I have a huge yellow lab. Or rather I have a dog that looks like a huge lab. In actuality he is a cross between a golden retriever and a white shepherd. He’s big and he’s a baby. He can’t understand why he doesn’t fit on my lap. This is his picture:
Or go here for more dog photos.
I was away this weekend. I went to the cape with my friend leaving all children and dogs at home. I probably could have taken a dog or two, if I’d thought about it, but the kids would have put a serious damper on the whole self-indulgent thing I had going on. When I came home my children were mildly interested in where I’d been, but my dogs, especially Moose, acted like I’d been gone forever. He literally wouldn’t eat his dinner because he didn’t want me out of his sight.
I swear this dog would merge with me if it was possible. He’s sweet and pleasing but not too bright. Surprisingly, he’s easy to train. Not because he’s smart but because he wants to please me. There are dogs who are indifferent to being in trouble, but not this dog. I feel bad for him, really. He is dependent on approval in a way neither of my other dogs seems to be. They love me, but they don’t put themselves in time out when they think they’ve done wrong. In fact, Zoe is so indifferent to my wrath that she ignores me until I pick her up and take her away from whatever she’s gotten into.
Dogs are funny creatures. They’ve developed complex relationships with us and with each other. The thing I find comforting about dogs is the total devotion they give. They don’t criticize, belittle or berate. The do occaisionally whine, they might chew up your favorite pair of socks but they won’t tell you you’re stupic or lazy. And they’re never stingy with affection
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- Lucas
Julie- You are amazing! I can’t believe you are the only one of us who picked up on that last bit.
Kate- Now that Julie has said that I do hope that things will improve for you *big hugs*.
Buster (the boxer) has not as yet tried to get into the shower with me but, like Moose, he does think he’s a lot smaller than he is and will take any opportunity to heave his way onto your lap.
Moose is a doll. He makes me crazy when I’m trying to write, though. It’s awfully hard to write with 90 lbs of fur trying to crawl in your lap!
Julie, I know what you mean, but don’t feel too badly. I try to focus on the positive most of the time. And I have a great sense of humor to carry me. Things will improve, I firmly believe that.
Kris – Has your boxer ever tried to get in the shower with you??
I like dogs and we’ve always had them at home, but I’m not sure that I ‘m a dog person. Moose, however, would turn me into one permanently.
Oh Kate, I am totally a dog person too, and we just got home from an adventure with all three kids and three of the dogs. But what stabbed me in the heart more than how lovely Moose is, was the ending of this post. I am so glad you have kids and dogs, because I can see so clearly what you do not have. And that just makes me cry.
Julie
What a gorgeous pooch, he sounds like an absolute sweety-pie.
I have a Boxer who is quite similar, he follows me everywhere and will even guard the bathroom door whenever I have a shower.
One thing I forgot to say is that Moose puts himself in timeout when he’s bad. He goes in his crate and closes the door. Funny boy.
Yay for dogs!
I love that they forgive you even if you get mad at them or forget to feed them for an hour– It’s all good, as long as I get some kibbles and pettings.