Blogger Layouts

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Debate Topic

A teacher of mine once said that a good debator can argue either side of a debate regardless of their true feelings about the subject. This teacher had us choose a topic that we either supported or opposed and once determined we had to choose the opposite side and write about it. Back then I chose the topic of "Why Ebonics should not be taught in schools" (but then I had to write a paper to support it- that was tough). I have always been fond of debating (mostly because I argued with my parents and siblings about EVERYTHING). Although I was never very good at public speaking, I enjoyed the thought of voicing my opinion. I thought it would be fun to get a friendly, (non-political, non-religious) debate started. I chose a topic that while it may seem childish, I know no one will go away mad!

As you all know, Danielle and I are big cat fans and Gary is not. So I propose a friendly debate on the following topic...


CATS OR DOGS, WHICH MAKE THE BETTER PET?


Remember, this is just for fun!!!- no name calling allowed (GARY) :P

I would like to start off the debate by pointing out that according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, approximately 90 million people own cats in the US compared to 74.8 million people that own dogs.


The numbers alone show that the cat is the more popular pet choice,
but is it the better pet choice? I would love to hear from all of you!

11 comments:

Rachel said...

I have had many friends debate this...lol...I enjoy voicing my opinion too!

I will have you know that I LOVE both cats and dogs, so it;s very hard to choose.

I am a very active, outgoing, outdoor type of gal. So if I had to choose it would most deffinitly be a dog. I enjoy going running with mine ( but sinc she's getting older it;s usually walking) playing with her, I would probably get a very energetic dog if I could. But I love cats too....if I had my own place I would probably have at least 2 cats and 2 dogs. LOL.

Kelly Spezzano said...

I agree that it's a hard choice. It's difficult when a person likes all animals (in general). I too would love to have a housefull of cats and dogs! (I also asked Jim if I could have a vietnamese potbelly pig, a Llama, a rabbit, turtle, fish, birds, I think I even asked for a baby elephant!) He said "absolutely not!" LOL

Dani said...

I have no idea why he would veto a baby elephant. That would be too cool.

Anyway, I have always perfered dogs. They seem to be much more people centered, whereas most cats seem to be self centered. Cats tend to be very aloof while dogs are big lovers. Dogs are much more interactive for daily life (aka, play fetch at the park, a buddy to go running with in the morning, or fun on the lake or out hunting). On personality dogs seem to win easily.

In care however, cats are far easier and can be carried many more places than dogs. Cats can survive on less attention, less food, and be left at home for a few days with no serious consequences. Dogs are much higher maintaince. Their larger size as well means that they are often not allowed in apartments and places where cats are ok. In this respect cats rule and dogs drool.

However, I don't really suppose there is a right or wrong answer. Any given species will have an animal that defies classification and norms. I personally have been very suprised to see how loving Brodie has been, not a typical cat at all.

Dani said...

Infact, I can see Abbey carrying the baby elephant to school for show and tell, "Hi this is my Aunt's baby elephant and he is too cool for school."

haha

Kelly Spezzano said...

Haaa Haaa I think Brooke would beat Abbey to the punch on that one. She's the biggest animal fanatic I have ever met!

You made some great points about the cat vs. dog debate. I think what it all boils down to is if your looking for an animal that won't take up much time, you get a cat. If you are looking for entertainment (although cats can be entertaining) dogs are the better choice. But I bet if the Abernathy girls had their say, they would choose a horse over ALL the other animals! Right girls? :)

Rachel said...

RIGHT!!!!!!!!

Gary B. said...

First of all pets belong outside and not inside. They are animals by nature and in nature they should stay.

The only pro about cats is that they burry their droppings and they might control the rat and mouse population, though most of the time they don't, because someone is feeding them.

My thoughts have always been that dogs are better. They are more loyal, emotional, and loving. They can help in protection and they help control the cat population (at least ours did).

Personally for me, I would rather live without either. I am self sufficent and don't need a pet.

Dani said...

I would like to point out that Gary is sitting here laughing at his clever, self-sufficent self.

He also know wishes to give his thoughts on horses, but I am restraining him.

Kelly Spezzano said...

So Gary, would you permit Danielle to have a baby elephant? LOL As for the self-sufficiency, I think your mama and Danielle would BEG TO DIFFER!!! However, I would agree that a pet would not take care of you the way your mom and Danielle do! :)

Gary B. said...

Don't make me smack you. j/k

First of all, my wife doesn't do all of the cooking.

Second, the house doesn't need to be clean.

~*Hannah*~ said...

well, I know im a little late on this, but I would definetly pick dogs.but I love cats too!