Forums >Off the Beaten Path>PETS & ALLERGIES
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rectumdamnnearkilledem
you know...there are hypoallergenic cats. And not the hairless variety either - the Siberian is one such breed. Apparently a study is underway to confirm the hypoallergenic-ness of the cat - I do know someone who is otherwise allergic to cats who has one.
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
Joni, have you ever considered a Bichon Frise?
There are some breeds of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. These are generally dogs that don't shed (instead you have to pay big $$$ to get their hair clipped).
Just because a breed is considered hypoallergenic doesn't mean they won't cause an allergic reaction in some people. It just means their fur doesn't fly around (which probably provokes more allergies). The allergic response is usually caused by a reaction to things in/on the dog's skin.. not the hair directly. When the hair flies up, some skin particles come with it. But those particles can be released even without shedding (such as when your son plays with your dog) so low/no sheddding is not a guarantee that there won't be problems.
have you considered rescuing/adopting a dog? It's the best decision I ever made.... you can find lots of different shelters and search by breed and age at: www.petfinder.com Some of these shelters might even allow you to try a foster-care type scenario until you find the right dog?
I grew up with cats all my life. My husband doesn't like them, but I think until you actually own one, you don't know how sweet and loving they are. Of course, after itching my eyes out for about 19 years, I finally figured out I had heavy allergies to cats! You'd think I'd have built up an immunity or something by that time! Was Griffin pretty easy to train do you know? That's one of the things I wonder about- training.
My dad said for years that the only good cat is a dead one (even had the book "101 things to do with a dead cat")...then we found Oreo. Oreo was dad's "Buddy" and the guy cried his eyes out when that cat died at 16. Now my dad has 2 feline best friends (they have 3, total), Ben and Skade. Ben is a big, placid male like Oreo was and Skade is a petite little girl that they rescued as a semi-feral cat last Winter. She loves my dad more than anyone else. I think Griffin was pretty easy to train. He's very well-mannered and only barks when people come to the door...then when they come in he runs around in circles panting like mad...then will follow along like a puppy and snuggle-up with anyone sitting down. Here's a big photo of him guarding his new baby sister: click for pic k