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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

 

Dogs are a lot of responsibility. You cannot be lazy when you own a dog! What I love most is that my dogs get me to do things I wouldn't normally do, or be too lazy to do. I've picked up biking with them. It's been so much fun! I also enjoy our walks and the best part - meeting other dog lovers. There is a very social aspect to dog ownership, and I've made the best connections because of my dogs and doing dog related activities. I am also a groomer and I practice on my own dogs and use them as guinea pigs to test products or dye their hair. Of course, all the products I use are safe on animals. Because of my love of dogs, it inspired me to quit a an unfulfilling job, pursue grooming, compete in a dog grooming contest... and pursue opening my own business. Imagine how my life would be without a dog! I'd still be stuck in a lame job, miserable with my life. That is how I see it.

 

It is just nicer coming home with a dog around! I am lucky enough to be able to come home for lunch (I work 3 blocks away) so I get to have a little time in the middle of the day with my Gracie girl. My sons are grown so my house would be too quiet without her. Not to mention, she forces me to have a "routine".

Cindy

 

Recent studies on ancient dogs/people suggest that they evolved along side one another, and that dogs may have actually played a critical role in our survival (helping us hunt, protecting us, warning us etc). Chemically, when we pet a dog/hold a dog the same hormone that is released when a mother breastfeeds (the human to baby "bonding" hormone) is released in small amounts in both the dog and the human. So there is a chemical connection similar to that as to a mother and a child (so men, if you ever wondered what breastfeeding "feels" like emotionally-this may be sorta similar! ). Our brains react almost identically to the image of a human babies face, and that of a dogs face. Dogs in comparison to wolves, have more infantile features, which gives them that cute baby look many of us find irresistible. Dogs differ in wolves in that dogs have an innate ability to follow hand directions, and even follow our line of site for clues as to where we've hidden their toys, treats, or where we want them to go. Dogs also read human faces, and only human faces the exact same way we read other humans faces (when you first look at a human face it's interpreted by the brain from right to left (?)).

The long and short of it is: I can't explain why I have dogs, other than that it just feels right, and with all of these crazy chemical, social, and evolutionary connections that we only share with dogs my feeling may just be wired in my genes.

And again, no offence intended to anyone, evolution is an idea, and idea's can only hurt you if you let them. I am always wary bringing up science, as somewhere there is someone ready to fight tooth and nail over it, but my intention is not to stray from this topic-just to provide some interesting facts about the dog/human relationship.

 

Dogs in comparison to wolves, have more infantile features, which gives them that cute baby look many of us find irresistible. Dogs differ in wolves in that dogs have an innate ability to follow hand directions, and even follow our line of site for clues as to where we've hidden their toys, treats, or where we want them to go. Dogs also read human faces, and only human faces the exact same way we read other humans faces (when you first look at a human face it's interpreted by the brain from right to left (?)).

This is completely 100% true. Dogs are behaviorally similar to wolf puppies. We have developed a species that fulfills a range of needs - from hunting partner, protector, to infantile attachment items.

I find it interesting that untrained dogs are able to follow the cue of pointing to an item, while monkeys (don remember which kind) could not.

Dogs are incredibly perceptive to human scent and body language. Yelling out commands is totally unnecessary. Dogs respond to eye movement, breathing patterns and more.

My dog fulfills both the working and attachment roles. He identifies when I'm unwell, brings medication, water, and my phone to call for help. He identifies unusual activity/sounds and alerts me to them. He solicits play to lift my mood. And he's a comforting fluffball. I watch and action movie with my fiance a couple of days ago which is fairly epic. Of course I had my face buried in my dog's hair for most of it... :afraid: :lol:

Dogs are a uniquely human creation. The origin of specific dog breeds is fascinating. Some breeds were developed over generations, mongrels selected for various working abilities. Other breeds were intentionally developed - one breed was a rich kid's genetics project shortly after Gregor Mendel's work was published. Breed standards were written purposefully - even the ancient lap dog, Pekinese, had the original breed standard of bowed legs "so it would not be tempted to wander" (Ouch!!! :argh: )

Dogs are pretty darn awesome all around. If not for my dogs past and present, I don't know where I'd be. Honestly, most likely dead. There's something powerful about the responsibility of caring for another creature. As in "I need to stay alive until morning to feed my dog". Keeping a steady routine is powerful therapy - called Social Rythym Therapy - and helps wellbeing of both healthy people and those with mental illness. Not to mention that petting a dog reduces blood pressure - which is important for me since my health issues put me at higher risk for cardivascular disease.

 

fjm, your post made me cry. We are so lucky to have you on this forum.

I have only been without a dog for 3 years in my life. When I was having babies and building our house, living with my mother in law part of the time.

I agree with all the above statments, but I would add, that I would feel guilty to not give a dog a home as long as I am able to care for one. I live in a dog heaven, lots of land for them to roam free and I understand dogs, I could not be that selfish to just not have one . I feel that it is my reponsiblity to give dogs a place to live as long as I can. Dog is God spelled backward. I think they are the perfect being.

