Why I am more of a cat person than a dog person

Genesis 1:26 says: “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’”

In the Genesis story, it says that humankind is to have “dominion” over animals. In part, I believe this means to care for them responsibly.

I’ve always loved animals. When I was growing up, our household always had dogs and cats as pets. At one point, we even had parakeets. We also had a 15-gallon aquarium with tropical fish.

Today, years removed from my childhood, we have indoor cats and an 80-gallon aquarium. We don’t keep any birds or have dogs right now.

Currently, I would describe myself as being more of a cat person.

What’s wrong with dogs?

Generally, I find family dogs to be friendly, loyal and good companions.

However, personally, I’d want a bigger yard for a dog, and I think they need appropriate care and training, which I do not have time to provide at this time in my life.

Cats, on the other hand, tend to be more independent. I like that.

With our cats, we have four litter boxes in the house. I usually scoop them out first thing in the morning and just before I go to bed at night.

I have a rule. If a visitor comes into the house, they should not guess we have cats based upon the smell. So, I am very religious when it comes to keeping up on the litter boxes, and I’ve done well.

Dogs, on the other hand, require more care. I’m of the opinion, in an urban environment, that most dogs need to be exercised regularly. This might mean that people take their dogs for a walk.

I see this happen on a daily basis from our living room window that faces McCosh Park. Some dogs are on leashes and others not.

What makes me smile is when I see a dog owner, walking their dog, with doggy doo bags at the ready. That is a responsible dog owner, in my book.

For me, it’s not the dogs themselves that are of concern, but the owners. I just want those with dogs to do the right thing and clean up after their pets instead of making that someone else’s problem.

In Mark 12:31b, it states: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

For folks who walk their dogs, carrying a doggy doo bag applies under this category. Right now, you may laugh about this, until you literally make a misstep.

That doesn’t have to happen – when dog owners intentionally look out for their neighbor’s shoes.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.