Above photo by author. Feature photo byTorley

My five-year-old daughter Lila spends a decent amount of her time on YouTube. She loves hopping from video to video, and I always get a kick out of her favorites. The overweening appeal of cats — and the effect they can have on a blog or website — dawned on me this weekend when she found The Mean Kitty Song.

Over thirty one millions hits. Yes, you read that right. Thirty. One. Million. Hits.

It’s a cute video, and even taking into account the number of small children who, like Lila, will view this thing 30 times a day if left to their own devices, that’s still a lot of people watching a cute little tabby cat in action.

The adorable spiky haired guy singing? I can’t help wondering how many times he got laid because this video.

But it doesn’t stop there….

This video of a cat freaking out also holds its own as far as Youtube views with well over 9 million views.

Why is this poor thing acting this way? According to the video notes, she’s never been abused, she just doesn’t like men.

And finally, this next video of an orange feline clocks in at over 2 million views.

I suppose I’d also be somewhat miffed if someone named me Burger and Fries.

The Magical Allure of Kitty Cat Cuteness

Beyond Youtube, you’ll find a proliferation of funny and popular cat websites like Lolcats.com which features the ever famous cat in a fruit helmet photo. There’s also sparklecat.com apparently written by cats for cats. It even has a Cat-To-Cat advice column offering tips on everything from how to keep your human from dressing you up in costumes to methods of coping when your person comes home smelling of other cats.

Even the most hardened human cannot resist a pissed off cat dressed as a taco, two cats talking or yet another cat in citrus head gear, this time with wayfarer animation.

How do we harness the all powerful attraction of cats for our own websites and projects? I’ll let you know when I figure it out. In the meantime, hang in there!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Just can’t get enough? Take a look at photos of Matador member’s pets or learn more about taking your pet along when traveling.

Last week, we put out a call for Matador member pet photos. We received contributions from all over the world: Argentina, Mexico, Japan, the Phillipines, Canada, England, Indonesia, and many states across the US.

The response didn’t surprise me.

Pets are more than companions for many of us. They’re family members, teachers, and travel buddies. They’re who we miss when we travel. Some of us even find ways to take our pets on the road with us, deepening our joy and connection to others on the journey.

This photo essay celebrates the pets of Matador community members, writers, and editors. By showing off our pet photos, we open our lives, allowing others to see the tender, more intimate side of ourselves.

Enjoy the photos and descriptions below. Feature photo by Magnera.

1. Tobi in Pitt Meadows, BC, Canada. “Tobi is an alpha female who enjoys speaking in growls, bullying other dogs, and mooching off guests when they come visit.”- Ian MacKenzie, Brave New Traveler Editor

2. “This is Dexter. He’s 12. He escaped his carrier when the drugs wore off on the flight from the US to Argentina. The woman next to me said, ‘Your cat.’ He’d been nudging my feet and I knew the drugs were wearing off. Half asleep, I said, ‘I know. He’s fine.’ She said, ‘No! He’s out!’ He’d unzipped his carrier and started toward the aisle and was luckily detained by my seat mate. I gave him another pill and held him as he looked out the window at the newly illuminated clouds. I never saw such a look of shock and disbelief on his face before. It was precious. Now he attacks and happily munches any insect that flies into the apartment.” -Kate Sedgwick, Matador Nights Editor

3.Alison Turner’s dog, Max, in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She describes him as a cartoon. Alison quit her job to travel across the USA with Max and a tent.

4.Jetson (aka Devil Cat) in St. Alban’s, Newfoundland. “He’s a real tomcat and a general nuisance to the neighborhood. He’s also been shot at more than 50 Cent. I love him anyway.”-Candice Walsh, Matador Network Associate Editor

5. Rufus on the east coast of Okinawa, Japan.“Here’s Rufus, my Husky/Shiba, physical trainer, ears, eyes, constant companion and cat cruncher!”- Mike Lynch

6. “My wife rescued Julio off the streets of Buenos Aires in 2002.”-David Miller, Matador Network Senior Editor and Founding Editor of the Traveler’s Notebook

7. “Our family includes (clockwise): Toby (our mischievous, one-eyed cat), Butch Mbwa (the laid-back dog who adopted us in Kenya), Abby (our queen diva and head-warmer extraordinaire) and Bianca (our awkward little deaf chihuahua who snores and stumbles her way through life).”-Associate editor JoAnna Haugen of Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo of Butch Mbwa and Toby taken in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.)