 

Yes, it was chimpanzees.

 

Roger Caras once said "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole". That sums it up perfectly for me.
This is one of my favorite quotes and my signature on my email and it sums it up for me too!

 

Why do I have a dog? Because long ago, when I was a child, the TV show "Lassie" showed me a dog can enhance the joys and ease the sorrows of life.

I have a dog because when the leaves start to fall and I think, "Ugh! time to rake," my mpoo gleefully chases one large leaf blowing in the wind, then plows through a whole pile.

I have a dog because when the sunshines, he basks in its warmth, and when the rains come he dances between the raindrops.

I have a dog because he rejoices at every moment of being alive and invites and reminds me to do the same.

I have a dog because it is impossible for me to think of revelling in this wonderful world without one.

One more thing, VancouverBC, stick with your plan to get a miniature poodle, you will be so glad you did!!

(ETA, I have the dog I do because I first fell in love with his father at a dog show, then I saw his sweet baby face...)

 

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!
I said this too when we lost our beloved Pomeranian, our "heart dog". I was heartbroken losing her and thought I could never have another dog (I suppose so I wouldn't have my heart broken again). But after almost 2 months, it was so lonely without a dog in the house, I started looking for the poodle I knew was out there for us. I still miss my Pom every single day and cry for her often. But Lily is a darling dog and fills our day with love and laughter.

 

Wow! Inspiring positive stories.

I look forward to joining you with "I have a dog because ..." As it is now, I have two granddoggies and when it's time to go home, I don't want them to leave. Everytime they spend a couple of days in a row with me, I threaten the parents that we may not be here when they get back cause we're getting on our disguises and heading to Cuba with the puppy allowance. They fill my day with joy, a diversion from work, and every day they spend with me is an enriching growth experience.

Chagall's mom ... thank-you. I am decided that a mpoo is the best fit for me.

 

"I know a couple of people who say that when their dogs pass away, they won't get another one."

I've said this several times. I said it when I just had Leroy. I couldn't imagine a more perfect dog than him. I even said "I think Leroy is the only dog I'll have in my life." Then I got Louis. I've said, "When they pass, that is it. I will not have another dog." But I have a feeling I will eat my words, and I will always have a dog in my life. I'm already sort of eating my words when I said "Two is my limit. I cannot handle more," and here I am, getting the itch for a THIRD dog. I just cannot help it! I guess I was born to have dogs in my life.

I am also a huge cat person. I LOVE my cats. When I think of them passing, I cry and cry. I just cannot imagine my life without them. However, as much as I love them, I believe cats sustain who you are, they go right along with your lifestyle, whatever it may be - but dogs makes you change who you are, and they always change you into a better person.

 

Dogs teach us to live in the moment!

 

Lou is like therapy to me... she enlightens my everyday! And taking care of her, making sure she has a great life makes me soooooooooo happy!!!!! She is like my child (I dont want to have children, at least not yet hehe)

[/url] Lou-wonderful puppy hug to start the day by Lou Standard Poodle, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

Lou's Mom......Lou is good practice for those future children! My niece said she didn't want kids and when she was 30, she and her husband got a Boxer.....she now has three boys!!!!Hahahaha!!!


p.s. Molly became my new child when my Grand-Kids didn't need a fulltime babysitter anymore! She's my source of fulltime enjoyment now!

 

Lou's Mom......Lou is good practice for those future children! My niece said she didn't want kids and when she was 30, she and her husband got a Boxer.....she now has three boys!!!!Hahahaha!!!
p.s. Molly became my new child when my Grand-Kids didn't need a fulltime babysitter anymore! She's my source of fulltime enjoyment now!

haha! I also bought a plant before Lou and it didnt die.. hahahahahah
So I guess the practice is going well! Thanks for your response!

 

I feel safe around dogs. Dogs act like dogs. Dogs think like dogs. If you are willing to spend time to understand them, you know what to expect from them and the relationship you build with them. I do not feel safe around humans. Some humans, on the other hand, do not think like humans. Some humans pretend they do think/act like humans but they don't.

Why do I have dogs in my life? Because I need them. Because I trust them. Because they do not take me for granted. I am grateful to have them in my life.

 

Hmmm why do I have dogs... Well, I could easily say Remington is better than any man I have had in my life lol... There is nothing like coming home to them... Remington is ready to cuddle up on the sofa at any time, he never leaves the seat up, and is always the perfect gentleman Two words.. Unconditional Love

 

There were two reasons we got a poodle.

1. The wife said we needed a guard dog. Her name is Killer Fang, but we just call her Fang for short, and she alerts me to strange noises, in the night or day.

2. My cardiologist said I have to walk for an hour each day and I am very creative in finding varieties of excuses why I need to put off my walk until tomorrow. Fang accepts no excuses and we walk every day no matter how hot or cold. The beer gut I have so much invested in is now growing much smaller.

:beerglass: