Reasons I love my dog - share yours!

[chefker]

For some reason I just felt like starting a thread where we can share the reasons we love our canine friends so much. :)

I love my dog because....

*he knows when I am feeling sad, and will lick away my tears if I am crying

*he watches over my son, sleeping next to his crib when he hears him cry out in the middle of the night

*he's overcome adversity - neglect & abuse by previous owners - to become a well-mannered canine citizen and a much loved member of our family

*nobody else is THAT happy to see me when I come home, not even DH or DS!

*he makes me laugh with his silly antics (i.e. tail chasing) when I am feeling stressed or crabby

*I love how he welcomed us into his little heart, even after it was broken and trampled on by the people who abused him. He gave us a chance to be his family, and I'm so grateful he trusted us enough to let us try.

[PinkMartini]

LoL I was waiting for someone to start a thread like this ;)

I love my dogs for many reasons...

A day doesn't pass without them making me laugh at them and their crazy antics.

They show me unconditional love (something that no human is capable of).

[Maggie8202]

She always puts a smile on my face.

She is thoughtful, and initiates kisses goodbye in the morning.

She cuddles with me when I am crying.

She is very loyal to me.

She is so cute, that I can never get mad at her even when she is really bad.

She is always happy to see me.

She thanks me for her yummy food by burmping in my face when she has finished eating!! :)

[AttyGrl74]

Chet & Ella have the biggest hearts of any being I've ever known and frankly I like them more than most people I know.

[mar5195]

It'll be a whole month since I've had my Foxy. I can really can't imagine life with out her.

-I love her little Fox ears that purk up when I talk to her.

-I love in the a.m. they way she rubs her eyes with her baby paws.

-I love when she grabs a toy to take on our walk.

-I love to see her roll in the grass. She's wild when she sees grass

-I love how she thinks her little growl is going to protect me.

-I love how she cuddles up in the corners of anything

-I love to hear the sound her collar makes in the morning.

-I love that she'll drink out of the glass of water I keep on the floor near my bed (after she drinks in it, I don't)

-I love how she runs to the fridge when she hears the ice maker. She loves ice.

-The excitement she gets when I'm home at the end of the day.

[TazLuv]

- She's too darn cute to be mad at for long.
- She wags her tail like mad every day when I come home.
- She loves to snuggle with me on the couch and seems to be getting annoyed that my growing belly is getting in the way. ;)
- She is SO excited every time I say the word walk.
- She helps me stay motivated to exercise.
- She barks at all the "bad" noises when DH is at work overnight.
- She does something funny at least once a day.

I'm sure I have more but that's a good start.

[kari]

Since I am not having kids, they are my my substitute. I cook for them, walk them, bathe them, pay for dog walkers, tuck them in at night...the list goes on and on. It all makes it worthwhile when I am sitting or laying on the bed or couch and Cowboy comes and lays on me because he wants to be close to me. And when he 'smiles' at me when I come home.

[lawphil]

Where do I begin??

I love him because he makes me smile all the time even when I am sobbing he will do something that cause me to smile.

Because his floppy ears and wagging tale lit up my days even when I was feeling dark & struggling with infertility.

I love that he keeps me company and snuggles up with me at night when DH is working late.

I love that he is wild & crazy but at the same time such a gentle and loving puppy.

I love when he lies on his back with his tongue hanging out, snoring away completely content. Now that is happiness!!

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

They adore us, and are always eager to please.
Our girl Harriet is naughty, but so smart!
Our boy Davey is the most loyal and sensitive being I know.
After a long day at work, there's nothing quite like snuggling up with a dog who thinks you're the best thing since kibble!

[LIZNKEITH]

Great idea! I love my Lucy-Dog because:

-No one else I know cries with excitement and follows me around the house for a solid half hour when I get home.

-She knows when I'm feeling sad and will put her front paws up in my lap, press her little forehead to mine and gaze in to my eyes. How can you not smile?!

-She's such a great "big sister" to our DD. I was worried how she would handle the adjustment, but she's thrilled to have a new playmate in the house. I love watching my two girls chase each other around the house.

-How protective she is. Not in a snarly, mean way but in a "let me corral you back to safety" sort of way. When we camp and my 5 y/o nephew wants to walk in the woods a bit, she stays right by his side and makes sure he doesn't travel too far.