8. Akeelah on a road trip, “sleeping on the dashboard on a tour through fall colors in Prince Edward Island.”-Dona Francis

9. The goat, Little Bit, on the Lone, California farm of  MatadorU alum and member Carina Port. “They’re kept just as pets because they’re so fun.”

10. Sara Gonzalez’s cat “Rebelde” (rebeld in spanish) in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

11. Leah Budke’s dog, Zoey enjoying the first snow of the season in Hays, Kansas.

12. “This is Storm, a shy formerly abused dog we rescued, hiking on Mt. Hood’s Timberline Trail.”-Ahimsa Kerp

13. Matador Network Intern, Abbie Mood, took this shot in Anaheim, CA after her dogs, Daisy and Sadie, were “pooped after a loooong hike!”

14. “Emerson was adopted from a pit bull rescue and lives with us in the mountains of California. He enjoys nothing more than romping around in squishy piles of snow. Despite our protests, Emerson emphatically insists that he is indeed a 75 pound lap dog.”- Sarah Park

15. Lori Rice’s dog, Macy, at her parent’s house in Newburgh, Indiana. Macy’s full name?  Macy Maek the World a Better Place.

16. “This is Umbra and Dakota who are so in love and inseparable! They are always playing with each other and have such different personalities.”- Zak Kleyn, who moved with Umbra and Dakota from Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa to Farnham, Surrey, England.

17. “This is my chocolate lab Adi, enjoying Halloween in Texas after a year living in Korea. Her little buddy is my sister’s puppy, whom everyone calls Jordan (but I call her Wicket, for what I think are obvious reasons).”- Michelle Schusterman, Matador Network Associate Editor

18. Karen Tiambeng’s dog, Simon. Karen and Simon live in the metro Manila, Phillipines.

19. Colby Sharlin’s dog, Wrigley, curious about her book in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

20. “Samson is our fiery and passionate little Schnauzer with a FAB sense of adventure with a personality to match. And he speaks German.”-Carrie Walkup of New York, New York.

21. Staci Kuppe’s dog, Benji, who “just likes being happy” in Elmira, New York.

22. Ricky Herman’s dog, Lilo, in Jakarta, Indonesia, “rubbed and shampooed on a sunny day.”

23. “This is The Stella. This is The Stella’s throne. She manages to pretzel herself into 10,500 complicated positions on it. From here she takes in the scene in our study, where Jorge and I are tapping away on our computers. When she wants to go out, she heaves a big, heavy sigh, so heartbreaking that I’m forced to stand up, lace up the ol’ running shoes, and take her out for a spin. When we meet the street kids, who know her by now, she goes through a good fifteen minute session of “shake.” Shake! shout the kids, and she offers up a paw. Shake! Shake! Over and over. That’s my girl.”- Sarah Menkedick, Matador Abroad Co-Editor

24.My dog, Zoey, and husband enjoying Kure Beach, North Carolina. Zoey’s also my writing buddy. Her presence keeps the vibe peaceful and simple, reminding me to breathe, be mindful, take walk breaks, smile. -Author and Matador Network Intern, Nancy Harder

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

How have pets bettered your life and travels? If you’re traveling or camping with your dog, check out Sascha Matuszak’s 8 Tips for Camping with your Dog and Ian MacKenzie’s Tips for Taking your Dog on the Road.

When I first saw this video on YouTube, I thought so what? Then I began reading through the long list of comments to see what people had to say. Some made me smile. Others made me raise an eyebrow or two. Others questioned the war and then were attacked for doing so.

As I read on, though, I found a small window into the life of Lt Schmidt, his wife and his dog extending beyond these few minutes, spanning years to tell the true story of what it means to both go to war and then come home.

Truckdrivah:
OMG I am crying. Truly, dogs (or bitches) are a man’s best friend.

Debby429:
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

5293278363:
Semper Fi – (do) !

Ltschmidt02:
Gracie is half golden retriever/ half corgi. We saved her from the pound in 2004. She’s sitting at my feet as I type this, begging for cheese and crackers.

Princess8788:
LOL when my husband came back from Iraq the second time. He got out of the truck and his dog launched herself from the ground straight into his arms.

