Animal caregivers weigh in on the best pet for you
By Angie Sykeny and Matt Ingersoll
Cats or dogs — which is the better pet for you? We asked local animal shelters, doggy day care and pet store owners to weigh in on the unique benefits to having either feline or canine companions, and the variety of different qualities present in each. Here’s a look at what they said.
Team Cats
Fascinating
Cats can be fun and entertaining to watch as they all have distinct personalities and their behavior is often unpredictable and full of surprises.
“Contrary to popular belief by non-cat people, cats are not all alike,” Hilscher said. “They are fascinating and very smart. … A cat can get you to do almost anything for them.”
Cathy Bailey, CFO and co-founder of Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance in Weare, said cats have a certain mystique that has “appealed to humans on a profound level for millennia.”
“Cats are … incredibly intelligent … and savvy — apparently the sole navigator of their own destiny,” Bailey said. “Possessing an innate beauty, … a cat is a treasure to behold … and to this day, we love to share our hearts and homes with them.”
Selective
Cats can be hard to please and picky about whom they choose to interact with, which makes winning their approval all the more rewarding.
“They are the ones that pick the time they want with their human,” said Jinelle Hobson, Salem Animal Rescue League executive director. “It’s on their terms.”
“I tend to favor cats because I feel like I have to earn their trust and love more so than with dogs,” Salem Animal Rescue League feline coordinator Tiffany Martin added.
Low maintenance
Caring for a cat is significantly less involved than caring for a dog, making them a good fit for people who work outside the home or travel frequently.
“When my husband and I bought our first home, we decided on a pet cat because we would both be away from home working all day,” said Kristen Westhoven, owner and operator of The Cat’s Cradle,a cat boarding business she runs out of her home in Deerfield. “We knew a dog would need more attention than a cat, so when a friend had a kitten up for adoption, we took him.”
In general, a cat can be alone at home for much longer periods of time than a dog could be, Hobson said, since they already have their food, water and litter box readily available to them.
“You can buy timed feeders and provide them with a cat water fountain so they have food and water,” SARL canine manager Katie Corso said. “They even have litter boxes that clean themselves.”
“If I’m running late I don’t have to worry about them as much, since they have food, water and a potty always available for them,” Martin added.
Seacoast Cat Club
A New Hampshire-based affiliate of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), a worldwide organization that registers more than 40 breeds of cats with individual pedigrees, the Seacoast Cat Club is open to all cat lovers. Most of their work revolves around their annual show in early May — this year’s show is set for Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, at the Douglas N. Everett Arena in Concord. “The primary reason for having a show is to have CFA judges handle the cats and judge them according to the CFA standards that are written up for each breed,” Seacoast Cat Club secretary Marilyn Conde said in an email. “The cat who fits the standard best is chosen as [the] best. However, there are also secondary placements. … It’s a hobby and a wonderful way to meet others who share a love of cats.” To become a member, annual dues are $15 per person. Find them on Facebook @seacoastcatclub for more details.
Affectionate
Because dogs tend to be more open with how they show their affection, they are often thought of as the more affectionate of the two pets, but cats can be equally affectionate; they’re just a bit more discerning in how and when they show that affection.
“To some, cats may seem aloof and indifferent, but in my experience, they’re gentle and affectionate … [and] oh so cuddly … when they want to be,” Bailey said.
“Contrary to popular belief, cats are loyal beings, albeit on their terms,” added April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue in Hudson.
Cats’ displays of affection are typically more subtle than those of dogs, but they’re there if you know what you’re looking for.
“When they give you the slow blink to let you know everything is OK, or when they squish up against you … all is right with the world,” said Adi Rule, vice president of Pet Tails Rescue in Northwood, “and their purrs are just magical.”
Testimonials
April Guilmet, board of directors and events coordinator at Happy Tails Pet Rescue
Cat fosterer (and dog owner)
“I currently have four cats living with me, or rather, they let me live with them. As an avid volunteer, I’ve been known to take my work home with me, and that means all my cats arrived as fosters and decided to stay. Each kitty has a very distinct personality. My rescued coonhound mix, Cannoli, is pretty much attached to me at the hip most days, whereas my cats Squeegie, Mikey, Aspen and Albert opt to seek attention at their convenience, which tends to be when I’m taking a shower or in a WebEx meeting.”
