Best part about owning a dog is...

1. 68

   GiblinGirlposted 11 years ago

   For me it's when she curls up in my lap and nestles her head against my stomach.

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      W Vidalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You don't feel lonely.

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         GiblinGirlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Very true

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   twilanelsonposted 11 years ago

   I have to say that there are a few things that stand out in my memory about loving and owning dogs.
   
   First, I love outstanding show dogs and I love when they are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing in the ring and they know it.  I love when they are showing off their stuff and are enjoying the crowds and the applause.
   
   Secondly, one of my favorite times to own a dog is early in the morning at a dog show and hearing that first bark, then a second and eventually hearing hundreds of dogs barking throughout the day.  That first bark is an especially beautiful sound. 
   
   Finally, when at home I feel the best part of owning a dog is a wagging tail, cozy snuggles and puppy breath.
   
   Forgive me for not being able to just pick one.  Have an enjoyable day!

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   1. 68

      GiblinGirlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I've never been to a dog show but I would imagine that all those dogs barking together would sound pretty neat.
      
      Yes, it's definitely hard to pick just one thing that's great about dogs.

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      ptosisposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's would drive me insane - and it's just a short walk for me..  I cannot deal with going to the vet and hearing the mournful wails, howls and whimpers. I have no idea how those folks there can deal with that day in a day out.
      
      
      The best part of having my dog is my dog makes me a better person.
      
      
      
      

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   Mohammed Katzposted 11 years ago

   It gives you a sense of responsibility and also dogs are fun to be around. I have a 7 month old puppy  and she means the world to me.

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4. 89

   jponiatoposted 11 years ago

   Dog's don't hold grudges when you make mistakes.  They make great companions.

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5. 92

   Thelma Albertsposted 11 years ago

   Dogs are loyal and they bring the best out of you. Yow will be missed when you´re not around and they will look directly at your eyes whenever you talk to them.  Well, that´s what I have observed with my dogs. Besides Angus, I have a month old puppy, Niambh.

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   IzzyMposted 11 years ago

   Dogs, especially pampered pooches, can be nasty jealous little death machines around a new baby.
   
   http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article … ttack.html

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   Dame Scribeposted 11 years ago

   I have had dogs keep me safe they alerted me with growls and barking of course - danger was nearby and sure enough. Some black bear of one size or another usually popped out

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   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   Their unconditional love.  Dogs don't judge

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      GiblinGirlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very true.

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      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This was going to be my answer as well. They love you every moment, every day, no matter what.

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9. 68

   Rosie2010posted 11 years ago

   My dog makes me laugh.  He is a great walking partner, a really good listener (I talk and he listens, sometimes I answer for him and that makes me laugh out loud), and he never barks except when I go out without him... when I come home, no matter how long I was gone, he is so excited to see me that he just have to bark like scolding me "Mom, where da heck have you been?  I was soooo worried.  You were gone for-EVER.  I need to pee."
   
   

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10. 92

    habeeposted 11 years ago

    My big boys keep me warm at night, although there's not a lot of room for me in the bed.
    
    
    

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11. 84

    Maria Ceciliaposted 11 years ago

    gosh too many  I think I can even write a book about it.... aside from cuddling and playing, when they bark at me whenever I tell them something, it's like we're having a communication.. like a parent to a naughty child or a big sis to younger siblings.....  I love it whenever Peso called my attention after his meal  because he wants desserts LOL

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       GiblinGirlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Lol - how cute.

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12. 60

    Glassoposted 11 years ago

    Have someone who loves you unconditionally 24/7

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13. 62

    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    I might get one if I could teach him how to use a treadmill and a litter box so I wouldn't have to walk him.

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       Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Believe it or not you can train a small breed like a yorkie to use the litter box.  I've seen it done.

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          paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          .
          Personally, I think all chihuahuas should be shot and then dissected. Just saying...
          
          As for real dogs, I'm definitely pro. So much so, that I might actually develop the discipline to take care of one properly and get one.

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             Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             All chi's aren't bad.

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                paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I have yet to meet one that is not. Totally obnoxious little critters. They bring out the worst in me. Seriously. The little bastard's specialty seems to be hate...

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                   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   lmao.  Little barking footballs.

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                      paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      

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       Silva Hayesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Actually both those things are done.  I saw a doggie treadmill on TV not long ago.

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          Silva Hayesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Oops, I meant to put this under paradigmsearch's post of two days ago.

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             paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             All is well.

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                Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I wouldn't be without my dog- I love her to bits. She's a snoring hot water bottle at night, a loyal companion during the day and because of her I have to things which are good for me, like go for walks. And, believe it or not PDS, you start to actually enjoy the walks

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                   Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   And they're also very protective.

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                   paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   I'm sold. Now it is just a matter of finding the one that is right for me...

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14. 60

    Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

    You'll know when you meet him/her.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       If/When I work up the energy, I'll drop by the dog pound; not a pet shop.

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          Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Yeah!  I love to hear people adopting dogs from the pound.  I'm partial to older and infirmed dogs.  Mine are all old and are either blind, have 3 legs or I've rescued them from chains digging into their necks.  Pound dogs make the best friends!

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    BloodRedPenposted 11 years ago

    My dogs keep my family safe and loved. When I'm away on business and call home. My wife was in the habit of putting the phone on speaker so the dogs could hear me too. One time my wife fell and injured her knee and couldn't get up. She said to our big male saint bernard (I need daddy) He knew daddy wasn't home so he brought the phone to my wife so she could call me. I rushed home and took her for care.

