Pollywaffle

Poor Cindy, poor you.

I didn't for one minute think of the suffering some of you have undergone..all in the name of devotion to your animals. Some of the accidents have been awful - but as most of you say, it's somehow worth it because you all love your dogs so much..you should all be proud of being that caring and compassionate that you can accept that what has occurred is not your dog/s fault...I feel quite privileged to 'sit' amongst you.

Blimey..these stories are taking devotion a little far..I'll shut up about my mere stumble! Sorry to chuckle...

I nearly fell over my little girl, playing with her this morning. It got me wondering what sort of 'accidents' have DOLers experienced in the name of dog devotion? Hopefully nothing too serious....!

I feel sure that somebody is having a 'lend of us' here...honestly, the postings have been so ridiculous as to be suspicious...

every part of my anatomy is crossed for this little one..what a world!!

I've wiped people because of their attitude to dogs and animals. My opinion is if they don't like I can't like them - or probably more the case, understand them. The biggest battle is living in a country where dogs are really not favoured other than as cute puppies, for a brief period.

I'm pretty much the same busterlove, yeah I know dogs don't know its christmas or when its their birthday, but its wonderful to see the delight on their faces when they get a new toy, (I don't think it affects them negatively at all ) I will put my hand up & say that I'm one of those owners that calls my dogs my kids,the dogs know my OH as dad & they know me as mummy (yep flame away if you want) my dogs are my life, I love them with all my heart, but I do realise they are dogs & not human & can respect that. I always make sure My dogs basic needs are still met, they are all well trained, get lots of excercise & stimulation, they sleep in their own beds in our bed room are fed nutritious food, & get the right veterinary treatment when needed. I won't go as far as dressing them up in clothes though, I love the look of their natural coat too much... I'm not ashamed of loving my dogs & seeing them as more than "Just a Dog" (a term I personally hate as there is so much more to them than that).... my dogs all seem well balanced & very happy, & at the end of the day thats all that's important to me. ETA: I just thought I would add that I'm beginning to put together a birthday parcel for each puppy from my first litter (their bithday is coming up in April ) Of course I realise my babies don't know its their birthday, but I love each & every one of them...& it makes me happy that they are going to get something new aswell as putting a smile to my puppy owners face. I'm afraid I'm also guilty as charged. I don't have human offspring (couldn't) but in hindsight I don't think I could love my 'furkids' any more than I do. I think you give/take from a relationship what you need/want..who should stipulate otherwise?

my absolute heartfelt condolences..

As with most things in life it's not always the quantity but the quality that counts..I believe that adage applies to our two. Irrespective of when they go (7 years and 4 years currently) I will know that they've had the best life myself and OH could give them..that makes me very happy. Happiest of birthdays to Maxie.

it's shown me that what I feel for my dogs is not 'weird' - well not to other DOLers anyway. It's also moved me when I've heard of cruelness and cheered me up when that unwanted dog has found a home..yep, really given me a sense of belonging where my animals are concerned. I feel like I'm part of a wonderful secret..shared only by other DOlers. Thanks

I think many of those who keep their dogs outside are neither aware of those arguments nor of the responsiblity they have to ensure that their dog's needs are met. I've said either can be done well but the onus on spending time with an outside only dog is higher.. and frequently not acknowledged. I think many dog owners don't even consider the issue. Dogs are outside because "that's where dogs belong". Asking them to explain why reveals those cultural perceptions I posted out earlier. Point out that physically isolating a social, pack animal is not natural for the dog and they look at you like you're crazy. I've got two of these kinds of owners as close neighbours. And I get to listen to their dogs.. a lot. Couldn't agree more. My point about being judgemental is more based on the OPs mention that her neighbour " seems good in every other way" This is according to OP measured against her standards. My comment was made more as an observation than a judgement..sorry if it sounded the latter... Don't be sorry, all good. I was not having a go at you at all. Also just making an observation how often we tend to think that others are not up to scratch if they do not do or believe in the same as us. You are not alone with this. We all do it from time to time. :D True..guess this whole posting has shown me that there are very definite arguments for and against inside/outside...and it's not necessarily 'cruel' for dogs to be kept outside if they are treated right. I guess it all comes down to how the dog is treated generally. I feel better about my neighbour's approach because of all your thoughtful/considered responses...thank you for enlightening me!

I think many of those who keep their dogs outside are neither aware of those arguments nor of the responsiblity they have to ensure that their dog's needs are met. I've said either can be done well but the onus on spending time with an outside only dog is higher.. and frequently not acknowledged. I think many dog owners don't even consider the issue. Dogs are outside because "that's where dogs belong". Asking them to explain why reveals those cultural perceptions I posted out earlier. Point out that physically isolating a social, pack animal is not natural for the dog and they look at you like you're crazy. I've got two of these kinds of owners as close neighbours. And I get to listen to their dogs.. a lot. Couldn't agree more. My point about being judgemental is more based on the OPs mention that her neighbour " seems good in every other way" This is according to OP measured against her standards. My comment was made more as an observation than a judgement..sorry if it sounded the latter...

thanks Poodlefan...really interesting viewpoint which makes sense...as you say..if the dog is given the appropriate attention as I'm sure is the case for a lot of outside dogs, then fine..but it's the ones (who probably aren't DOLers) - who buy the dog and then locate it outside in the back yard, where it literally rots away (well you get the idea)...begs the question....why buy/have the bl..dy thing in the first place?

thanks everyone for your enlightening answers. I know we probably push the boat out a bit too far...we went to bed last night at a certain time 'because the dogs were tired'....'nough said... Cheers

I’m originally from the UK and for obvious reasons (mainly space) most dogs in UK are kept indoors. This is an obvious approach to me as dogs are generally for company and you want to be near your ‘company’. Where I currently live a man two doors down recently got a puppy – beautiful dog, full of energy and vitality. The man lives alone. When we saw him the other day he asked us where our dogs were kept..’inside’ came the reply. He said, ‘my dog always stays outside, I won’t let him inside at all’. I just don’t understand this approach - surely you'd want to be near your 'company'. In every other way he seems a good owner. Is it purely a cultural thing and what arguments do you have for and against. I’d love to be enlightened more on the argument for having dogs outside.

Same in our household..dogs get far more loving from OH than I do! Mind you, it makes me all warm inside when I see my OH loving our two...shows I picked a goodun!

I'm not there yet..thank goodness...but can only reiterate what everyone else has said. I'm thinking of you.

I saw this news item too and the girl seemed quite amazed that the dog had survived...really made me angry to see such indifference towards a valued pet...obviously not high on their list of priorities. Funny, I mentioned it to my sister too (loves her animals) and she had seen it and was equally as incensed as I was.

we went to the UK last Christmas for four weeks...'nanny' babysat. When we came back, within a few minutes it was like we'd never been away. I don't think dogs have the same perception of time as we do....ours certainly don't!

beautiful!

every time I 'come home' it's like the second coming..even if I've just been to the letterbox....

such bare-faced agression (not!) priceless

No dog story I have could ever top yours...nice!! (Not)

One of life's injustices..a child taunts a dog to the point that it retaliates and then then everyone screams for the dog to bepunished/pts.. when I see these sorts of stories on the tele I'm shouting..." the dog was made to do it, it's the kid's fault"!