Ltschmidt02:
Gracie is still doing great … she is a hell of a good friend. She is six now and still gets a ton of attention even now that my wife and I have a young son.

Doglover1:
Therefore by the grace of God, goes Dog.

LtSchmidt02:
There are tens of thousands of combat arms soldiers and Marines on their third+ 12 month deployment down range; I’m only gearing up for my second. I don’t want to be made a symbol for something that I don’t deserve to be. You have to be careful, because you have no control when you go on TV unless you are very, very savvy (I am not). Or you get crazy and end up building a UFO weather balloon in your back yard.

Now I have to go change a diaper, then walk Gracie.

sleepyrodent:
I’m sorry if all the attention this clip has received is getting a little overwhelming (I think I’d be a little intimidated too!). It’s really selfless of you to sacrifice a bit of your privacy to make so many people happy with this slice of your life. It gives hope to those of us with loved ones over there that we’ll get to have such a happy reunion.

colodomom:
My husband is a prior enlisted Captain in the Air Force who did some time in Afghanistan.You’re right, the guys deployed for a year or more are heros and so are their wives. I think I know why your video has become so popular. People are aching for a good story. We’ve heard lots of sad stories, lots of heroic stories, but I think people are looking for a simple, happy story. Thanks to you and your family for giving that to us. Best wishes and stay safe.

Ltschmidt02:
I have been activated again. Bummer. I am going back to Afghanistan soon for six months. Maybe there will be another video of Grace and me in 2011.

Because you never appreciate how much you love home as when you know you’re leaving.

We look forward to your next homecoming video, Ltschmidt02. This next one will be even sweeter, and perhaps more private, as you’re greeted by your wife, child and, of course, Grace.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Why do you think people have had such a strong reaction to this video? And should we perhaps leave him alone now?

Feature photo: Scarleth White; Photo: Randy Son of Robert

So, you think you want a dog?

Here are four questions you need to ask yourself first to determine whether you’re ready to become a dog owner.

1. Why do I want a dog?

There are many reasons to own a dog, but some of them aren’t right for the dog or the owner.

If your neighbor was robbed last week and you just want protection, an alarm system is probably a better option.

If your kids are nagging you for a puppy, be aware they will usually tire of it in a couple of weeks and Fido will become your job.

If you have an empty nest and the house is too quiet, a dog may fill your time and your heart, but realize a dog is a dog, not a four legged human.

If you want a loving, loyal companion to share your life, there are many dogs ready and willing to apply for the position. Please make sure you’re ready for the 8 to 15 year commitment required.

2. How much time do you have?

Dogs are pack animals and they need to be part of the pack – even if it’s a pack of two. They need at least one long walk a day as well as bathroom walks. Walks can’t be skipped because the weather is bad, you have a cold, or you want to sleep in.

If you walk Spot at 7:00 A.M. Monday through Friday, be prepared to do it on Saturday and Sunday, too. As my son once told me, “Dogs don’t understand weekends.”

Puppies and aging dogs require even more time and more walks. Are you up to it? On the up side, a dog is a great motivator for that exercise program you’ve been meaning to start.

3. Do you travel a lot?

Will your dog go with you or have to be boarded? Remember, nothing is more traumatic for a dog than being separated from his pack. If you are gone a lot, consider getting two dogs and hiring a sitter when you are away. Or find a friend with a dog and arrange “play dates” for your dogs. Get them used to each other and their respective homes. Then swap dog sitting duties. You will both save money and the dogs will be happier.

4. Can you afford a dog?

Photo: e3000

It’s not the initial cost of the dog or the food that empties your checking account. It’s the vet bills. So, make sure you budget for your dog’s health needs. Doggy health insurance is also available.

As a final test, keep a friend’s dog while he or she is on vacation. This should be a least a week; two would be better. A weekend is not really long enough to experience owning a dog. Then, if you still want one, start researching how to choose a dog. Choosing the right dog for you is even more important than deciding to get one. Shelters are full of dogs from people who chose on impulse and then couldn’t handle the dog.

This article is long on the negative of deciding to get a dog because the positive won’t cause a problem. A dog brings joy, love, devotion, and companionship. Every dog deserves the same in return. Are you up to it?

Community Connection:

If you think dogs are for the birds, check out our guide How to Buy a Talking Bird.

