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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Please tell me the wonderful things about having a dog

118 replies

opalescent · 05/08/2021 11:19

I am a first time dog owner, collecting my beautiful working cocker female pup on Sunday.

I have thought and thought about this for a very long time. Read books, joined forums, chatted to everyone I know with dogs endlessly!

I feel like our family and situation is really well suited to a dog. We have bought everything we need, and vet appointments are booked. I'm in the process of arranging puppy training sessions.

Despite all this; I'm having a last minute wobble. It's such a life changing decision.

Can you remind me of all the wonderful parts of having a dog, so that I know in my core this is the right decision?!

Thank you 😊

OP posts:
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elQuintoConyo · 05/08/2021 11:22

Snuggles in bed.
Belly rubs.
Looks of adoration.
Zoomies.
Barking/running in their sleep.
Being derpy.
They love you no matter what.

elQuintoConyo · 05/08/2021 11:23

And you must post a photo of him/her when they arrive, it's the law Grin

Pippioddstocking · 05/08/2021 11:26

Yes they do turn your life upside down but it is worth all of that and more.
Thanks to my dog I am out walking and running in all weathers and am now fitter than ever.
Instead of expensive cinema and shopping trips it is now countryside walks. I think our dog has taught us to appreciate nature in a whole new way.
He’s 8 now and I haven’t regretted getting him once in that time.

Goodallsfolly · 05/08/2021 11:27

My dog suits my personality very well as he is not too needy and likes his own company, but despite this, whenever I am upset he comes and quietly sits beside me on the sofa and leans in to me so that I know he's there. He's 10 now with a bit of a grey muzzle and a heart valve issue ; I am cherishing every moment we have left with him.

Goodallsfolly · 05/08/2021 11:28

Our other dog has improved my dh's fitness levels and has enabled him to come off cholesterol tablets.

fruitpastille · 05/08/2021 11:29

I love my dog. She's great. The kids love her too. But I think you might be over thinking this in the nicest possible way! My life hasn't changed except that I have some company when I go for walks and a little warm companion on the sofa with me. She is always pleased to see me when I get home.

XelaM · 05/08/2021 11:30

Bed-time snuggles

1WayOrAnother2 · 05/08/2021 11:37

They add a loving heartbeat to the house. (After a while, you'll really notice that this is missing if you ever come home when they are out.)

You always know if someone is outside/at the door/ or even secretly inside your house (No more wondering if that scary shadow is really a creepy hiding person!)

They do completely turn your life upside down when they arrive (not always in a good way to begin with :) )- especially if they are puppies but this stage does not last forever.

They soon become a part of the family - a solid support - love on tap - class A comedy -comfort -a re-grounding on what is really important in life... and you can no longer clearly remember a time when they weren't with you.

Original poster
opalescent · 05/08/2021 11:47

@fruitpastille there is a very high chance that I am overthinking this, my husband would definitely agree 😂. Lovely to know it's really not that big a change 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
opalescent · 05/08/2021 11:47

Loving all of these posts!!

OP posts:
StrongArm · 05/08/2021 11:52

I found it a massive change. But my dc are adults so I haven't had a baby for a while! He loves us so much though and we love him an equal amount. I can't imagine a day without him giving me my morning cuddle and I'm loving training him (also a working cocker). I am also fitter than I've ever been and my cholesterol is also back to normal levels!

I won't lie though it's been hard work - particularly as he hit adolescence. That's the age most dogs are put into rescues. Looking back, the puppy bit was easy!

It's been the best thing that's happened to the family in a very long time. I just wonder why we didn't do it sooner!

magicstar1 · 05/08/2021 11:58

When I leave her…even if it’s only for 1 minute to get something from the car, she’s so happy to see me back.
When she’s been to the vets or groomer and comes out to see me waiting outside and she jumps to get to me.
Watching her sleep and do a little run as she dreams.

Viviennemary · 05/08/2021 12:02

Plenty of people enjoy having a dog. (I'd hate it but thats beside the point.) You've given it a lot of thought. So it should be fine. As long as you have the time to exercise it properly and all the family is on board.

Friendofdennis · 05/08/2021 12:11

They have their individual personality and you will enjoy getting to know them. They are loving, funny and loyal. They bring families closer

InTheNightWeWillWish · 05/08/2021 12:21

It doesn’t matter how bad of a day you’ve had, how late home you are, whether you have to work late, they just greet you at the door with a wagging tail and just want to be fussed by you.

They have little quirks that might you drive insane but is part of what makes them so unique.

Our dogs have allowed us to meet so many people (mostly dog people Grin) but it’s helped us grow a support network of friends in an area where we don’t have any family.

ButcherBaker · 05/08/2021 17:30

The joy on their little face when they’re running free across a field

The unconditional love they give

BiteyShark · 05/08/2021 19:02

Dog don't fake happiness and their happiness is infectious. They have their own personalities and when mine is being cheeky (has a habit of running off with my shoe for attention) it makes me smile.

LadyCatStark · 05/08/2021 19:06

[quote opalescent]@fruitpastille there is a very high chance that I am overthinking this, my husband would definitely agree 😂. Lovely to know it's really not that big a change 😊[/quote]
Erm I’m sorry to burst your bubble but it really is that big a change! In the words of Monica Geller, “It sucks, you’re gonna love it” 😂

copernicium · 05/08/2021 19:08

Try not to smile when your dog bounds up to you when you enter the room...

spinningspaniels · 05/08/2021 19:10

You will never feel unloved or lonely when you have a dog.

My two are permanently glued to my side.

LadyCatStark · 05/08/2021 19:10

Oh but you asked for wonderful things about dogs so; the way he stretched his toes when he comes out of his crate after a sleep, I wish I could stretch that good! He gets all concerned about us when we cough, sneeze or even yawn and has to come over and lick us better. He tries to it in my lap despite only one leg fitting anymore. Like children, he drives me mad all day, then I miss him when he goes to sleep 😂.

hiredandsqueak · 05/08/2021 19:13

I would have said the sheer joy on their faces as they run to you but last night Bella had a look of sheer joy on her face as she ran to me because she'd found fox poo and wanted me to share her joy. Twenty minutes in the shower, tomato sauce and then shampoo and I'm still certain I can smell her. The joy of dogs! She's now hogging the biggest sofa whilst I'm in a chair and dd is on the two seater.

Ilikechips · 05/08/2021 19:16

Currently leant on the bed struggling with sciatica and PGP. My lovely boy cocker is sat with his head resting on my head giving me the occasional snuffle to check im okay. This is after a day of him playing with my toddler in the garden. I’d be lost without him!

Disfordarkchocolate · 05/08/2021 19:17

Nobody will ever be as happy to see you as your dog is every single day.

SerenShine · 05/08/2021 19:23

The unconditional love.
The utter joy of them playing, dogs are really funny. Mine makes me laugh most days.
They're a gorgeous fluffy security alarm.
They're always good company and and supportive when you're down.
They make you get up off your bum and go for a walk.
They're just utterly joyous and to me a house doesn't feel like a home without one.

The occasionally getting up at 3 in the morning to let him out for a wee isn't fun, but it's a good chance for some stargazing.