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The doghouse

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Original poster

the unexpected pleasures of having a dog....

24 replies

TheKitchenWitch · 08/01/2019 13:56

I love ddog to bits for all the usual reasons, but also because she has given me the opportunity to really get in touch with nature in a way I just wouldn't have bothered before. I get such pleasure from going out with her every day, whatever the weather, and seeing the changing seasons.

And I now know so the area so well, thanks to exploring with her. She's given me so much more than "just" being a pet iyswim.

Does anyone else feel like this?

OP posts:
CatnissEverdene · 08/01/2019 13:59

I live for my walking with my 2... though the puppy can't go too far at the moment. I've explored more of my village in the last 5 years with a spaniel than I have in the last 30!! My dogs give me such simple pleasure.... it's so good for the soul. I love coming down in the morning and they can't get close enough to you. It's a bond that everyone should know.

allfurcoatnoknickers · 08/01/2019 14:20

I live in a big city, so I don't get to engage with nature much, but I love taking the dogs and going on long walks through the back streets and exploring new parts of town. It's one of my greatest pleasures in life.

I'm pregnant right now and have been sick for weeks, and one of the only things that helps the nausea is walking - I'm so grateful to have my little Jack Russells to keep me company while I wander the streets trying not to throw up into hedges. Grin

Scoleah · 08/01/2019 14:25

Coming home & being greeted by the Dog!
The Kids excitement wears off after seconds, the Dog however, will greet me, jump up, lie on my lap, genuinely happy that I'm Back Grin

adaline · 08/01/2019 16:40

This morning I took mine to the beach - it was deserted and we had miles of sand to ourselves. He ran, recalled, ran again - we caught a gorgeous sunrise and it was an amazing start to the day! This picture will out me slightly but I love it so I'm going to share it anyway!

the unexpected pleasures of having a dog....
BiteyShark · 08/01/2019 16:46

adaline what a lovely picture.

When I go walking with BiteyDog I love the fact that I get to see lots of deers and stags hiding in the forest just watching us. And as Scoleah said the greeting you get is priceless. Dogs don't fake happiness and seeing BiteyDog exited and smiling makes me so happy.

drinkswineoutofamug · 08/01/2019 16:54

Coming home from work to hugs and slobbery kisses.
Then been followed about while I tell dog about my day, the way she sits with her ears pricked , head to one side listening to me.

missbattenburg · 08/01/2019 16:55

When Battendog and I have out half hour play session, just after dinner, I forget I am a grown up and find myself giggling in play, like I am a child again.

For 30 mins a day, all my adult worries go somewhere else and I laugh without care, just like I did when I was small.

Original poster
TheKitchenWitch · 08/01/2019 17:13

THese are all lovely.
Gorgous photo adaline :)

They are indeed good for the soul. They don't pretend anything, they express every feeling completely and utterly.

OP posts:
MrsIronfoundersson · 08/01/2019 18:06

Our dog is 14 now but on a walk at the weekend he suddenly went into mad mode, hurtling across a field and hurtling back again. It looked like he was having do much fun, he forgot he's old and usually a bit creaky!
That beach photo is gorgeous!

mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 08/01/2019 18:23

When I go walking with BiteyDog I love the fact that I get to see lots of deers and stags hiding in the forest just watching us.

SNAP! JoyfulDog and I go out every day looking for deer in the forest and often see them. It is her chief interest in life. Saw two separate groups of fallow deer this morning in the sunshine, hiding amongst the trees. The first group were still there for the second walk. Their camouflage is extremely good and I honestly don't think anyone else nearby has a clue they are there. JoyfulDog is learning to be quiet while watching them but sometimes she gets so excited that she squeaks like a mouse. The forest is such a pleasure, the colours are always different and I don't care what the weather is like. JoyfulDog has found rats, foxes, voles and a grass snake, some of which I wouldn't have noticed without her.

Bluffinwithmymuffin · 08/01/2019 18:27

Does anyone else feel like this?

Yes. I think having a dog teaches you something extra about life and love that you can’t put your finger on, but it’s very real.

VioletCharlotte · 08/01/2019 18:38

I agree, I absolutely love getting out into nature for a walk with my dog. I can honestly say that having him has changed our lives. He's nine now and we've had him since he was a puppy. My DC are older teens now and we all adore him, he brings us closer as a family.