-She can chase a ball or swim in the lake for HOURS on end.

-The sounds she makes. Each morning when I wake her, she lets out a vocal yawn. It's just dramatic enough to put a smile on my face and makes me feel better about starting my own day (because she's got it so rough, ya know?). Or the little "arrrr" sound she'll make after she's dropped the ball in your lap and is waiting for you to throw it.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/799713698_37a083f386.jpg?v=0

[sdianems]

Tasha is the best girl ever!
I love her big floppy beagle ears; when she is running they look just like the angel wings that they are :)
Like everyone ele's dog, she is just too darn cute!
I can't imagine not coming home to that face and wagging tail at the end of the day.

[kk junebug]

how do i love thee-let me count the ways: (aside from the obvious, loveable traits)

his morning laziness. even when i have to force him out of bed, nothing is cuter.

he always seems to know when hubby and i are talking about him. and he'll peer up from the floor or come nuzzle his cold wet nose in our laps, tail wagging at warp-speed.

his love for napping in the sun. wherever there is a spot of sun in the house, the pup will be there!

his obedience at the dog park. he'll check-in periodically while running around in all his glory. and then "come" from over 100 yards away. (he listens! he really listens!)

his sweet personality. which we hear about all the time from the vet, border, groomer, etc. its makes us proud parents!

[Natasha]

We've had our pup Hiro for 2 months, and he is already so important to all of us.

I love how good he is with the kids. Kelly is 19 months old, and a little forceful with her affection for our dog. If she gets too rough, he'll just walk away. He loves giving her kisses and cuddling her when she's being nice, though. And he tolerates being the smallest one in the house pretty well.

I love how he is such a lap dog. He will twist and contort to be in my lap anyway he can.

I love how he follows me around. Even if it is just from one room to the next, he has to be right there with me.

I love how he loves to cuddle. He isn't supposed to get on our bed, but when he does, he immediately lies down and snuggles. How can you NOT want him in bed? :p

He is an 8 month old puppy, and some of his behavior is very trying, especially with a 4 y/o and 19 m/o around, too. But, I just adore him and can't imagine him not being a part of our family.

[SheRa]

This is so sweet to read!

I love how he goes and snuggles into our big armchair as soon as I say "Momma has to go to work!". So cute.

I love how he rolls around like crazy when he finds something especially stinky in the yard. Though I don't love the stench he comes back with.

I love how he is completely mesmerized by food and will stare longingly at it but not outwardly beg for it.


I love how he fluffs his bed every night when we go to bed, and then promptly jumps into ours!

He turns a pile of clean clothes into a bed when necessary, too.


He's just TOO CUTE!!! :)

[paiger]

**He's the funniest member of our family!

**He's too cute for words.

**He's the best cuddler in the whole world.

**He runs around and acts silly with me.

**He gets jealous of DH which makes me smile.

**He grounds me when I get too engrossed in something by letting me know he's ready to play.

**He is just the best!

[CapeCod04]

oh boy - I love his face.

I love the way he plays with his ball.

I love the way he tries to sneak into our bed after I get up in the morning.

I love how happy he is to see me when I get home.

I love how happy he is to go for walks.

I love that this dog likes to sit outside and sun himself.

I love it when he does a big ole sigh.

I love that when I cry, he comes up to snuggle with me and gives me kisses.

[jajacobsen]

I have two dogs, Samson and Delilah, who are littermate 20 month olfdweimaraners. Aside from the unconditional love, always happy to see me, etc, I love what they teach me about how to live:

1) They start each day like it's gonna be the greatest day ever. They are always happy to wake up and start the day. Everyone should have that attitude.

2) They exercise each day, and having them forces me to exercise each day. That is a good thing.

3) They never have a hidden agenda, and are up front about their wants and needs. Another good life lesson.

4) They find joy in the simplest things. Who needs to worry about an iphone or whatever when going for a swim in the lake and a few licks of an ice cream cone are pretty good, too.

5) They know when to chill out. On a completely crazy or hot day, they find a quiet place and take a nap. Sometimes we all should take a time out, or at least maybe I should when I am getting overstressed.

Chronic depression is rampant in my family, and I, like every other family member, used to take anti-depressants, but I stopped when DH and I started TTC. I seriously credit these dogs with helping me cope and learning to live, love and be happy while I am not advised to not take this medication.

