My dog & I ..are “in a relationship”!!

I love that description when I see it on facebook – I mean aren’t we all? Certainly the relationship that I have with my dog/s is, although very different from the one with my kids pretty significant. They ride with me, work with me, play with me and relax with me – that’s a lot of “together” time!!

We choose these “friends” to share our lives with and they bring diversity, amusement and loyalty with them. I have been thinking, recently about what qualities we look for in a canine companion. Do we want a lively pal, an undemanding partner or an addition to our public persona? Are we looking for a staunch supporter, a running buddy or a playmate for our kids? In my line of work, I am often called in after the initial decision has been made and is now being called into question.

Surprisingly – LOL – a lot of us “fall in love” with an idea or an image of what our dog-friend is presenting……”He was SO adorable!!” Big, little, young old, we are most of us, instantly gone with the first impression. And that’s where the trouble starts
Big and fluffy does NOT necessarily mean soft and cuddly, in fact it can mean, loud, dirty, overly energetic, rude and even aggressive……WHAT??? How can you say that? With those huge brown eyes… Oh, well, maybe we could find a “nice farm” for him (I hear all the farmers I know saying “NO thanks”)

We simply do not take the time to really think about what we want or the patience to wait until the “right one” comes along – no matter what his appearance is! The other mistake we make is believing what his byline is on “dog-match dot com” “Needs a quiet home with one person” (is overly territorial and will bite anyone else who tries to sit on the couch!!)

A relationship with a dog may last 15 YEARS, Yes, that is a long time and if it is a good match, like a good marriage, it can be rewarding, fulfilling, joyful and can even make our lives easier. So, take the time to think about your REAL needs and whether this dog-soul is capable of fitting into your life EVERY DAY because he will be there…..and you will need to be there for him too. Even when he is muddy, dirty, needy and inconvenient on those sub-zero days!! That’s a relationship.

Don’t forget –we love your questions and feedback. Please send to:
janinelazarus@gmail.com.

– Janine Lazarus, LBSPY #52 (April 7-May 5, 2014).