. Even this may be something you can share.

Until then, here are some tips from "Real Simple" on pet owning.

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/pets/top-pet-owner-mistakes-10000001728993/index.html