The joy of owning a dog

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.

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)

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.

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 ??

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.

Saw this picture and thought of this thread ?

“Bask in “ ?

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”.

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.

Joseanne

Just because they're loved here.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

Thanks guys for all your positive comments. I knew I could count on you all to back me up after that awful comment on Monday's thread. Witzend can't believe how cruel some dog owners can be! Remember the Lobo song "Love me, love my dog"? Sums it all up really

I'd go for it bluebird especially as you have someone on hand who's prepared to help out if needed.

As Curlywhirly has posted, they're not puppies for long, toilet training's the hardest part and that's already underway.

I hope you decide to go ahead and if you do, let us know how you're getting on.

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.

Rescues seem to rule out so many people. Those who work, children under whatever age it is 8 (?), people too old. Garden not big enough.. My cousin used to get rescue dogs from one trust but they seemed to give her dogs that seemed to be years older than the age they were supposed to be! While I do understand that they have to be careful they do seem to take it to extremes.

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.

I waited a long time for my dog as DH and I were working full time. We were able to get him last summer and he really is a delight although I think our 12 year old puss may think otherwise. However the cat is in charge and even tho the dog is desperate to play he knows when to leave well alone. Having a dog means you meet loads of people - I tend to remember the dog rather than the people tho!!
Our boy is a delight, excitable and still in training not to jump up, but he’s getting there. Thank you Grannyrebel7 for starting such a positive thread ??

Thank you for your feedback. I've rehomed older dogs before [9months, 4 years], last one was 3 months old.
I've looked for older dogs recently and been to see some: either the dog had behavioural problems, there were suspicious reasons [think it was stolen], or unfriendly or the owner was very dismissive due to my age.

Can't seem to find a genuine situation. I'm not a dog behaviourist or a trainer, no experience with problem dogs I'm afraid. So that's why this pup is appealing.
When I viewed her she jumped up [naturally] and when I gently asked her not to she stopped, then lay on my feet and later rolled over to let me rub her tummy. I'm a bit smitten!

The mum was barking [although no barking from mum or dad when I arrived]...so I looked round and it was because she was jumping with the 2 boys on the trampoline, very funny.

My name speaks for my views I am sure. I’m on two currently an old girl of 14 who no doubt will be breaking my heart within the next year or so. Also a Toy Poodle who is everyone’s best friend. I won’t have another puppy, a rescue probably next time.

Oh bluebird243 go for it! You like walking and are home most of the time - also you have a friend willing to help out with dog sitting if you don't feel well or need a break - perfect. I know a puppy is hard work, but they aren't puppies for long, and as it is nearly house trained, the worst bit is already done.