If you're going through some sort of crisis, the average dog won't give you a load of unasked-for advice, won't pretend to be sympathetic when they're not, won't tell you it's not as bad as you think, and won't tell you everything's going to be fine and just hang on in there.
The average dog will simply give you lots of love and affection until you're no longer at sixes and sevens and have sorted things out.
Of course there's a downside to such reliable devotion. A dog might wake you at 4 am demanding food. Or might empty your dinner plate when you're not looking. Or it might jump all over your visitors. And it won't do the washing-up.
Well, that's what I'm told at any rate. We don't actually have a dog so we can't tell you if all that's true or not. But I can certainly testify to a dog's unwavering love and affection, having experienced it many times when dogs are about. In fact a dog will give me enthusiastic affection even if we've never met before.
A dog may not speak but it has many other virtues.
I think you ought to get a dog, they obviously like you.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in my experience, they don't get you up at 4am unless they are unwell.
Sx
Ms Scarlet: I'd never thought about it but yes you're right. Dogs are invariably friendly while most cats run a mile when they see me.
DeleteI’ve never had a pet, but I understand the appeal. I love watching funny pet TikToks.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: There's something about dogs being so easily affectionate that's very appealing.
DeleteWe have a cat. Sometimes I think about getting a dog, but then I remember they require more care and maintenance. Still, they are SO cute.
ReplyDeleteColette: Some dogs are cuter than others. I love shaggy haired dogs more than the short haired ones.
DeleteThe first few years of my life I grew up with a black Alsation/German Shepherd. When he sat on his hind legs he was taller than me at eighteen months old. He was my body guard. No shit. I wish I could send you some photos.
ReplyDeleteThat dog was majestic; there was no licking of faces, no unnecessary exuberance. He just was. Had a presence.
What some perceive as their dog "loving" them I see as humans' neediness projected. Don't get me wrong. Whilst I am more of a cat person (cats can take it or leave it) I have come across some amazing dogs (of any size) in my lifetime. What all those I call amazing have in common that they had some dignity and manners. No slobbering and stuff. But then, let dog "lovers" stone me now, I do believe that a dog and its behaviour very much reflects on the leader of the pack, namely their owner.
Ursula
Ursula: I don't think dogs need to be dignified. They just need to be friendly. And I don't think a dog's behaviour depends on how its owner behaves. They're more independent than that.
DeleteI grew up with dogs. Until July od '23 I always had one, that's when she died. I know Ursula disagrees and I will not stone her, but I believe dogs are capable of affection, just as they are capable of fear and dislike. I've had somewhere around 20-25 dogs, I've taken in many unwanted doggies, and have spent countless hours with them. Like all animals, they are more complex than we think. Then, there are cats....
ReplyDeleteSandra: Yes of course dogs are capable of affection, it's not just a human fancy. And yes, they're capable of fear and dislike. Indeed, animals are more complex than we like to think they are.
DeleteFalcor is the first dog that I had as an adult. I had a dog when I was a kid but I didn't take care of him, my mom did. They can be a handful and a lot of work but he's such a joy to have.
ReplyDeleteMary: You and Falcor are obviously devoted to each other. I'm very impressed that you take him on so many walks every day.
DeleteNick, I'm a cat lover, cats ar indepen
ReplyDeleteAnon: People tend to be either cat-lovers or dog-lovers. I prefer cats myself, as you say they're more independent.
DeleteHannah: I agree, I prefer cats because they're more independent - so independent they run a mile as soon as they see me! And yes, surely dogs don't need all those extra coats and jackets.
ReplyDeleteAs a former cat and dog owner, I will agree with you about dogs being more affectionate, Nick, whereas, the cat could have cared little about my feelings.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice: Cats and dogs are so very different from each other.
DeleteI grew up with a cat, who I loved, but I went off them when visiting a friend at Christmas I found her cat on the kitchen counter liking the tops of the mince pies she'd just baked!
ReplyDeleteI now have a young border collie who is the best! She is incredibly affectionate and outrageously energetic, she can run all day. She sleeps all night, and now she's grown up a bit, doesn't try and eat our food.
Dogs are definitely harder work than cats, at least when young, but you can't take a cat out to walk along the cliff tops, and cats tend not to greet you like they've been pining for you.
Hi Eryl, long time no see! Ugh. the cat was licking the mince pies, that's disgusting. Your border collie sounds like a great companion. But I think I'd prefer a laid-back cat to a boisterous dog!
DeleteA very long time; I moved to Wordpress and lost my reading list! But I've found it again as I'm back on Blogger.
DeleteDogs certainly have many virtues that some humans would do well to emulate.
ReplyDelete