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How has your dog changed you?

5K views 35 replies 21 participants last post by  Harrymummy 
#1 ·
In all that I've looked at in the threads I follow I have noticed many wonderful comments about how we love our dogs and it has made me think about how wonderful having dogs (or other animals) in our lives is. As some other threads have sought to do I am interested in knowing something about how we think our dogs have changed us as people and to have those stories gathered together.

To get things started, when Lily was a puppy we went through some really rough patches in our relationship. She was crazy and hyper whenever I got home from work or the store. She would attack me and whatever clothes I was wearing, not meanly just crazy. It made me crazy having torn sweaters, scratched hands, etc. I loved her and hated how we interacted all at once. I had many second thoughts about her even though I have loved her since the moment I picked her over her sister.

Now when I get home I get exuberant joyful greetings, but my clothes are not getting torn at and the frenzied nature of it is all gone. Of course, she is four now, which probably accounts for some of the change, but I have come to realize that the real change is in me. Once I truly understood what people mean when they say you can't lie to a dog and talk about how you transmit what you are feeling to the other end of the leash, I made a concerted effort to change myself into a more patient and calm person. My blood pressure has gone down and I sleep better. Thank you Lily. You are a wonderful girl.
 
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#2 ·
My dogs (over the years, and including my mpoo that I have now) have taken me from homebound, self-injurous, and suicidal to being able to live ablmost normally, run (most) household errands and work part-time (with disability accomodations).

I am a completely different person. Medication alone could not work for me (I was too unstable and ill to take it regularly). But with my service dog, treatment works and I enjoy a reasonably decent quality of life (considering, lol).

I doubt I'd still be alive if it were not for the dogs in my life.
 
#9 ·
Its amazing that our dogs have such big effect on our lives. My profession as a pharmacist is stressful And I work 11-12 hour shifts and most of the time without any lunch or dinner breaks. So I leave work feeling tired, stressed out, and hungry. But the minute I open the door to my home my 2 pups greet me at the door with their wagging tails and warm kisses. I forget all about my rough day and they bring a big smile to my face. Can't imagine life without them now.
 
#3 ·
tortoise, thank you for such candor. I am very happy for you and your dogs that you have each other for love and support. I know how much Lily has supported me now that I have gotten to understand her better. I think I have only experienced a small part of how important a great relationship with a dog is by comparison.
 
#4 ·
I love to go to the casino...even tho I tend to lose more than I win. But ever since I got Gucci I stopped going. He's such a mama's boy. He gets so sad when I leave the house. He loves to give kisses and gives kisses when asked, but when I tell him to be a good boy and that mommy's going to work, he lowers his head and walks over to his bed and lays down. If I walk over and ask him for a kiss he looks the other way and if I move to the other side and ask for a kiss again, he would do the same and look away. Gucci's saving me a lot of money :)
 
#5 ·
I can't even explain how much Enzo means to me. I got him when my sweet daughter was staying with me dying of melanoma. I have her dog Fred here as well but he is 14 and i could not face losing both of them in one year. Enzo was a source of joy in an incredibly difficult time. Sarah died on April 20th and having to care for Enzo, walk him, and just be with him kept me and other family members going. He is not cuddly but is totally devoted to me. As I write this he is lying on the floor next to me. Although he is sleeping if I go into my room he will follow me. I won't even mention how often he follows me into the shower. I have many family members and other children, grandchildren, that mean so much to me. But Enzo is the one here with me every day. As is Fred who is a grumpy old man but still responds to Enzo nuzzling him. He seems healthier as well. Dogs can be amazing. I often look at Enzo in amazement that he is so great, and can't believe he is mine, as much as we own dogs.
 
#6 ·
This is a great thread. I've only had my Sophie since July 14th, and she's now only 4 mos old, but the changes in me since I've had her are palpable to me and to others. I too suffer from mental illnesses including depression that is at times debilitating, and since I've had Sophie sh'es somehow made me more capable in other areas of my life. I feel ready to take things on. I am a better parent. I don't know why; I guess it's the caring for and receiving such unconditional love in return. At four months she is a joy to behold and I can only look forward to the coming years when the rate of return will be even greater. Sophie has given me a reason to love and live life again.


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#8 ·
When I started this thread I wasn't sure what would happen. I am so impressed that those of you who have shared difficult aspects of your life have been so honest. It just goes to show that our companion animals really enrich us in many ways. They give us courage, strength, resiliency and stability. I am glad Lily and I figured each other out. I love my man and he loves me, but my poodle is my anchor. Her sweet soulful eyes are a constant source of joy.

