VancouverBC

I don't have a dog yet, I am focused on a mpoo, and I have two granddoggies that I spend the day with, at least once or twice a week, more if the parents are on holidays. The granddoggies are a 4 year old Viszla and a 2 year old German shorthair Pointer. The Viszla was 'adopted' from champion lines from a Vancouver Island Breeder, now retired. The GSP is a rescue from California.

I grew up with dogs when dogs were just dogs. We had 2 heinz variety, English Springer, Beagle, Schaunuzers, and German Shepard. Never felt akin to dogs until this GSP. She came aggressive, with separation anxiety, territorial, not house friendly, under weight, ... Since late November, my daughter-in-law and son worked with her and I tell you, Pygmaliion! She is the sweetest pup on four legs (next to the Viszla). She is so funny, sensitive, smart and lives to please. Although she does get barky sometimes.

I would so 'adopt' a GSP or Viszla but they are too powerful for me.

I understand dog people have special "je ne sais quoi" and recognize that of another dog person. It is, I observe, a quality that speaks about the person who is compassionate, inclusive, giving and forgiving, patient, bendable, ... in short, a person who does not see things as black and white but appreciates all shades between.

I ask the question "why do you have dogs in your life?" because of another recent and much viewed thread where comments posted confuse me. Why do you have dogs?

Just asking ... no judgement.

caroline429

Roger Caras once said "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole". That sums it up perfectly for me. I am now 60 and in the past 35 years or so have only ever been without a dog for 2 weeks. Since I was old enough to know what a dog was, I desperately wanted one but my parents weren't animal lovers. I had to wait until I was in my 20's and renting a place where they allowed pets to get a dog of my own.

I'm sure I could write a book on all the concrete reasons why I have a dog but I can't put into words the feeling of emptiness I have if there's no dog around. It's not loneliness per se, more a feeling that something important is missing from my life. I think some people are just born this way.

tortoise

I have my mpoo (a service dog) for a medical device. A cute, fluffy, warm and cuddly medical device.

Seriously though, I don't do well without a service dog. I function much better with less medication with a dog.

fjm

I have dogs because they show me the world anew every day; because they make me smile, and laugh, and weep; because I can hang the sun and the moon for them with a walk, a game and a piece of chicken; because they have senses I do not, and capabilities I can only guess at; because they run ahead on walks but still look back to make sure I am following, wait for me at the gate, and press warm and close against me as I read in the evening; because my life is better with them in it, and my dogs life is better for having me in it.

And because I love them.

__________________

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace.

~ Milan Kundera

Poodlemama99

I have dogs because they offer unconditional love in spite of my crabbiness, forgetfulness, anger or bad mood. They love me no matter what and make me laugh every single day. I can't imagine my life without them. They are my world.


Sent from my iPad using PG Free

__________________
Poodlemama (Omar 13, Maggie 8, Nicholas 6, Penelope 1 (RIP Lila)

Locket

I have dogs because they are the best teachers I've ever had. They've taught me patience, responsibility, love, loyalty, companionship, joy, etc.
I am always learning from my dogs and can't imagine life differently.

__________________

Poodlelvr

I have dogs because I cannot imagine life without them. Years ago I told myself when I had to part with a well loved dog that as long as I was physically able to take care of a dog, there would be one in my life. I am in my 60's, but my parents told me that when I was a little girl I used to walk around the neighborhood dragging a length of clothesline walking my invisible dog. I don't remember this first hand, but I do believe it. I am programed to have dogs and that is lovely.

Indiana

I couldn't imagine not having dogs, they're amazing. I know a couple of people who say that when their dogs pass away, they won't get another one. I can't understand that! It's like saying, "so when my friend moves (or whatever), that's it, I'm not making more friends." Why not, I always wonder???? Anyway dogs are great; they each have their own personalities, they're fabulous running partners, they're loyal no matter how stingy you are with the ball or the treats, and they forgive you even the worst personality flaws, like not letting two 50 lb dogs in your bed. And sometimes when you're feeling sick and lying on the couch, they will try to cheer you up by putting their most precious possession, a ball, in your mouth. True story!

lily cd re

I grew up with a beagle and then had a stretch with no dog because of my work schedule and where I lived not allowing for a dog.

I spent most of the dog-less years wanting a black standard poodle because of a puppy that I only saw once in my life. He belonged to a college friend's family and since the friend's parents had been away the puppy had been at grandma's house. We stopped to pick the puppy up to bring him home when we came back to Long Island one weekend. The puppy sat in my lap the whole trip (about an hour) and I fell in love with him even though he threw up all over me just as we got to parent's driveway.

Once I bought my current house one of the first things I did was to start looking for a black standard poodle puppy. Lily has been one of the best things I could have brought into my life. She keeps me honest, patient and grounded. I get hours of entertainment out of watching her and Peeves play with each other.

__________________
Catherine
Lily AKC: CGC CD HIT CDX RN RA RE RAE NAJ; APDT: RL-1; CPE: CL1-R, CL1-H
Peeves AKC: CGC BN

hilshaven

Dogs are your best friend. They are good listeners, will walk with you when others won't, they don't complain about getting up early or going to bed late. What more could one ask for?


Sent from my iPad using PG Free