Tiffany Martin, feline coordinator at Salem Animal Rescue League
Cat owner
“My cat Bastet was surrendered to our shelter in July 2014 as a 5-year-old black semi-feral cat named Chaos. … At the shelter Chaos was very scared, and no one could pet her or get very close to her; she would run and hide up high. I knew that she was going to be overlooked at the shelter … so I told her she could come live at my house with my then-8-year-old son and me. If she decided she ever wanted pets, she could have them. We would love her for her. … It took just over a month of sitting or laying on the floor, just talking to her, letting her have her time to feel safe … before she started slowly coming out for pets. Now, she’s turning 13 this July, and she is a belly-rubbing love bug. Nothing compares to earning an animal’s trust and love.”
The money factor
Whether you choose to become the parent of a dog or a cat, it’s important to consider the expenses associated with each. According to the ASPCA, the estimated annual costs of owning a cat are around $634, or roughly $53 per month. For dogs, these numbers vary a bit more and are largely dependent on the size of your pooch — the ASPCA estimates the range to be from about $512 per year ($42.66 per month) for smaller breeds like Boston Terriers and Pugs, about $669 per year ($55.75 per month) for medium breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, and about $1,040.31 per year ($86.69 per month) for large dogs like Great Danes and Bullmastiffs. For both dogs and cats, all of the required expenses are taken into account, including food and regular medical care, but optional purchases or unexpected medical costs may also apply. The ASPCA also notes several ways that pet owners can save money, like making their own toys or treats. See aspcapetinsurance.com for more of a breakdown on costs.
Team Dogs
Man’s best friend
Cats are known to be elusive and difficult to read at times, whereas dogs tend to be more expressive and transparent. They’re good at developing special ways of communicating with their humans, and that rapport often grows stronger over time.
“I love the fact that we can learn a language that dogs want to learn,” said Amber McCune, manager and co-owner of American K9 Country, an animal care and event facility specializing in dog boarding and doggy daycare, obedience and agility classes, grooming, canine rehab and other services for dog-owners.
Many cats need their “me” time and can get irritated if their human doesn’t allow them to get some space when they need it, but that is not so much the case with dogs. You don’t have to worry about smothering them; if you have attention to give them, they will never turn it down.
“Dogs let you love on them for days,” said Laurie Gouley, social media director at Sato Heart Rescue in Milford. “Cats let you love on them when they allow it.”
If you want a pet that will always be by your side and accompany you as you go about your daily activities, a dog fits the bill. With a dog, you’ll never have to be alone if you don’t want to be.
“A dog makes a good companion,” Corso said. “I think dogs are well-suited to owners who might work from home or have more time to devote to their pet.”
Active
If you live an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors — or if you don’t but would like to start — a dog might be your perfect companion.
“You can train them, take them hiking, camping, swimming, to the dog park and go out to dog-friendly establishments in your community,” Corso said.
“I love being able to take them everywhere,” added Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy in Chichester.
Having a dog by your side can also be a great way to help you break the ice with new people and make friends.
“Dogs in particular can improve your social life,” Hobson said. “People stop all the time to give attention to dogs.”
Local dog parks
Derry Dog Park
Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: derrynh.org
Friend-Lee Pets Dog Park
40 Concord Road, Lee (directly behind the Friendly Pets store)
Hours: Same as the Friendly Pets store in Lee (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Visit: friendlypets.com
Hooksett Dog Park
101 Merrimack St., Hooksett
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk, year-round
Visit: hooksett.org
Hudson Dog Park
Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson
Hours: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 28; 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 30; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1 through Aug. 31; and 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31
Visit: hudsonnh.gov
Longhill Dog Park
Longhill Memorial Park, 42 Longhill Road, Dover
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through March 31; 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30
Visit: dovernh.gov
Manchester Dog Park
Bass Island Park, Second Street, Manchester
Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round
Visit: manchesternh.gov
Merrimack Dog Park
Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: merrimackparksandrec.org
Terrill Park Dog Park
Terrill Park, Old Turnpike Road, Concord
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Visit: concordnh.gov
Yudicky Farm Dog Park
1 Groton Road (Route 111A), Nashua
Visit: nashuadog.org
Unconditional love
Dogs live for their human companions, Bailey said, and love nothing more than to make them happy.
“They put their heart and soul into figuring out ways to please people, expecting nothing more in return than some words of love and encouragement,” she said, “and maybe some treats — can’t forget the treats.”
Rule said every reunion with her dog feels like a celebration, even if she’s only been away for a few minutes.
“[I love] their soulful eyes, tappy paws and heart-healing smiles,” she said.