FrenchyQ · 08/01/2019 18:48

My dog changed my life....I was agoraphobic (completely housebound) for 4 years, we had tried everything to make it better but to no avail, so my husband bought me Gaston and the rest is history, he is now 4 and life is completely different, i leave the house everyday (work full time, shopping, holidays) and i owe that all to him. We bought him a companion a couple of years ago (well rescued from Romania) and i couldn't be without either of them!

DogInATent · 08/01/2019 18:51

Yup, having a dog has brought me many, many pleasures

  • seeing more of my town as I investigate new variations to our walks, and seeing things change from one day to the next
  • appreciating the changes in the seasons, the weather, the light, the tide on the river
  • sharing the photos I take on our walks on social media has put me in contact with a much wider circle of people
  • meeting people that we greet or stop and chat to in the park or on the street. I never realised that there was an unofficial "staffy club" of current and former owners that just pick up conversations like old friends even when meeting as strangers for the first time.

Oh.. and losing a stone with the exercise regime has been a pleasure too!

DizzIzz · 08/01/2019 20:24

Similar here I guess, definitely appreciating the seasons more and the lovely woods and river close by that I wouldn’t otherwise frequent. The tranquility of mid afternoon walks and always feeling better for it when I get home.
Also, the dog walking community, seeing regular faces and stopping for a quick catch up, talking to couples who I’ve lived nearby to for over 20 years and have barely spoken to before we all had dogs.

fivedogstofeed · 08/01/2019 22:09

Oh gosh yes, absolutely agree. Getting outside everyday without fail makes me so much more aware of the seasons and the weather and it's mentally very stabilising.

I've met people from dog walking who I now count as good friends.

I love watching how my dogs move in big open spaces and how they interact with each other but aware that makes me a very sad dog geek

Original poster
TheKitchenWitch · 09/01/2019 05:46

FrenchyQ your story has actually brought a lump to my throat. That is so wonderful.

They absolute joy dogs experience when they’re happy is infectious isn’t it?

I’ve been through some tough times too, and my dogs have helped so much, especially getting out every day with them, away from it all and just having time to walk and not think about problems. It’s been very therapeutic.

OP posts:
Yokohamajojo · 09/01/2019 09:46

My kids have sports every sunday morning and it's a pain having to walk the dog before we leave or so I thought! I actually love being up early seeing our local park empty and beautiful. I have so many photos in different seasons. It's just lovely and serene. Also love the cuddles now the kids are too big for it, he has replaced them being my baby Smile

staceylou90 · 09/01/2019 16:36

My ddog was bought for me a in 2017 as my partner didn't live with me I wasn't going out and had server depression and anxiety since then I go out 3 times a day since having her and I wouldn't change it for the world even though she can be a pain getting her harness on and pulls from the excitement of going out.

heidiwine · 09/01/2019 16:51

I love having a dog. He has changed my life. We got him when I started working from home (shortly after I found out I couldn’t have kids).
The unexpected pleasures:

  • he makes me laugh
  • I love watching him run full pelt (and so do other people)
  • I was always interested in nature but didn’t ‘experience’ it as much
  • exploring the country - particularly the coast
  • when he comes to find me when I’m working just to put his paw on me and sit next close to me
  • how he brings us together as a family. My DP adores him and so do my DSDs
  • meeting all the other dog walkers and chatting to people on a daily basis

I honestly never thought it was possible to love an animal the way that I love my dog.

Original poster
TheKitchenWitch · 09/01/2019 18:51

Yes, the love is unlike anything else 🧡

OP posts:
irnbruforlife · 09/01/2019 19:14

Ddog never refuses any of my kisses or cuddles, no matter how many or for how long. In fact she usually ruffs for more when I stop. Dc, not so much that they are getting older 🤣

serialtester · 09/01/2019 21:33

I love the fact that where ever I am in the house Ddogs little face is looking at me!!

Girlintheframe · 10/01/2019 06:05

The pure love I feel for him 💗

We always had dogs but there is something about this little fellow that melts my heart. Maybe it’s because the kids have grown and I have much more time or maybe it’s just him. Either way he’s got me wrapped around his paw

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