The joy of owning a dog

Dogs are fine if you live in a rural area and the dogs do not annoy anyone. We have yapping dogs all around us and they drive me mad. Behind us the people have the dog run just beside our fence and have a horrible little terrier who is left out for hours.

I feel so sorry for you having to put up with irresponsible owners but I also feel very sorry for the little terrier left outside for hours Floradora9. That's not fair on the poor thing.

I'm a terrier lover and find them such loving, fun creatures. Ours was a rescue and was scared of everything when she came to us - water, bearded men, walking sticks, the blender! Building her confidence and helping her grow to enjoy life has been one of the happiest and most rewarding things we've ever done.

Nobody on this thread has said 'in my opinion'. It's just dogs are wonderful, dogs are great. We all like different things. I wouldn't assume that everyone likes what I like. Why do dog lovers?

Kate1949

Nobody on this thread has said 'in my opinion'. It's just dogs are wonderful, dogs are great. We all like different things. I wouldn't assume that everyone likes what I like. Why do dog lovers?

But it’s a thread about how much we love dogs. With respect you don’t dislike dogs but positively hate them and can see no good in them whatsoever.

No I don't hate them. I can see good in them. Guide dogs, assistance dogs, sheep dogs, working dogs are wonderful.

All dogs work in a sense. Even pets ‘work’ to gain our love, to help us love them and keep us sane. For people who are lonely, the dog ‘works’ it’s magic for a stranger to stop and pass a few words. They ‘work’ as a calming influence for some children and as a listener to a child struggling to read. Big dog fan here.

Apologies for spoiling your joy of dogs thread. We can agree to disagree.

Joseanne

Just because they're loved here.

Josianne These are beautiful! Such soulful, sensitive faces. Made me smile just seeing them.

Thank you Sweetpeasue. All dogs are beautiful to their owners, but don't let the soft expression fool you! They all have their moments.
Dogs are hard work, but the effort is rewarded.

bluebird243

Rescues I've approached won't touch me because of my age. Fair enough. I tried to foster but had to reject the first dog they offered [real and valid reasons, and it would not have worked] and they've ignored me ever since.

@ Bluebird - I am got my fifth retired racing greyhound aged 3 1/2 last year at the age of 73.
I had thought her predecessor, Hattie would be my last dog as she was only 18 months when I got her 3 years earlier and I worried that she might outlive me, but sadly she was very ill 2 years ago and PTS in 2021. So I took the plunge again and Rosie came into my life. Get a dog they said, it’ll keep you fit, it’ll get you out for exercise. They don’t know greyhounds! Rosie would sleep 25 hours a day given the chance and while she does love her walks, they are on-lead walks at a very suitable pace for my advanced years -sedate- but I just bask the reflected glory when people I meet comment “I bet she keeps you fit”.

“Bask in “ ?

Saw this picture and thought of this thread ?

Maw Rosie is beautiful. A dog trainer I follow on Instagram was extolling the virtues of greyhounds as perfect companions for those with mobilty issues as they are so lazy, he called them the ‘fastest couch potatoes ever’. He also said they are noble, sensitive and gentle. Fine words for a fine breed.

Yipppeee a positive thread about dogs.
I’m about to take my challenging young lab out for a walk/training session. I might have to watch Marley and Me because people keep telling me he reminds them of the film. Not sure I can though because I know the ending.

I’m 73 and only lived from 18-25 without a dog of my own but, i still had our family dog living with my parents. I could write my life story in dogs I’ve shared it with ??

Nooo, don't watch Marley and Me whatever you do!
I took my DGD to see another dog film, might have been A Dog's Purpose, and I sobbed. ? Luckily she was too young to comprehend it all.

If you say don’t watch Marley and me……then definitely do NOT read The Art of Racing in the Rain. ( the film wasn’t so good)

There is a new law in France now where people buying or adopting a pet have to sign a certificate of commitment. They have to commit to the financial support of the animal and be responsible for its welfare. Don't know how it will work out in practice. 100,000 animals abandoned in France annually.

@ DillytheGsrdener - they also steal toast and marmalade off the table when a person goes to answer the door.
Anybody want a greyhound?

dogsmother

If you say don’t watch Marley and me……then definitely do NOT read The Art of Racing in the Rain. ( the film wasn’t so good)

It’s a wonderful book. I read it in the voice of my old rescue / he’d been skin and bones and terrified of men when he came to us. He’d been thrown out of a moving car, outside the dog shelter a couple of days before Christmas. They called him Noel which we changed as it was so sad
He was a mess but about three months in began to show us what a happy, confident clever dog he could be. He spoke and exchanged letters with the children when they were at University
The art of motor cycle riding in the rain ?????

maw the cheeky beggar ?

My two stole my dog sitter’s fillet steak, anyone want my two greedy so and so’s along with Maw’s Rosie?

Is Rosie an ex racer? Do you know much of her background? She has lovely colouring. I have such a soft spot for greyhounds, such a gentle breed.

Joseanne

Nooo, don't watch Marley and Me whatever you do!
I took my DGD to see another dog film, might have been A Dog's Purpose, and I sobbed. ? Luckily she was too young to comprehend it all.

A Dog's Purpose! Took the grandchildren and we were all in tears!

people.com/pets/camilla-duchess-cornwall-dogs-wear-her-pearl-necklaces-country-life-magazine-photo-shoot/

My JR, Peggy would have had a patience limit of about five seconds so the photographer would have had to be quick and her brother Gloster would have been charging around the garden with the pearls in his teeth!

Royal dogs obviously know how to behave!

That made me laugh Merlot. I’ve a soft spot for Jack Russells - huge personalities in small bodies. My parents had Lancashire Heelers, similar personalities to ha ha

That should’ve said JRs but the gremlin in my phone had a better idea

I’m 70 and the longest without a dog in my whole life was 4wks and that was purgatory. I volunteered at a local rescue for many years and during that time offered foster placements to many many dogs - not a bad dog amongst them. The oldies, dumped ones, ill ones we kept until the end of their natural life. Currently we still have 3 rescues. For those who wish to adopt an older dog please do make enquiries from animal rescue kennels. Your local dog warden may know of such dogs if their owners go in to residential care. Last week I contacted our warden as someone I knew had just said goodbye to their dog and wanted to offer another sole a home. Warden knew of two suitable dogs whose elderly owner could no longer look after them. Prob solved.