Testimonials
Charles Stanton, executive director at New Hampshire Humane Society
Dog owner
“In my family, we have two rescue dogs: a bassett/American bull terrier mix and a shih tzu mix. They are bonded companions for one another and provide lots of daily entertainment for each other and our household. They are both moderately active and enjoy multiple walks per day. Polly, the basset mix, tends to be more of a snuggler and wants to be beside you on the couch, while Sophie is a bit more independent. All of our daily activities are arranged with them in mind.”
Gail Fisher, owner and founder of All Dogs Gym & Inn
Dog owner
“I have had at least one dog (and as many as eight) in my home since I got my first apartment. … Currently I have an 8-and-a-half-year old Chinook (New Hampshire’s state dog) named Larry and an 18-month-old Basset Fauve de Bretagne (French hound) named Brio. Both dogs love the sport of scent work — searching for and finding specific odors. Larry enjoys playing with his younger brother, but Brio has far more energy … and definitely benefits from going to doggy day care. Truth be told, it is Larry and I [who] benefit from Brio expending his energy in day care and coming home tired and relaxed. I can’t imagine life without the love of a dog.”
Alyssa Mudgett, kennel technician at Darbster Doggy
Dog owner
“My rescue pup, April, fits my family perfectly. She matches my younger dog’s energy, and they are wonderful together. She’s also going to be my hiking buddy this summer. I’m truly grateful to have brought her into my life. She’s been nothing but great, and you can tell that she’s grateful as well.”
Jill Crane of Paws on Pine
Dog owner
“Beyond the kennel dogs, which feel like our own, we have two dogs. First is Wilson, a 15-year-old chihuahua, who is a foster failure as they call it. He came to us in very bad shape and I couldn’t bear it for him to ever leave and start over. His personality is huge and captivates everyone he meets. Our second dog is Ivy, a mixed breed larger dog that we adopted three years ago. She’s an amazing [combination] of [a] lively player and the calmest, sweetest hugger you’ll ever meet. These two are best friends, a huge part of our kennel life and the best traveling companions ever.”
Everyone Wins
While choosing one over the other ultimately comes down to your own individual lifestyle, there’s no denying that both cats and dogs can make great pets.
“Any furbaby provides unconditional love to its human,” Hobson said. “Whether it’s a cat or a dog, pets in general improve our moods, reduce stress, provide us comfort and sense of relief and, of course, humor.”
Thinking about your own daily activities is the best way to make a decision for you, said Charles Stanton, executive director of the New Hampshire Humane Society.
“The question of pet ownership is more about what is best for the family and for the home,” he said.
Cathy Hilscher, owner of Cats Kingdom in Manchester, agrees.
“I do feel dogs are better fits for family households and small children for sure, overall … but if you are a cat person, you love your cat just as much as a dog person loves their dog,” she said.
Local animal shelters
• Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire (545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org)
• Animal Rescue Network of New England (PO Box 1053, Pelham, 233-4801, arnne.org)
• Darbster Doggy (109 Dover Road, Chichester, 635-4495, darbsterfoundation.org)
• Darbster Kitty (332 Kelley St., Manchester, 856-9233, darbsterfoundation.org)
• Franklin Animal Shelter (19 Rescue Road, Franklin, 934-4132, franklinanimalshelter.com)
• Greater Derry Humane Society (PO Box 142, East Derry, 434-1512, derryhumanesociety.com)
• Happy Tails Pet Rescue (14 Pine Road, Hudson, 595-7387, happytailspetrescue.org)
• Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance (PO Box 593, Goffstown, heartsandtails.org)
• Humane Society for Greater Nashua (24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 889-2275, hsfn.org)
• Manchester Animal Shelter (490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, 628-3544, manchesteranimalshelter.org)
• Mary’s Dogs Rescue and Adoption (984 1st New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood, 608-3374, marysdogs.com)
• New Hampshire Humane Society (1305 Meredith Center Road, Laconia, 524-3252, nhhumane.org)
• New Hampshire SPCA (104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org)
• Peace and Paws Dog Rescue (PO Box 1155, Hillsborough, peaceandpaws.org)
• Pet Tails Rescue (PO Box 86, Northwood, 942-8905, pettailsrescue.org)
• Pope Memorial Humane Society of Cocheco Valley (221 County Farm Road, Dover, 749-5322, popememorialcvhs.org)
• Pope Memorial SPCA (94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 856-8756, popememorialspca.org)
• Salem Animal Rescue League (4 SARL Drive, Salem, 893-3210, sarlnh.org)
• Sato Heart Rescue (PO Box 686, Wilton, satoheartrescue.org)
• Second Chance Ranch Rescue (449 Joe English Road, New Boston, secondchanceranchrescue.com)
Featured photo: Courtesy photos.