Fbkathleen, I am very happy that Enzo found you when you needed him. When my father was dying of cancer, one of my three cats really saved me in so many ways. Her beautiful face looking at me with concern the night he was diagnosed rescued me from really thinking I wasn't going to be able to get though what I knew was coming. She did that many times in the next few months. I know that Lily and Peeves will help us through whatever comes our way.
 
#10 ·
Wow, such great comments on this thread. I don't have anything big or important to share, but I think about my two girls all the time time when I'm at work, looking forward to runs with them, especially when the weather is cool and breezy like now. When it snows, it's just kind of magical. In the summer I wrap up my work day thinking, I'll bet the girls would love a swim this afternoon! It's kind of like having toddlers, I enjoy the wonder and beauty of the world again with the dogs. And if I've developed amazing hearing, a second sense for when naughtiness is taking place, and instant reflexes because of Maddy's mischievous nature, well I'm sure there is more than one use for superhero training :)
 
#11 ·
For me it is things that are comparatively small, but very important. I get out of bed at a reasonable hour, because the dogs need to go out and want their breakfast. I get out for a walk in the fresh air at least once a day, because the dogs enjoy it so much (so do I once I am out, but I would not walk without them). I meet people and stop to chat about dogs, life and the universe in general - far more so than I would without them, and often to people who obviously want someone to talk to. I have more patience with people, because my dogs have taught me the importance of clear communication, and reward based training. And I live "alone", but a life that is filled with the constant love and companionship of my animals.
 
#12 ·
My dogs are my reason to get out of bed in the morning. I had a 4 level lumbar fusion with 8 rods and 12 screws. I have nerve damage and muscle pain and some days are very painful. Because my babies need me I get out of bed and look forward to being with them. Without them I would be inclined to lay in bed in pain feeling sorry for myself. I don't have time for that as we know poodles can be high maintenance. LOL. They are my whole world and everything I do revolves around them. They also make me laugh every single day and are better than any tv show I have ever seen. I adore them.


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#13 ·
I too have always had dogs. But I will tell you how Carley has changed my life. I love to show her off and I take her on daily walks... I have lost 25 pounds this year! lol I did not even realize how much weight had slipped on me , I have never had a weight problem in my life! But recently I have had thyroid issues...

My mom got her first dog a few years ago and it has made her closer to her dog loving daughters! We now have so much to do and talk about. We are going to Folly Beach in a few weeks with 3 dogs!
 
#14 ·
I am loving these stories.

As far as a life-changing dog, please go get the new book "Wallace", about an AMAZING, life-changing dog. I know the man who gave up his job to save this dog from the shelter and the family that owns him. And I'm sad to Wallace has cancer and only 3 - 6 months to live. I haven't read the book (waiting for the library to get it), but the reviews are very, very good! You've probably seen this dog on TV. https://www.facebook.com/#!/WallaceThePitBull
 
#15 ·
So many dogs/cats have affected my life:

It's hard to list them all:

Benji (Shih Tzu)-- my first dog in college. Went to classes with me & slept under my desk. Made many friends on campus. My first 'baby' that I will never forget. My son, born 17 years after Benji died, has heard 'Benji' Stories.

Dakari (Shih Tzu) -- a reincarnated 'cat' in a male dog. Would let kittens 'nurse' off his belly fur. Never met a cat he didn't like and couldn't get along with. An ambassador for intra-species relationships!

Jake (alleycat) -- a reincarnated 'dog' in a male cat! Never met a dog he didn't like. Including annoying puppies. He learned early on that if you didn't run -- dogs didn't chase you. He never even puts up his fur. He's 14.5 now & I dread the day he passes.

Lilly (Bengal cat) -- just amazing for a cat. Can take her camping in our RV and let her loose while we're out & she just sticks around, will climb a tree or two, and come back inside when we do. Loves to play fetch.

Bella & Remi. I adopted Bella (Shih Tzu) at a year old last October when her former owner decided to rehome her. She adapted quickly and well. 2 months later I got Remi (Toy Poodle) @ 9 weeks. They IMMEDIATELY took to each other and now, almost a year later, continue to amaze me with their antics! Except -- WHY must they play-fight ON me?!!!! They play tug together, eat, and sleep with me.

My animals -- they keep me happy!
 
#16 ·
I grew up in a very abusive home, but I always had my dog (a rottie, and a real sweatheart at that) who loved and appreciated me even on the worst days.

