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Original poster

To think I owe my dog so much

180 replies

Fernandfarrow · 18/05/2018 15:50

It's sunny and I've had a glass of wine, which may play some role (I'll leave it to others to decide how big or little...) in why I'm posting about my dog on Mumsnet on a Friday afternoon.

But seriously, I love my dog.

I owe him so much. We're childless and I spend a lot of time on my own as DH commutes to London for work and gets back very late (not an issue or a bone of contention, feel very fortunate that he works so hard in a job he enjoys) but I have a very flexible job where I can regularly work from home, so were it not for our dog I would be alone for most of the day.

Our dog is the best thing (other than marry) than we've done.

I love his innocent, non-judgmental little face, his gentle nature, how the tiniest event (breakfast, dinner, new ball, a butterfly, particularly interesting smell in the garden, a familiar doggy friend met on a walk) can inspire so much joy in him.

He's my reason to get up in the morning and my constant companion. I don't know what I'd do without him. Having him dependant on me to love him, walk him and look after him gives another dimension of purpose to my day.

Is anyone else grateful to have their dog/cat as their little buddy, whatever the circumstances might be?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
25
JaneJeffer · 20/05/2018 14:25

I love my dog too. He makes me laugh every single day.

itsalldyingout · 20/05/2018 18:38

I love mine, too.

He's knocking on a bit now and is slowing down a bit, but he still has his moments of madness.

The good thing about him slowing down is he'll now settle down for me to groom him - though that might have a lot to do with my throwing his proper dog brush and using my old Tangle Teezer. He picks it up and brings it to me when he fancies a bit of grooming time. He used to run if I went to his grooming box pre TT days.

Yep, I love my funny old woofer.

Eryri1981 · 20/05/2018 18:59

My dog got me through 8 months of nausea during my pregnancy, he was may reason to drag myself out of the house every day for a walk, and my constant company when I was stuck at home exhausted and drowsy from the anti sickness drugs.

He's also a total PITA, chases anything that moves away from him quickly...sheep, runners, bikes, horses (terrifying!!), chews all sorts of things, and barks way to much!!

But he is so much fun, loves to cuddle and is amazing with our 3 month old DD (he has started bringing her his toys, clearly can't wait to play with her Smile )

To think I owe my dog so much
To think I owe my dog so much
Cocolepew · 20/05/2018 19:40

What a lovely thread Smile
My girl is a lab/cocker cross and is the light of my life, she's so good natured and follows me everywhere.
Flowers for the posters who have lost children.

To think I owe my dog so much
Luisa27 · 20/05/2018 19:46

Oh @Fernandfarrow - what a lovely, lovely post 💕

I feel the same as you - you’re not alone!

Luisa27 · 20/05/2018 19:46

Flowers to those who’ve lost their little ones x

KathRad · 20/05/2018 20:34

Love this thread. Am sure if we'd had dogs first, we'd have never had children. Now have two and they have saved our family (and possibly marriage!)

To think I owe my dog so much
Severide08 · 20/05/2018 22:57

Should read we have a big house and live rurally Teach me to preview 😂 before I post .

Twoweekcruise · 21/05/2018 09:47

I love my dog with all my heart, he is my best mate and no human will ever love you like a dog does. I’m also a part time dog walker, I love all animals especially dogs they are such happy creatures. My Archie has helped me through depression and getting out and about with him each day keeps me grounded and fit. I’m applying for him to be a Pets as Therapy dog as he is so good natured.

To think I owe my dog so much
Dancergirl · 21/05/2018 10:17

Love this thread!

I'm not a dog-owner (yet!) but would love a dog. So would my animal-mad dd.

But I didn't grow up with dogs and it seems like a huge step. How did you find the transition to having a dog if you've not had them before?

Dancergirl · 21/05/2018 10:18

Also, how do you decide whether to go for a breed/mixed breed or a rescue?

RebeccaBunchLawyer · 21/05/2018 10:22

Dogs are the best. I carry around treats to give to random dogs out and about, and whilst I try my best to ignore humans and children, I will chat to most dogs I see!

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 21/05/2018 10:23

Dancergirl

You think about all those sad little faces in rescue, and how they will love you more and that too many people breed unscrupulously. That's how you decide. Pleas, please get a rescue dog.

ThisIsTheFirstStep · 21/05/2018 10:28

dancer the first few months is difficult, definitely, even if you've had one before. You are getting to know them and setting a new schedule and I felt like it took forever to figure out which food he would eat that was actually good for him. Plus, the training, informing yourself about what toys are good, what treats are good etc - just because something is available, doesn't mean it's a good idea to give to your dog (eg raw hide can cause blockages in their stomach, but the plastic alternatives are apparently also not good for them and then some people say the milk substitutes are also not good...sometimes it seems like NOTHING is good for them.) You have to find a good vet, figure out what you're going to do if you go on holiday, figure out what you're going to do if you need to go out for more than a few hours. Sometimes it feels like more work than having a kid, tbh. At least you can take your child with you to 99% of places.

But it's more than worth it. He gives us so much love and we wouldn't be without him.

For us, it was a no-brainer to get a dog from a rescue. You can see their adult temperament, so there are no surprises. Plus, I don't see what difference it really makes what kind of dog it is, unless you're going to be using it for some specific reason eg working/agility/showing. There are thousands of lovely dogs being put down every year because people think breed is important. If you get an adult dog and can see how they are around kids/other dogs etc, then as long as it fits into your home, in terms of personality/energy level etc, then personally I couldn't care less.