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16. 60

    Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

    Yeah, mines from an animal rescue centre. In fact, my last few dogs have all been from rescue centres (I've always kept dogs) Have you thought about Border Collies?Super intelligent too.

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I did a search. You are dead bang right.

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          Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          did you know that black puppies are the first ones to be put down in a shelter?  It's because they are less likely to be adopted.  So sad.

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          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Mine's a Border Collie cross, at least that's what I was told, but now I believe that she's a short haired Border Collie. She is the smartest dog that I've ever owned and I've kept Bull Mastifs, Dobermans, Manchester Terrior, Labs and Boxers- plus a couple of Heinz 57's, in the intelligence stakes she can't be touched.

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             Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Boarder Collies are extremely intelligent but need to keep active and worked or they get bored and destructive.

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                Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                they do great in agility!

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                Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Absolutely Sarra, she needs her exercise and she likes to play a lot. She's 8 years old now so slowed down a bit, but sometimes she does seem to have the energy of a puppy. I've got a garden too so that helps- she loves playing football.

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17. 60

    Hollie Thomasposted 11 years ago

    
    
    This is Tilly, taken 5 minutes ago. You too can have a loving, adorable companion who never leaves your side.

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       Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I like her name.

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          Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks, She's a little belter and always right next to me, where ever I am. I've actually noticed that with rescue dogs though, they seem to need a lot of reassurance.

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             Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Sometimes they do.  I have 'One Eyed Jack' who is a Sky Terrier (terror).  He is over 10 and has one eye.  When I saw him he was on death row and looked like Bob Marley with all the dredlocks and mats all over his coat.  Bringing him home (I'm a sucker) and with a fresh haircut and bath he is just amazing.  He is always under my feet but doesn't mean to be.  He has turned into such  a good and loving dog.  It's heartbreaking when you see such a loving animal that has been treated so badly.  If I had the means I would only rescue older dogs.

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                Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                I'd have brought him home, too. Those big brown eyes get me every time. Whenever one of my dogs dies I get really upset, swear I'll never have another one. A month or two later I'm at the rescue centre and always leave with the most shabby looking little waif. One year I left with two, the Doberman and Bull Mastif, both bitches but the Bull treated the Doby like one of her pups, they were in seperable so I took them both. The Doby was ill though, I only had her for two years and had to have her euthanized she had cancer and was really suffering.
                
                The dog I have now can't wear a collar, she rolls over and pees when ever I've tried to put one on her. I dread to think about what has happened to her in the past. She's micro chipped though and doesn't go any where without me.
                
                I just don't get how people can be so cruel to animals, I just don't get it.

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                   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   I don't get it either, makes you wonder how they treat their children.  I'll have to download pics of my babies and write a hub about them.  Each one tells a story of blatent abuse.  My pom who is named Sissy had no hair except on her tail and has a 1" scar across her shoulders from a harness that was imbedded in her skin.  She also only has 3 legs as one is deformed.  After 3 months she grew back all of her hair, she sleeps on my pillow and I never hear a peep out of her unless I'm coming home from being away for a few hours.  The vet tells me that she's older than dirt and very geriatric, but that doesn't matter to me.  I'm giving her the best 'rest of her life' she will ever have.

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                      Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      I'd love to see pictures and hear about your dogs, Sarra. Sissy sounds lovely, but the poor thing, what sick SOB would do such a thing. She's lucky though, because now she has you. At least the rest of her life will be a good and peaceful one.

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                         Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                         Thank you Holli.  I love all 5 of my rescues.  I essence I can say we rescued each other.  They are just so spoiled and deserve every minute of it and I in turn get lots of love in return.  I think I'll do that tomorrow and write a hub about each one of them and their story.  One of my dogs is Daiziemae and I've had her for 14 years and she has travelled all over the country with me to include flying in a plane.  She is now totally blind and is loosing her teeth but don't let her know I said that because she would disagree.  lol

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                            Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                            I've often thought that the rescue thing is mutual. Dogs seem to come into your life when you need them just as much as they need you. I'm looking forward to reading about your dogs. Daiziemae sounds like a proud girl who's still into her looks! What's a few missing teeth and poor eyesight between friends.

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                               Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                               ha ha ha That's her alright!  She's a Southern Bell anyway and a Jack/Pom mix to boot.

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18. 91

    JayeWisdomposted 11 years ago

    My dog and I have a "mutual admiration society" of two going on.  She trusts me to take care of her, and I trust her to love me unconditionally and be there for me when I need a friend.  There is nothing like knowing a dog thinks you are the most important being in the world.  Nothing!

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    Icantstopmybrainposted 11 years ago

    You know that someone needs and and will wait you at home no matter what and  it trusts you with all its heart, gives you love and warmth, never leaves you. In my case, I grew up with a perfect one.My dad brought him to me when I was 8 years old and he died 2 years ago.He was my best friend, mom, dad, brother...everyone.I hope he keeps coming into my dreams during my life.I can never forget sense of security in his warmth.And I've learnt the language of eyes with him.We didn't need any other language.
    

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    ocbillposted 11 years ago

    I believe it doesn't judge you (unless you are initially afraid)

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21. 66

    peanutroasterposted 11 years ago

    The way they look in their top hats.

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    A Driveby Quipperposted 11 years ago

    They keep your feet warm.

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