I think that as a child growing up in an environment full of violence and rejection that I spent a large portion of my teens worrying about being loved and accepted, and I only really truly felt that I could be carefree and myself with my dog.

When she passed away when I was 18 I learned a very valuable lesson. It's not enough to be loved, in fact, it's probably even more important to love.

I hadn't realized how unsafe I felt giving others my love, until I realized that it was very comfortable with my dog. I adapted this feeling into my life, and I am now happily married, and much at peace with my past.
 
#17 ·
Your story is amazing. How wonderful to have been freed of the problems of your childhood by that unconditional love our dogs (cats, birds, etc.) give us. I am glad you have found trust and peace.
 
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#18 ·
What beautiful stories! Since the passing of my beloved Shayna 2 1/2 years ago now, after 18 years, I didn't think the hurt would ever go away. When I got the girls 6 months later, it was like angels brought a loving spirit back into my life. I look at them everyday and wonder, how could I be so lucky to have 2 special girls in my life. They both have their funny quirks, being so different in personalities, makes me just kiss and hug them more. Maybe I'll find that right guy someday, but for now - the girls have all my attention and love, which I cherish everyday!
Sylvia and the Girls! :)
 
#19 ·
While I've never owned a poodle, my two rescues have changed my life.
When I first wanted a dog, I was begging and pleading when i was in 2nd or 3rd grade, but my parents weren't too keen. I was set on getting a paraplegic chihuahua with a kind of wheelchair, and thats when my parents realized I was serious, haha.
We rescued my Samoyed / Eskimo dog that year, and he's such a happy dog. He's shown me what it's like when someone has will power to live, it's truly amazing. He's 16, has had two strokes, is completely deaf, is going blind, and has arthritis and you'd assume his life is terrible. But he still runs around (to the best of his ability) and does that signature Samoyed smile, and get's regular vet attention when needed. He's the most loving happy dog I've ever met. (and please, we've asked the vet if he needs to be put down, and he's still living a happy life.)
Then there's Romy, my Chow mix who was previously abused, and really only has a bond with me a few people in my family. When I met her, she would hide in her kennel, and it took me days to get her to approach me. When I volunteered at an animal shelter, they let me adopt her for free, and its amazing to see her start trusting people again. She's still timid, but we work on letting her approach people and teaching her that not everyone's bad.
I love animals, and without them I'd be a different person, and not a better one.:angel:
 
#20 ·
Schpeckie, it is interesting to me that you commented on how different your sister girls are. Before I moved and had a yard to have dogs I had cats. Two of them were Maine **** Cats sisters. Although I took the two of them because when I met them it was clear that they loved each other immeasurably, they couldn't have been more different if they tried. I think that made them all the more interesting. My beautiful Jackie was the embodiment of feline grace and smart as a whip, very much like a poodle in her own way. Alex was sweet and funny, a klutz and perpetual kitten until she went over the bridge last year at the ripe old age of 16. In the picture Jackie is on the left.
 

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#21 ·
I got Sasha in 2009 from Poodle Rescue of Houston. A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went once a week for 3 months for chemo therapy. I would come home and sleep the rest of the day. Sasha was there beside me trying to roll around with her legs flailing and making funny sounds, poor thing has never been able to roll over on her back so it was a funny site that would make me laugh. The more I laughed the more she did it. Then she would snuggle up beside me like it was time for me to rest and go to sleep. She would do this every time. Once I was through with chemo, surgery and radiation, she took her old place at the end of the bed she still does her roll over act from time to time and you know, she can still make me laugh.

I made a remarkable recovery according to the doctor and I told him it was partly because of Sasha and how she made me laugh so hard. He said he may have to prescribe poodles for all his patients if this was any indication.

Since then I decided to pay back and started volunteering at Poodle Rescue of Houston. This is where I got that ratty, tattered little white poodle that someone threw away and that jumped onto my lap three years ago. She chose me. She must have known I would need her.

Anytime I am not feeling well, she us up there on the bed trying to make me laugh and snuggling close to comfort me. She is going blind now but that hasn't stopped her from her sworn duty as nurse and caregiver.

When she woofs for help because she can't negotiate the room or outside, I am there to guide and help her like she helped me. There is nothing I would not do for Sasha and no words can describe how much I love that little white poodle.
 
#23 ·
What a nice thread! It's touching to hear about everyone's special experiences with their animals.

