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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Why do you have a dog?

50 replies

TheKitchenWitch · 27/04/2014 18:53

Just that, really :)

I'll go first: we have two bitches, an 8yo parson russell terrier (from breeder) and a 17month old border terrier cross (from rescue), and the reason we have them is that I cannot imagine living without an animal.
I love the relationship between us. I feel privileged to be allowed to share their lives. They are affectionate, funny, cute and stubborn. They enrich our lives in so many ways - I love that we are outside so much more because of them, that we are so much more aware of nature and the changing seasons, that we don't mind going out in the rain (because of course we have the right gear!).
I love that ds is growing up with them, and I think it makes him much more aware of animals in general, and (I hope) kinder towards all of them because of it.

Um, I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones that spring to mind!

So come and tell me what dog(s) you have and why you have them :)

OP posts:

joanofarchitrave · 28/04/2014 00:43

Oh we have a jack russell cross.

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 28/04/2014 00:51

I love my dog, he's a lab who's a great pretend-guard dog. He barks if anyone gets within 100m of the front or back door. He's soft as putty, but he has a vicious bark, so I pretend otherwise to delivery men etc

He's a lovely rescue lab, and he collapsed earlier this year due to congestive heart failure, but the vets have him on a drug program now, that have got him back to his old playful-puppy self Long may it continue - he's a gorgeous dog, one of the family.

AlfAlf · 28/04/2014 00:59

Because my entire family and I totally love dogs. We just wouldn't be complete without her.
Also I think it's so beneficial for children to grow up with a lovely fur-sibling, great for self-esteem/stress/anxiety issues. And I reckon we definitely all get more exercise because of her.

pigsDOfly · 28/04/2014 01:07

EvenBetter sums it up perfectly.

I got my dog when I retired and moved to live near the sea. She's funny, smart, full of joy and loves everyone she meets. She makes me laugh all the time and I swear she has a highly developed sense of humour.

She's also extremely beautiful and has a smile to die for; and don't anybody tell me dogs don't smile.:)

VeryStressedMum · 28/04/2014 01:23

I have no idea why I have a dog, I've had my yellow lab for 10 years now and she creates chaos most of the time and mostly does my head in but I love her so much and the thought of her passing makes me cry, I know we don't have that many more years with her. She loves us all so much too. I can't imagine life without a dog but I wouldn't want another dog as it wouldn't be her.

insanityscatching · 28/04/2014 13:44

We got Eric as a companion to youngest dd really. Her siblings are adults and will be flying the nest soon and I didn't want her to be lonely. She has wanted a dog for years and years and now that she's 11 it felt right.
I wasn't ever a dog person if I'm honest and even now big barking dogs make me anxious but I love Eric, he's the cutest most clever dog in the world I'm sure.
He fits brilliantly into our family, he's mischievous and full of fun but then can be calm and quiet when the mood takes him. He loves attention and having a houseful means he's never short of someone to fuss or play with.
I can't imagine how we managed without him now tbh.

insanityscatching · 28/04/2014 14:03

Stampy in theory Eric is a bearded lapdog, in practice he is never happier than when he is traipsing through mud and water. Of course he then shares the mud and water (which because of the short legs and much hair is considerable) with whoever happens to be available to sit on.

everlong · 28/04/2014 14:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MothershipG · 28/04/2014 14:52

My Dad doesn't 'get' dogs, or in fact any pet, so I had a deprived childhood not allowed so much as a goldfish.

I had to wait until I was 40 and made redundant, decided to stay at home for a bit 'for the kids' so I was able to get my first dog. Now I have 3, when my Dad complains I tell him it's his fault, I'm having to make up for lost time!

I mostly like them for the affection, if I'm sitting down and don't have a dog on my lap it doesn't feel right!

Greydog · 28/04/2014 14:57

I have a rescue greyhound - I love her, and only wish I got two at the same time. I got her before I finished work, so she was left along on some days, but other days I took her into the office with me, which was lovely. People will often stop and talk to a hound going to work. The only downside I can see to being a dog owner is the number of brain dead dog owners who don't look after their animals

HowAboutNo · 28/04/2014 14:58

Getting our little bugger was an impulse after spending 3 years missing our last gorgeous boy.

He is, so far, really bloody lovely and although maybe our lives would be easier if we didn't have him, I feel like we've done something really good by rescuing him and giving him a loving home and happiness. I think that's why - it feels really good to see him bounding around on our long walks, so happy

MarcusAurelius · 28/04/2014 15:04

I don't really know but i desperately wanted him against my husbands wishes and we all love him to pieces. Including the reluctant husband.

Original poster

TheKitchenWitch · 28/04/2014 18:50

Oh my goodness, these are the best responses ever, I'm actually welling up a bit while reading some of them. It's lovely to think that there are so many loved dogs.

