I often hear some people say they like dogs more than people. Why would that be? Is it because they can’t talk back? No. I assure you that dogs can talk back, but not in English. If you don’t think dogs can talk back, it’s because you aren’t listening. There are a host of reasons some people like dogs better than other people, and it starts with people.
People will say and do onery things that a dog would never think of doing. People will call you names, tell you that you’re wrong, say nasty things about you, and make fun of your deficiencies. A dog would never do any of these. People will steal, lie, cheat, jack cars, and sue you. You will never see a dog in court, nor will you ever see one jacking a car. They have no concept of lying or cheating. If they are not properly trained and fed, a dog might steal a steak left alone where they can reach, but you can be sure your wallet is safe in a dog’s protection.
Notice, in regards to the steak, I said, “properly trained and fed.” You can’t expect an untrained or hungry dog to pass up a steak. When there are problems with dogs, it usually has to do with the owners. For instance, I have a neighbor who has two dogs. They are about 35-40 pounds apiece and are a mix with some type of dog that apparently was a working dog with a lot of energy. The dogs are kept in a small, fenced yard behind the house. They bark all the time. Why? Well, they are not getting the attention or the exercise they need for their breed.
Mistreatment tends to be a problem with too many dog owners. The dog is an item they own. They have picked a dog that doesn’t fit their lifestyle, and they don’t have time to properly care for it. This is the wrong way to approach dog ownership. They are there for you and will be loyal and true, but they have needs that must be fulfilled. When a dog commits a crime such as barking too much, biting someone, or stealing your steak, it’s usually the fault of poor training and care.
If a dog is well taken care of, they will be your friend and a part of your family. They will be loyal, protective, and when you return from being away, they will happily greet you. They will warn you of danger or that someone is at your door, though you might have difficulty turning this doorbell off. A dog can sense when you are sad, and it is also said they can tell when you have something physical wrong with you before you know. In either case, you will receive comfort. Dogs give you unconditional love. All they ask for is to have that love acknowledged.
My dogs are incredible creatures. They know me, they know what time it is, and they help me with my writing. I get up early in the morning. The first item on the agenda is to sit in the middle of the couch with a dog on each side for morning love. After a few moments of this, I will make coffee and begin to write. Occasionally, one of them will come to me for a few pets. They also remind me when it’s time for breakfast and time for a walk. The walks give us much needed exercise. The dogs also get some bonuses in the form of extra pets and sometimes extra treats. People along the way will stop to pet them, as if they have a choice, for both are good solicitors. There are a couple of people who come out to give my pups a treat. It’s difficult to pass these places by when no one comes out. On the other hand, my upper body strength is kept up which is important at my age.
We have after dinner pets, before bed pets, and pets any time in between. There are also treats. Treat time cannot be skipped. Neither dog will allow it. Of course there are pets after treats. In addition, when they come in from doing their business outside, there are more pets to welcome them back in. I’m told they are spoiled, but I insist they are just family.
One of my dogs is a little Bichon Frise. The other is a big moose that is German Shepherd, Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Bird Dog, and Golden Retriever. The little dog is 12, and the big one is 10. Unfortunately, dogs don’t live long enough, and mine are getting up in age. It will be time to say goodbye to them before I am ready to. I treasure them more every day because I know their time is short.
The other day, a friend of mine, also a friend and benefactor of treats and pets for my pups, told me she loves dogs but would never get another one because they don’t live long enough. The heartbreak of losing one is too much for her. I agree with the part that they don’t live long and that there is a deep feeling of loss that must be dealt with when one dies. When my dogs are gone, I will grieve as will many other people in this town who have come to love them as well. But after I have grieved, another dog will find me, and I will take them into my heart knowing that their unconditional love and companionship is worth the pain of loss.