I got Rusty when I was 12 or 13 (can't quite remember exactly), after wanting a dog for YEARS (my younger brother was asthmatic, and for the longest time we couldn't consider having an animal in the house). He was a cuddly dog who never left your side, and we literally grew up together, as I made my way through my teens, moved out to go to University (and took Rusty with me), and became his primary caregiver. Through most every major event in my life so far, Rusty was there with me (moving out, dating, breaking up, getting married, buying a house, etc. etc.), and his presence and having to always consider and plan for his needs played a big role in how I handled every one of those events. He made me get outside for a walk when I was sad, decide to buy the house with the south-facing windows so he'd have a sunbeam, and made me particularly empathetic to the littler creatures who depend on us. I admit I now have a tendency to judge people based on how they treat their dogs, more so than how they treat other people.

Most of all, Rusty taught me to be selfless in his senior years. It's amazing how a deaf, mostly blind dog can still find you when he wants to be cuddled and persuade you to interrupt whatever else you were doing, can still communicate that he wants to be put up on the bed after he can no longer jump there, and can still get up and wag his tail, telling you he's happy you're home. He taught me that it's okay to run around like a crazy person behind your dog just so he can chase after rabbits without having to be off leash (I was always too scared to let Rusty chase bunnies off leash -- his recall wasn't great); that, later on, it was okay to take 45 minutes to walk around the block because your hips are sore, so long as you still get to stop and sniff the shrubbery; and that the most important thing you can do for your pet (and any other loved ones) is just to spend your time with them, and (hopefully) be with them as they draw their final breaths, knowing that they've spent their lives safe and loved. Thanks, Rusty!
 
#25 ·
Yes, thanks so much for the generous and open sharing everyone has done. I have been very moved by many of your stories. This thread has been all I hoped for and then some.

Lily and I are up in Cape Cod tonight. We will be in the rally ring tomorrow at about 8:30 AM (then same on Saturday and Sunday). We are doing rally excellent, rally advanced and open A. Wish us focus and a little bit of luck.:act-up:
 
#27 ·
Lily and I are up in Cape Cod tonight. We will be in the rally ring tomorrow at about 8:30 AM (then same on Saturday and Sunday). We are doing rally excellent, rally advanced and open A. Wish us focus and a little bit of luck.:act-up


We wish you and Lily best of luck tomorrow! Hugs and licks from the girls! :)
 
#26 ·
Four years ago my daughter and grandchildren moved half way across the country. My heart was broken. My Pug was getting older and just seemed to be showing signs of aging earlier than my other dogs had in the past. I didn't want to come home to an empty house one day after she was gone, so I decided to get a poodle. We had all three sizes when I was growing up and I knew I had to have one. I had no idea that this little poodle who had been dumped out in the desert to die in the heat would take me in a whole new direction. We adopted her from a poodle rescue, sight unseen. Lacey is now a Reading Education Assistance Dog with the public school system, is part of the reading program for children at the public library and attends other functions with this program. I have met so many wonderful people through this program, and have witnessed the amazing ability of this little dog who had been neglected so much to become a little dog who makes a difference for children. She's amazing and I am glad I am the one who has gotten to share the journey with her. (BTW, are Pug is older, but still around!!)

Lacey could never be a champion in the show ring, but she is a champion of the heart.
 
#28 ·
Heart break and Healing

Where do I start, what a wonderful thread!! I started in 1987 with my first Lhasa, not knowing any better, he was a pet store dog, and I lost him at 3 months. My next Lhasa came from a breeder and I was there when he was born. I got into showing because he was the model of his standard. I finished him when he was 4 years old. He was the only one in my kennel that I brought with me when I moved to N.M. in 1995. My precious Doc was just short of 17 when he developed brain cancer and I had to say good-bye. He was my heart and constant companion {I live alone.} I had a cat, Merlin, and he and Doc were great friends. I just couldn't face trying to replace Doc and tried to make having Merlin enough. He wasn't, and last May I was told that a neighbor's toy poodle had had puppies and the rest is history. My soul is whole again. Walter is a handful but that is what I needed. He keeps me up and moving and ever alert to "UH OH" it is too quiet, where are you Walter and what are you into. God brings us all things in due time and I was way over due for this wild, loving little boy that never lets me out of his sight for long. because of my age,72, and I am living with cancer, I was worried that something would happen to me and he would be alone. That is why it is so important that he is well trained and would be a pleasure to have so that he can get a good home should I have to leave first. Thank you Walter for coming into my life!!!!
 
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