Ok, it's no secret that I love my dogs. I don't love them as much as my husband or my children, but they are right up there as number 5, 6, & 7. I think for me they are my eternal "babies". As my children grow-up, they don't need as much help from me and yet I still have the desire to nurture and care for someone left in me. Not enough to have another baby though. LOL So my dogs fill that want. They need me and I like that. They are as different as my children are too.
Ringo is the dog who is convinced he is better than all other dogs in the world. As a matter of fact he could care less if there was another dog in the world. He doesn't play or interact with the other two and even when I take him to the kennel, he might briefly sniff another dog, but that's it. He loves to give kisses and loves to have you play tag and chase him. To him, you are all that matters.
Gabby is our love bug. She loves to cuddle and when she looks up at you it's like she really can understand what your saying. She is content to sit with you all day, but when she wants to play, she can be as wound up as a puppy. If you pet her, she will love you forever.
Molly is our shy girl. Given her history, that's no surprise. She is very tender-hearted and gets scared easily. She teaches us patience because we can't rush her. She has to learn to trust that we love her and we won't hurt her. The first time her tail wagged really fast about made me cry because that let us know she was feeling happy, and who knows if she had ever felt that way before. When she plays with her ball, it is pure pleasure for her.
There are many lists out there that tell you what you will learn from a dog. Here's what I have learned from mine:
* Be quick to forgive and do it over and over.
* Greet everyone you love with joy and excitement.
* Warn everyone if there is a stranger and/or danger approaching.
* Never leave the house without proper ID.
* Be content to just lay in the sunshine.
* Never pass up the opportunity to play.
* Be patient.
* Never give up.
* When you're scared, it's ok to go to someone else for comfort.
* No matter how many times you've been hurt by people, give new people a chance.* Keep trying until you get what you want.
* Trust your instincts. If you think someone is bad, they probably are.
* Show affection openly.
* Never turn down the chance for a nap.
* It's ok to be silly and make people laugh.
* When someone you love seems down, sit by them and let them know you're there for them.
Some of my favorite quotes about dogs are:
"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." Gilda Radner
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
If your dog doesn't like somebody, you probably shouldn't either.
"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog." Dwight D. Eisenhower
"No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." Louis Sabin
"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson
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