The joy of owning a dog

I agree with Witzend. I can't get along with people wh say they don't like animals. However, dogs do need much attention. So do cats, but they are more patient, can look after themselves for longer periods, make less mess on the whole, show love and affection with delicate nose kisses, not slobber, are almost universally beautiful. A cat will not mind TOO much if you go away for the weekend, if you leave food and water in its familiar surroundings

Kaspar, my Schnauzer is my furry minder, he vets all with two or four legs before allowing them near me. I wouldn't be without him, he is my best friend and knows all the secrets. He never judges yet is a good judge of character and will go to those with treats more readily than those without. He is a vocal boy but not aggressive. I have had dogs and horses all my life interspersed with the odd human.

I don't own a dog, but luckily get landed with a 'grand-dog' quite often. I love her to bits (she's an adorable cockapoo) and the grandchildren accuse me of loving her more than I do them - no comment obviously!! My grand-dog is the most adorable creature ever and sleeps on the bed with me (I didn't start it - my daughter did) and I love waking up in the morning to find that the dog is lying on her back with all four furry paws in the air............I stroke her tummy and we both have a lovely start to the day. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog.

RosieJ that is exactly the response I got from my husband when our (my) dog died 13 years ago. He has won the argument but the lack of a dog in my life is something I will never feel at peace with. Don’t let your husband get away with it! I’ve left it too long to argue now.

Abandoning a dog is disgraceful.

Years ago we took in a stray who approached me in the street and took a great interest in my baby in his prom. She was in a very scruffy state, very hungry, and very nervous of traffic.

We suspected that a family may have dumped her on the nearby busy road because they had had a baby and decided that they didn't want the dog any more. In spite of of our efforts we never found her owners.

She was the most caring and loving dog. We had never had one before, and my DH was very reluctant to keep her. He cried when we finally had to have her pts, as did we all.

Floradora9
Your post about your neighbour's yappy terrier reminded me of a Facebook post I saw recently.

"Good home wanted for small dog. Needs a lot of company and exercise. Likes to be outside, but tends to bark a lot.
If you would like to re-home him, let me know, and I will climb over the fence and get him for you!" ?

Our little dog is a joy.

I don’t like dogs at all. I tolerate DS’s springer Spaniels out of fdeference to him. I had a few childhood terrors with dogs - a Corgi bit me, a large dog terrified me by jumping up on me, and I was traumatised walking to school every day because there was a large black dog I had to pass on the way, which would bark frantcally at me. I am decidedly a cat lady I like their inependence and feel very privileged to be owned by a cat!

I love dogs more than some humans. They are so good for senior citizens. They love their owners unreservedly and bring so much joy. My sons 5 Jack Russells took away a lot of my grief after losing my husband and now I have two elderly dogs I adopted after my friend died. I have a lot to do with saving dogs from being euthanised in USA where they kill dogs in shelters for lack of space. We look for fosters and Rescues and adopters when possible. The cruelty shown to animals is unbelievable. I try to interest older people to take senior dogs because dogs bring happiness and improve general health. I am a complete bore about dogs and my FB page deals with dogs. Friends and family just accept that my life is mainly about dogs!

We were always a pet- free home. Kids. Jobs. Holidays. Grandkids. Just too many other commitments. And then the grandog arrived ?. He stays with us several times a week as his pawrents work and we adore him. Cant imagine what life was like before he arrived. He’s happy as long as he’s included in things whether it be walking on the beach, watching telly on the sofa, napping in the garden or playing at the park He’s quiet, easy- going and he’s made our lives complete.

I am a vat person but like dogs woukd never own one, too much responsibility and so many owners can't control or look after them.

Yukky flea alert.
just seen a message from the lady I got my dog from. She’s very against putting chemicals onto or into any of the dogs that she breeds but she’s just said there’s a big flea problem at the moment. I try to avoid using spot on treatment as much as possible but I’m going to use some today even though my dog is currently only being walked on roads.

My gentle little soul is a real sweetie, lovely manners, never jumps, doesn’t bark and is the most loving creature in the world. He’s cracking on a bit now and has become gloriously, but very subtly wilful, we absolutely roar with laughter at his antics every day. He often forgets that he’s 13 (ish) and bounces around like a puppy. He is very good at snoozing.

made me laugh GreenGran78

Much air-time given to one lady whose very happiness was threatened by not being able to find kennels for her much loved pooch so that she could fly away on holiday.

Not quite so much air-time given to those unable to feed their families this year - let alone consider what a holiday might look like.

Love our dogs! Especially once out of the puppy stage which is always a nightmare - how can they do so many wees and poos in one day? ?

I’m surprised to hear that some of you dislike non dog owners so much. I don’t have a dog but my closest friend does and we just agree to differ. I wouldn’t want the extra commitment required to own a dog, nor the extra housework or the winter walks. I like to go out spontaneously which wouldn’t fit in with a dog’s welfare. I have owned one in the past but he was never allowed on furniture or upstairs. Each to his/ her own but please don’t demonise those of us who prefer a pet free life. It doesn’t make us bad people. Just for the record I could never harm an animal or tolerate anyone else doing so.

I agree Smileless2012 they don’t live long enough. Our beautiful little Maltese boy passed over last night to rainbow ? bridge unexpectedly and I’m devastated and heartbroken. Our house seems so empty and hollow and I miss his cuddles. I’ve been dreading this day since we brought him home as DH said he will definitely be the last one we have (he thinks they are a tie) I take my dogs everywhere and he was never ever left alone. I actually don’t see the point of my life without my fur babies to love and care for. I appreciate people are out there who don’t like dogs but if they are well trained and happy and don’t have been taught not to bother others by barking etc to me the worlds a happier place. He gave me a reason to get up in the morning and go for a walk. To all you Grans out there with dogs please give them an extra kiss and cuddle tonight as they leave us far too soon.

Oh Bluedaisy I'm so very sorry . I'm without a cat for the first time since I can remember having lost my wonderful boy, far to soon in March.

I told Mr. S. he'd be my last but am really struggling as I miss him. Goodness knows what it would be like to be without our precious fur babies.

Just thinking about losing them makes me cry. I'll be sure to give ours extra kisses and cuddles tonight and again, I'm so sorry x.

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You should start training your puppies as soon as you get them. Most people say "aw he's only a puppy, there'll be plenty of time for training later". Same s those who own male dogs and refuse to get them neutered because it will 'change' them. I would suggest looking at YouTube for Martin McKenna, Dreadlock Dog man. Some of his earlier vids are best. The one I like was where he had a dog who jumps up and he stops that simply by standing, lifting your chin and closing your eyes while folding you arms (I think). Worked instantly.

Bluedaisy

Peggy is twelve. I dread her going because we’ve been through a lot together and her loyalty and affection has made for a special bond.

She will be my last dog though..

Bluedaisy

Blue daisy. No words really. x

Blue daisy, sincere condolences. It’s a family bereavement so please be tender with yourself xx

My 7th and 8th rescues from Spain where they are treated so very cruelly, and yet they’re love for people remains undiminished. There is a reason why dog is god , just spelled differently.