I've seen several articles lately on how much joy a family dog can represent. I, too, am a dog lover, but we live on a very busy street.

We have two tabby cats; one (the elder at about 8 years old) is named Dodger, for the Artful Dodger. The youngest (about 6 years old) is Jasmine. We rescued both cats.

The Artful Dodger is so named because he frequented the patio of our local hospital, and employees would give him the remainder of their meals. He loved any dish that contained tomatoes (the tomato fetish became an issue when we caught him nose down in a Bloody Mary that had been left unattended. Who wants a cat who is also a lush?) Although friendly enough, if he was approached at all, he scattered like the wind. A feral cat, we had to catch him with a live trap. After a trip to our veterinarian for a check-up, which included a simple procedure to ensure his inability to reproduce, we brought him home to our 11-year-old female tabby, Tigger. She hated him on sight.

Being only about five months old, Dodger never ceased in his attempts to engage her in typical "kitty" recreation, and when we lost her, at 13 years, Dodger was inconsolable. Thus a trip to the Humane Society for a pal for Dodger. Enter, Jasmine, who was also about five months old when we rescued her. They became fast friends and frequently go on rapid trips around our house. I have the broken bric-a-brac to prove it.

Both our cats are loving and devoted to us. I have found that their attitude toward strangers changes with age. As Dodger has gotten older, he likes to check out any new human who comes into our home. He has an uncanny ability to recognize another cat lover and allows that guest to rub his head and back while he rubs their legs. Jasmine still hides under our bed or love seat. The only time they both absent themselves from everyone is when our young grandchildren visit. No need for explanation there.

In defense of cats, I would have to say:

* To paraphrase a John Wayne movie, " ... they wash themselves and bury their leavin's."

* They are, in my mind, as smart as dogs. They simply choose not to respond to commands unless it's at feeding time. We have all heard the joke that "dogs have owners and cats have staff." I'm a staff member who believes it.

* They sleep about 16 hours each day and only require your complete attention when they want it, usually at mealtime and lap time. They can be adamant about that. I once had a Siamese who, when I refused to hold her, would walk up and down the keyboard of my piano.

* Our cats usually sleep with us and are mostly unobtrusive (unlike a large dog who wants to sleep on your chest or stomach). I've only been bothered when I slept too late on Saturday mornings, missed feeding time and woke with Dodger sitting on my chest with his nose against mine and yowling.

* Cats are quiet, often very affectionate, very little bother and, best of all: they don't slobber all over you. I hate that.

Cats are abandoned just like dogs are. It's sad but true. I think most people believe that cats are generally resourceful and dropping a pregnant female cat, or a female with a new litter of kittens, on the side of the road is not quite the crime that dropping off an unwanted dog represents. I disagree. They become victims of cars, disease and other animals just like dogs. Animal shelters have cats for adoption too, and I recommend considering a cat the next time you are searching for a pet.

They'll play with most anything so their toys are cheaper.

T&D Correspondent Peggie Walter can be reached by e-mail at pbwred@tds.net. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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