[Kate&Joey]

I seriously credit these dogs with helping me cope and learning to live, love and be happy while I am not advised to not take this medication.

That's awesome. Similar situation: a few months after DH and I met, he got seriously depressed. He readily admits to me that if it hadn't been for Dog#1 (my dog before I met him), he isn't sure if he could have survived for those months. He told me that when he started freaking out late at night and I was asleep, he would call Dog#1 from my bed and just lay on the couch, holding her, and crying. She knew he needed her and would stay as long as he wanted her to.

[sdianems]

I love how he rolls around like crazy when he finds something especially stinky in the yard. Though I don't love the stench he comes back with.
LOL SheRa, sounds just like my Tasha (she is so proud of herself for sniffing out the most rank smelling schtuff to roll in, too)!

[fuzzy]

*Her zest for life. (OMG, a leaf! OMG, an ant! OMG, a bird!!)
*That she keeps our house and yard rodent free.
*The way she curls up at the end of the bed when she sleeps with us.
*How excited she gets at the mere sight of her Jolly Ball.
*The way she is with children -- inexplicably (we're CF) patient and tolerant.
*That she's protect me even if it meant she had to sacrifice herself.
*Her crooked ears.
*These big brown eyes:
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/joplin1975/cats200101.jpg

[silvergrey]

I love how excited he is when I come home, wagging his long whip of a tail like crazy. Whereas the cats just look up from the couch and go, "So?"

[sublime311]

Luna
- I love that she's a leaner - she leans on anyone worth leaning on.
- I love that one ear is slightly bent at the tip.
- I love that she'll let me vacumn her with an attachment.
- I love that she's smarter than most humans, I know.
- I love that she's gentle with children.
- I love that she often gets a wild hair and does crazy figure 8's in the yead.
- I love that she's such a good sister to Raven.
- I love that she loves to go hiking and even better if she gets to wear her backpack.
- I love that she furrows her brow when she knows I'm upset.

Raven
- I love that she's so sweet despite her shady (pre-us) past.
- I love that shes grunt-sighs every time she lays down.
- I love that her WHOLE 50 lb body wiggles when she's exicited.
- I love how she goes nuts when the sprinklers come on.
- I love how intent she looks when she's chasing the laser light.
- I love that she's a little slow - it takes her a while to catch on to stuff.
- I love that she can't catch a ball. The ball goes up and she goes down. The ball goes down and she goes up.
- I love to see her basking in the sun with her head up, but her eyes closed.
- I love that she'll wait for Luna to finish her buscuit before she starts eating her own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love when they lay together and mouth the same toy with the occasional whine.

I love when that they lightly paw each other when it's time to play!

I love that they patiently wait while the other is at the food bowl - they take turns taking a mouthful.

[sdianems]

sublime311 your two puppy-dogs sound absolutely wonderful!
ITA with these, just like with my Tasha!
- I love that shes grunt-sighs every time she lays down.
- I love that her WHOLE 50 lb body wiggles when she's exicited.

[JamBray]

Our Bray is just the best! I love

~How excited she is to see me when I come home
~That she will wrap her front paw around my leg in a "hug"
~That even though her barking drives me crazy sometimes, I know she's just being protective
~That she comes to me when she's scared
~How she'll go right up to the cabinet in the morning for her daily cookie
~When she gets in her crazy mode and runs circles around the yard
~Her absolutely adorable face
~When she cocks her head to the side when you say her name, or ask her a question

And about 1,000,000 more reasons. :D

[Foley42]

I love our Abby Beagle...

~When it's dark then I turn on the light, she squints...it's too funny

~Her favorite toys are my socks (no expensive toys for my daughter)

~The way she perks her ears and cocks her head

~How she sneaks up on squirrels and birds like cat

~She rarely ever barks...I'm sure my apt neighbors love it

~After her weekly bath, she runs around "naked"

~She licks my nose when say "kiss"

~She patiently lets me brush her teeth and wipe her eye boogers

~The way she lays in my lap when I'm surfing the web

~The way she loves to smell our breath after we've eaten food

~When I say "outside" she runs to the door and get sooo excited

DH and I couldn't imagine life without her...she's our baby

[katmg]

I love that:

DH's professionally hunt-trained dog would rather sleep in with me than get up at 3 am to go chase ducks.

there are certain Weim-y rules that he expects us to know and follow - If you drop it; it's mine, if you leave it on the counter; it's mine, etc.

he curls his ears when you talk to him like he understands

he can be so expressive - even with just his tail. He can turn around and give you the "Nubby's Up" and it's just like he gave you the finger. :D

[sdianems]

DH's professionally hunt-trained dog would rather sleep in with me than get up at 3 am to go chase ducks. LOL! Smart dog :)

[wendalah]

Both of my poodles just "get it." They comprehend a staggering amount of words and phrases, and are generally just pleasant company to hang out with.