But if you answered the questions in this article and decided that you are ready to bring a dog into your life, be sure to read “Ten Tips for Traveling with Pets” and “Recession-Proof Your Pet,” just two of the thousands of articles in our archives.

Photo: JasonTromm

Any member of the parrot (or parakeet) family is your best bet but before you rush out to your nearest pet store, you’ll need both time and money to spare; feathered friends require a huge amount of commitment and investment. Costing anywhere between $20 (a baby budgie) to $5,000 (a mature macaw), birds have a much longer lifespan than the average pet and some larger species will even outlive their owners.

They can also be loud and messy creatures and like a small child, will crave attention.

Photo: M e d a

The only way to be 100% sure that you are getting a bird that will talk is to buy a bird that already talks. However, mature animals may have existing behavioural problems (like an unruly adolescent) and this isn’t a good start for the novice. It’s probably best to look for a hand-fed baby so you can teach it yourself from scratch; this will not only be a great way to bond, but also improve chances that he or she will speak.

As there are several hundred different species of parrot, it’s important you do some research to find out which one suits your personality and lifestyle. Although bigger birds make impressive pets, they can be more stubborn and moody and are not the best choice for a starter bird.

Once you’ve made a decision, look for a reputable breeder or supplier. Parrots are delicate creatures– even a healthy looking specimen might be carrying some sort of disease. Buy from someone you can trust.

Key species that have the ability to ’speak’ include:

African Greys:

Known for their extensive vocabulary and cognitive skills, these are highly esteemed among the parrot family.

Amazons:

Have a good reputation thanks to their outstanding talking ability and make a reliable pet.

Budgies:

Small, affectionate and attractive, budgies are a great budget buy. With an average lifespan of 8 – 10 years, they may take a little more effort to train but can become incredibly proficient talkers.

Cockatiels:

Originally from Australia, cockatiels are the smallest member of the Cockatoo family. Known for their excellent whistling and imitation skills, with love and attention, they’ll take on an extensive vocabulary.

Conures:

What Blackbeard would’ve had, these come in an array of colours and are the joker of the pack. They are prone to the occasional screeching outburst and can nip but they love to play and cuddle and can make very rewarding pets.

Macaws:

One for the more experienced owner, Macaws have an excellent talking ability and form a strong bond with humans. They do require constant training to keep them under control and stop them from being excessively loud.

Quaker Parrots:

Their dull exterior hides a fantastic personality. Quakers can be impressive talkers and are capable of using words within 6 months. Their reasonable price and life expectancy makes them an excellent choice.

Ringneck Parrots:

Ringnecks are also a good option as they speak clearly and have attractive plumage.

Now comes the tricky bit: training.

Photo: Dawn Endico

Using the bird’s name or a few easy words to start (”hello”, “goodbye” and “peek-a-boo” are popular though rather unoriginal), speak enthusiastically in a happy and positive tone. Watch the parrot’s reaction and whichever word gets the most response, make that your first training word.

Birds learn to mimic through repetition so repeat the word as often as possible. Bear in mind that some birds can take months or even years to say their first word.

If you don’t think you are getting anywhere, try whistling as many birds find this easier than speech. Also, listen out for your bird mimicking the environmental sounds around your home, such as the telephone, doorbell, and alarm.

Confidence is also important in encouraging the bird to speak; if it feels unsafe, it won’t want to attract attention. Many parrots are shy and will prefer to talk when humans aren’t present so try moving the cage to a more protected area. On the other hand, another human often stimulates speech as the bird will compete for the owner’s attention.

If the bird is making unpleasant sounds or lots of noise, it may be unhappy. Like a child, pets need a good diet, a clean and safe place to live, toys to play with, and human interaction. Improve the environment and spend time training the bird to use more appropriate sounds.

Once the bird has mastered imitative speech, it’s time to move on to responsive speech, where you teach the bird to answer questions. While this takes a lot of practice and patience, the results are obviously pretty cool. But be warned: this can take years.

Whatever the clerk in the pet store tells you, there is NO guarantee your bird will ever talk. Birds need huge amounts of love, patience, and training. Even if yours never speaks a word (and some never will), don’t be disappointed. With all that time spent together, you’ll have made an intelligent and interesting (albeit silent) companion. At least they’ll agree with everything you say.

Community Connection:

Traveling with your pet? Check out our 10 tips for traveling with pets here.