OP posts:

TooOldForGlitter · 28/04/2014 21:18

I think the way you grow to love them is special. We had problems at first and many people told me I was stupid and irresponsible to keep him. I'm so glad I listened to my heart AND to the posters on here. We have had Bob for just over six months now and I feel like every day I fall in love with him a bit more. I cannot imagine life without him. Soppy

CandiceMariePratt · 28/04/2014 21:23

We are picking up our new puppy next week and after reading all these replies I'm even more excited

sharond101 · 28/04/2014 21:33

Because,

The welcome they give you when you come home is that which no human could come close to achieving.
They love you unconditionally.
They provide never ending fun for adults and children.
Because I want my Son to grow up with a dog.
I love to walk and not alone.
The house is too quiet without one.
They give free hugs.

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 28/04/2014 22:18

My dog's sheer unadulterated happiness at seeing me again, after popping to the shops, or doing the school run, is something to behold. If we go on holiday, he stays at my mum's - and oh, the hysteria on his return

There really is nothing like a dog for that.

punter · 28/04/2014 23:46

We had a rescue dog for 12 years, he was pts. Loved by my husband especially as he walked him when I was working. In the days after we could not bear a dog less house. We now have a yellow lab that we both love, he kept me so warm in the winter on the sofa! He is my 4th child I think and a good friend to both of us now. My DH will never forget his rescue dog though.

Ludways · 28/04/2014 23:51

I miss my dog so much, I'd love another but I work and just don't see it being fair on one. I'd have a Scottie, I love them and have had two on my life. If I win the lottery it'd be the first thing I'd buy.

Not exactly what you asked, but hey ho, lol

dottygamekeeper · 29/04/2014 13:18

I grew up with dogs, then when I was first working and living in a town/city it didn't seem fair but when we moved to the countryside the previous owners of our house asked if we would take on their GSD (huge & hairy but they were emigrating to Brazil). I was a bit wary as the DCs were 3 & 5 at the time, but after a trial period we established he was great with them, and we had him for 3 years til he had to be put to sleep due to progressively worse back/leg issues. Since then we've always had dogs as the house seems so empty without one, I work at home now and our current Springer is such great company, and a great stress reliever for the now teenage DCs - she is always up for a cuddle or a walk. She really is like a 3rd child (but much better behaved and never grumpy!)

The small company that I work for is v dog friendly - our main office allows everyone to bring their dog to work, so there are 6 dogs there!

EvenBetter · 29/04/2014 14:37

I love the way they embarrass me, too. Like waiting for an audience then deciding to do a nice big shit. And jumping her little puppy arms up onto strange men always right in the balls. Being so happy to see the postman that she pisses herself all over his shoes.

Dogs have comedic timing like no one else. I remember our old girl storming into the room to see me plucking my eyebrows, sighed loudly and flounced away. Loudly farting. Burping in your face. Sneakily drinking a whole pint of Guinness stupidly left on the floor without even knocking the glass over.
They really live their lives in a way no human could, love every second, no one will ever love you as much as your dog will. No one but them will ever spin in circles singing with joy at the sight of you coming through a door. They'll listen to your woes and let you cry into their necks. Even the making of a slice of toast will be treated like its a fascinating culinary experience.
Home is a waggy tail.

Original poster

TheKitchenWitch · 29/04/2014 15:48

Oh this is so lovely to read, and I'm sitting here nodding YES! YES! to most of the comments because there's so much any dog owner would recognise.

EvenBetter that has reminded me of the time I was out with the ddogs and this beautiful young couple stopped to admire them. We stood there chatting for a bit, they (the couple) were really stunning, looked like they'd stepped out of a magazine, while I was in my usual wellies and rain hat, but not really at all bothered as I was lapping up the compliments on how cute my dogs were.... until not one but BOTH decide to do gigantic poos right in front of the couple. Sort of ruined the moment a bit.
:o

OP posts:

plumnc · 29/04/2014 16:07

Simply put:

For love and laughter.

That says it all really. I love my little boy, as do we all. He makes us all laugh, he looks after us ( or tries - i honestly don't think we'd be in too much trouble if he gave up barking at squirrels one day) we look after him. He spoils us with affection and is a cuddly friend when you need him most. Especially when dcs have a bad day w friends, homework or whatever, their furry pal is ready for a cuddle. He makes a great hot water bottle in bed, hoovers the kitchen floor and gets you talking to people because other dog owners like a bit of mutual dog admiration in the park too.

punter · 29/04/2014 20:56

Met another dog walker yesterday who said she loved the way dogs live in the Moment, they are just so grateful to have a walk and a good meal inside them, and each day is a new day - could not agree more.

patienceisvirtuous · 29/04/2014 21:17

I've sent this thread link to DP who I am currently trying to persuade to let me get a dog :)

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