Anyone who does not think animals have individual thoughts and feelings need to hang out with my guys. They have completely different personalities. I have a sensitive Virgo type (if you move his water bowl to a different location, he gets upset and can't relax), and a "get me a beer, dude" type (who doesn't care where you put the water bowl--life's too short to get all freaked out). :)

[artist]

Cute thread idea!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i100/raf4d/Parker.jpg?t=1185050587

How can I NOT love that adorable face and those beautiful brown puppy eyes? (Yes, I know he's enormous, but I still call him a "puppy"!)

- Is such a sweetheart and cheers me up if I am sad
- SOOOOOOOO whipped up and excited to see me
- unconditional love
- Lucky he's cute, because when he's naughty, his face makes it so hard to scold him
- If he IS naughty, he's smart because he puts HIMSELF in a timeout!
- Is confused and thinks he's a cat...he does live with two of them!
- Appreciates his ice-cream cones when I treat him to one! :D
- Constantly makes me laugh
- Protects me and makes me feel safe
- SUCH a good friend!
- So many reasons I can't write them all...

[artist]

Anyone who does not think animals have individual thoughts and feelings need to hang out with my guys. They have completely different personalities. I have a sensitive Virgo type (if you move his water bowl to a different location, he gets upset and can't relax), and a "get me a beer, dude" type (who doesn't care where you put the water bowl--life's too short to get all freaked out). :)

Wendy,

You constantly crack me up! (Is your dog really a Virgo? Do you read his horoscope? :D)

[wendalah]

He was born 9/20, so yep, a Virgo!

[charliezangel]

there are so many things I love about my dog.

I love that she refuses to sleep anywhere but snuggled up against my legs at night.

I love how excited she gets when I come home from work

I love how she gives me the cutest puppy dog eyes when she gets in trouble and then licks my face like she's saying "I'm sorry mommy"

I love how she waits patiently by her bowl when I'm making her a special snack

I love how she tried to comfort me when I'm sad or sick

I love how she STILL nuzzles my neck when i pick her up

[Kate&Joey]

Dog#1:

She is the most scruffy, scraggly mess and is so adorable because of it.

She has the world's worst posture...it's like her front legs are too short for her body.

She is the most athletic dog I've ever had...she can walk across the back of a couch like a cat.

She is persistent...from the second night she came to live with me, she slept in my bed and wouldn't take "no" for an answer. I'm so grateful that she showed me the error of my ways and that she was meant to sleep in the bed with me. ;)

She is tolerant...she went from being an only dog, to having a doggie brother, a cat brother (the ultimate indignity to a terrier mix with a strong prey drive, "You mean I can't kill the cat, Mommy?"), and finally, DS.

She absolutely adores me and DH. The thought that someone let her have puppies at such a young age and then drop them all off at a pound just kills me. I'm so happy she could have a good life with us...she deserves it!

She has no shame...whether it's sleeping on her back with her belly exposed and her back legs open or begging for a scrap of food...she has the most positive self-image.

Dog #2:

He is drop-dead gorgeous. When we are on walks, people stop their cars and ask me what his breeding is. Answer: we have no idea. :)

He is so patient and trusting. When DH trims his nails, he offers a paw without DH having to ask for it.

He is so happy...he always looks like he's smiling. Going for a walk is quite possibly the best thing that has ever happened to him...every day. ;)

He sits on the couch...as in, props his butt up on the couch and leaves his front legs on the floor...just like a human!

He lets the cat beat up on him.

He is more vocal than any dog I've ever known. Whenever he lays down, he has to make an "announcement" about it. Hard to explain, but visitors crack up at his moans and growns as he hunkers down for a nap.