Pets
 

Years ago I had a dog. This dog lived with mt throughout many of my CFI years and even into my Alaskan bush pilot days. Later I moved on to flying contract work for the Forest Service, long distance jet charter and the regionals. At that point it became very difficult to keep the dog. I never knew when I was going to leave or how long I was going to be gone. During those years I had to pawn my dog off onto my brother. After I got married I eventually was able to get the dog back just a year before she died of old age. I missed most of the dogs life. I had to ask myself " what kind of career takes away your friends, family, home and even pets". I couldn't even have a house plant.

SKyHigh

Now we have too many pets; 5 horses, 14 chickens, 2 dogs, one cat and one rabbit named Bolt.

Many of the doctors in my small town have very little time for themselves. One I talked to manages to get one day off per week for himself.

Long Haul Truckdrivers, Merchant Marines, Railroaders, and Millitary people are gone away from home for considerable periods. I used to fly with a guy who was an over the road trucker. He made more money driving (I think), but he would look down on intersates in cruise and say "Im so glad Im not back there".

Thats awesome! I want cows someday:o

I want a pack of wild dingos

But the dingo ate the baby!! :D

Cows
 

Just this morning I was up early and checking the irrigation and had to scape some cow leavings from my shoe. We leased some of our land to a cattle rancher.

SkyHigh

Maybe
 

I guess then that perhaps we should avoid those professions as well?

SkyHigh

Great IDEA
 

Another great idea, then everyone can just grow flowers and ride horsies. I wonder were America would be if some Pilgrims didn't have the balls to get on a boat and travel around the world leaving there freinds and maybe even pets behind!

Guess so
 

People need to know the full implications of ANY career they wish to pursue.

I'm pretty sure they took the pets and farm animals with them...must have smelled to high heaven on those little ships! :eek:

Do you sit up at night trying to come up with new ways to bash the industry? You have some good points at times but this is really reaching. Running out of ideas Sky High?

This is a problem I've had to deal with myself. I'd love to get a dog, but I just wouldn't be able to take care of it, I would constantly have to pawn him off on my neighbors, friends, or family :rolleyes: :( .

Maybe if I ever find a wifey, I'll be able to get a pooch.. but then again, she'll probably divorce me in a few years and take the house along with the dog :mad:

May I suggest one of those robotic dogs like Aibo or iDog? You would not need a wife or leash or pooper scooper or even SkyHigh. :)

[QUOTE=SkyHigh]\ I had to ask myself " what kind of career takes away your friends, family, home and even pets". I couldn't even have a house plant.

SKyHigh

The same career that lets you meet people you would have never had a chance otherwise to meet...If you peek out of that cave every once and awhile you'd know that...lol...Sorry dude...It was an easy shot!...Sorry about you dog though...Cheers.

Thanks Man
 

[QUOTE=HeavyDriver]Thanks HeavyDriver !!

I liked that dog.

SkyHigh

No
 

No not running out of ideas. Yesterday I was going through some boxes and came across some pictures of my old friend. She was a good dog and I miss her. Sometimes I would take her up in a 206 and do a little zero G. After she would float off the floor she would start to swim in mid-air. She never was afraid to fly though. Good times.

SkyHigh

I've had animals as patients who travel with their truckdriver or likewise on-the-go owners, so it is doable. I've had a UPS driver who brought his boston terrier in the truck with him during his shifts. I don't know about having a pet in the cockpit though! Maybe a cockpit-safe pet-restraint design system is in my future.... :) ... to help with my 100k+ school loans!

All of my close pilot friends have dogs and wives and some even have kids and plants! <gasp!> Just like anything else in life, if you really want something, you can find ways to make it work.

Yea
 

Thanks Josh,

I consider you a friend.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh-

We might take shots at each other from time to time, but I do understand that not every thing in this industry is what it's cracked up to be. (I too am still looking for that 10 day a month/$250,000 airline job).

I just think that a bit of flexibility (that dreaded F word!) and positivity can be 90% of the battle when it comes to being content, regardless of what your chosen career is.

I guess that for me, the "romance" of flight still rings true, even after being chewed up by the airline machine and spit out again as a furloughee. I couldn't imagine doing anything else but earning my wage crusing around in the front of a plane.

If we ever end up in the same city at the same time, I'll be the first to buy some refreshments!

~Josh

PS- no dog for me though... I have my hands full enough with the rest of the family! :D

Mouse-proof car
 

My girlfriend is a vet, and she was caring for some of the ill shelter animals at home when Katrina hit. I ended up evacuating with 13 cats and a dog in one car! Guess that makes me a "cat rancher" too. :p

Josh
 

Sounds Great !!

SkyHigh

good for you two! :) sounds like you had quite a party in your car... :D