Our dog is a lovely unknown mix and he is just the calmest, sweetest dog ever, with such a unique personality. Everyone comments on how gorgeous he is and even our trainer tells us all the time what a little oddball he is (in a good way).

Of course, some people go for pedigrees and I get that, but if you do go that route, make sure you check them out very thoroughly - get someone who really knows what they're talking about go with you.

Dancergirl · 21/05/2018 10:29

what that TV ad from Dogs Trust - me and dd love that ad and it brings a tear to my eye every time - 'looking for that special someone'.

Are rescue dogs ok for novice dog-owners? Some people say they can often have behavioural difficulties.

Dancergirl · 21/05/2018 10:31

TBH I'm not fussed about the snob value of having a pedigree. But there are some breeds I really love the look of - Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Bichon Frise, shitzu .....

HazelBite · 21/05/2018 10:32

Dogs are wonderful, cats are wonderful too (but in very different ways!)

When my first marriage fell apart and I was living alone with feeling rejected, and with my self esteem at rock bottom my aunt presented me with a flea ridden tabby kitten that had been rescued from a slum.
He was my saviour and the love was completely mutual.
He ruled the whole neighbourhood and through him I got to know so many of my neighbours and local dog walkers as he actually liked dogs.
He was wonderful a comfort and a companion.

ThisIsTheFirstStep · 21/05/2018 10:36

Are rescue dogs ok for novice dog-owners? Some people say they can often have behavioural difficulties

It really depends on the dog, but I haven't found that to be the case.

At any rate, at least you can ask the rescue what their difficulties might be. You can't ask that when you buy a puppy because they don't know yet. Even dogs that come from two good parents and a reliable breeder could have behavioural problems.

If anything, I'd say getting from a rescue is BETTER for people who've never had a dog before.

Beyond being freaked out by stuff blowing around his head eg loose bits of paper, my dog has no problems and he was in the shelter for years.

Not all dogs are in the shelter because they have problems - most just got dumped by people who couldn't be arsed/owners died/owners got sick etc. Some may develop issues in the shelter, but in my experience, most of them lose those once they realise they are in a loving home and aren't going back to the shelter.

My dog paced and wouldn't leave me alone for the first week or so. Then over the first three months, he gradually realised that this was his home now. We've had him for almost two years now and he has so much more confidence. He has never so much as snapped at anyone or another dog and certainly never bitten.

Training is key, as is lots of understanding.

Dancergirl · 21/05/2018 10:39

That's really good to hear thank you this

I don't think we're quite ready yet but one day I'll have a dog. Love these stories about your wonderful dogs, the love between dog and human is just amazing Smile

ThisIsTheFirstStep · 21/05/2018 10:42

dancer definitely do your research and take your time thinking about it. Getting a dog is a huge step but it is so rewarding. The best part of my day is when I come in and he goes wild with excitement for about five minutes. He tears around the house, jumps on and off the sofa, grabs at random toys, bounces at me...no one is ever happier to see me than he is. The best part is when he kind of scrunches his eyes up and looks away while shaking his head - it's like he can't believe he's seeing me, even though I'm only gone for about four hours. It's just lovely.

aquamarine2 · 21/05/2018 12:12

We recently lost one of our boys. I can honestly say I went to the blackest place of earth when he was ill.

We still have his darling brother and a new boy but my baby will never be replaced.

Enjoy every minute with them. Its over too soon xxx

bunglecat77 · 21/05/2018 13:13

I bloody love dogs, and now I've had one I'm not sure I'll ever be without one for long.

On rescue dogs, I just wanted to say that there are lots of breed-specific rescue organisations out there – if you know you want a specific breed but would prefer to help a rescue dog than bring a new puppy into the world. We have a Labrador Retriever who we got from the Labrador Rescue Trust.

bunglecat77 · 21/05/2018 13:27

I bloody love dogs, and now that I've had one I'm not sure that I could ever be without one for long.

For anyone thinking of getting a pedigree dog, I just wanted to say that there are breed-specific rescue organisations. We have a Labrador Retriever from the Labrador Rescue Trust, and she's perfect for us.

We really wanted to get a rescue dog –I used to volunteer at a rescue home and we wanted to help a dog that needed a home. But we also really wanted a Labrador... Most people we talk to about our dog don't realise that there are breed-specific rescue groups so I try to tell as many people as possible Grin in the hope that it might help more dogs find a long-term home.

Our experience was brilliant – we gave the charity info on what we were looking for and they matched us with suitable dogs that they were caring for in rescue kennels or in foster homes. We got to meet her before we adopted her and the trust were very clear that they were happy to take her back again if it didn't work out.

There isn't one in every part of the UK for every breed but it's worth having a look. There's a page about breed rescues on the Kennel Club website and you can search for the breed you're interested in www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findarescue/Default.aspx

Meadowland · 21/05/2018 13:43

To those who can't have a dog or are not sure about having one, I definitely recommend being a volunteer dog walker at a rescue centre.
I've been doing it for years now and love the exercise and fresh air but overwhelmingly to see the joy the dogs get from being let out of their pen for an hour.
As someone else said, there is a misconception that rescue dogs are aggressive. Definitely not the case. They are often sad little mites whose owners have died, split up, moved to a flat etc and wonder what on earth they did wrong.

Luisa27 · 21/05/2018 14:02

“Twoweekcruise - Archie is lovely, such a precious little face 💕

Our old girl is a therapy dog - we visit our local care home twice a week - the residents all save their biscuits for her....she loves it 😂
It’s lovely actually become some of the oldies miss their dogs terribly