topic Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs? in Pet Lovers

Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

SeaMaiden — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:17:25 GMT

I am not referencing this in a negative way. I love my two dogs like children. I just feel like THEY run my life! I am home all day now, so I am constantly letting them in and out...walking them...grooming them...feeding them, just loving them etc. I am just wondering if it is just me being over protective of them, or if it is common for some of you also to have your world revolve around caring for your dog(s).

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Mistreatedbycs — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:24:45 GMT

Oh my gosh I would never think that. If they could take care of themselves then they wouldn't need me!

What they give to me is beyond any words could describe. When I cry, he's there for me, when I need a hug, I get one when I need a lick, I get one (most of the time) and above all the unconditional love.

If they could open a door, feed themselves, play by themselves, walk themselves etc but they cannot do that. He's my best friend!

I'm surprised something like this is even a topic of conversation.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Snowpuppy — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:25:27 GMT

No.

My dogs are pets but don't run the household.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

HappyDaze — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 05:01:49 GMT

Sometimes I feel like my whole life revolves around them and their needs but usually only when they are ill or injured. I drive both dogs to twice weekly swims and rehab appointments to keep them healthy and because it is easier on their joints as they are older dogs. And right now I have a tripod that is just getting used to being without one leg and soon will have to be taught how to use a prosthetic so yes, I am basically at his beck and call but I embrace it and am glad I can be there to help him through this time. The alternative would be much worse- he wouldn't be around- and something I don't wan to even think about.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Pook — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:35:29 GMT

And I just love it!!! There's not much else I would rather be doing. Life without my dog or any pets for that matter would be just too empty. I never resent anything I do fo them.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

HappyDaze — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:29:05 GMT

@Mistreatedbycs wrote:
Oh my gosh I would never think that. If they could take care of themselves then they wouldn't need me!

What they give to me is beyond any words could describe. When I cry, he's there for me, when I need a hug, I get one when I need a lick, I get one (most of the time) and above all the unconditional love.

If they could open a door, feed themselves, play by themselves, walk themselves etc but they cannot do that. He's my best friend!

I'm surprised something like this is even a topic of conversation.

@Mistreatedbycsoh so true! I don't think of it that way either. I love them to pieces and only wish I could repay them for all that they've given me, the biggest being unconditional love.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

151949 — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:29:39 GMT

Well, first of all I never understand why anyone thinks they need more than one dog or any pet. I was able to get all the love I needed from one dog at a time. All you do is double up on the workload of owning them - twice as many times to go in & out, twice as many teeth to brush, nails to cut, meals to clean up after,fur everywhere etc etc etc. But it is my experience from people where I now live that many people, once their dog or dogs pass away - this is the main reason they don't get another one. They enjoy the freedom of not having them to care for. This certainly is the reason we have not gotten another one. Our lives are so peaceful now without a dog to have to constantly care for.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Shanus — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:29:53 GMT

@SeaMaiden There are times when I'm out for the day and notice it's getting close to dinner time for Sadie and Molly. Would I say, "Oh well, they can wait a few hours". Never. They do have a doggie door because my studio is on the 2nd floor & I wouldn't hear them bark to go out. If things were reversed, I'm sure they'd be there for me to meet my needs without giving it a second thought.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

fthunt — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:30:12 GMT

YES YES and YES! Bingo - you hit the feeling on the head. Love my senior dog but she will be my last - after 27 years of being a door butler - a groomer - a bather - and limited travel restrictions..................it's time to hang up the doggy brush after this one.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

HappyDaze — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:32:28 GMT

@151949 wrote:
Well, first of all I never understand why anyone thinks they need more than one dog or any pet. I was able to get all the love I needed from one dog at a time. All you do is double up on the workload of owning them - twice as many times to go in & out, twice as many teeth to brush, nails to cut, meals to clean up after,fur everywhere etc etc etc. But it is my experience from people where I now live that many people, once their dog or dogs pass away - this is the main reason they don't get another one. They enjoy the freedom of not having them to care for. This certainly is the reason we have not gotten another one. Our lives are so peaceful now without a dog to have to constantly care for.

and with that thinking, it is certainly best you don't get another dog.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

151949 — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:52:59 GMT

@HappyDaze wrote:
@151949 wrote:
Well, first of all I never understand why anyone thinks they need more than one dog or any pet. I was able to get all the love I needed from one dog at a time. All you do is double up on the workload of owning them - twice as many times to go in & out, twice as many teeth to brush, nails to cut, meals to clean up after,fur everywhere etc etc etc. But it is my experience from people where I now live that many people, once their dog or dogs pass away - this is the main reason they don't get another one. They enjoy the freedom of not having them to care for. This certainly is the reason we have not gotten another one. Our lives are so peaceful now without a dog to have to constantly care for.
and with that thinking, it is certainly best you don't get another dog.

At least I know the difference between a pet and a human child.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

on the bay — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 12:12:29 GMT

I think I would say I was honored and felt such gratitude and love and loved having them in my life. When I had my granddogs, there was pretty much no one else (aside from my children and family) that I wanted to be with, and when away from them even to go get groceries, I could not wait to get home and see them again.

I would hug and kiss them all day.

I miss them and am loving them everyday still and all dogs do go to heaven but they are always right here with me in spirit and always in my heart.

Like so many feel, ours were the best most loving dogs we could ever have had.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Snowpuppy — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:56:50 GMT

@151949 wrote:
@HappyDaze wrote:
@151949 wrote:
Well, first of all I never understand why anyone thinks they need more than one dog or any pet. I was able to get all the love I needed from one dog at a time. All you do is double up on the workload of owning them - twice as many times to go in & out, twice as many teeth to brush, nails to cut, meals to clean up after,fur everywhere etc etc etc. But it is my experience from people where I now live that many people, once their dog or dogs pass away - this is the main reason they don't get another one. They enjoy the freedom of not having them to care for. This certainly is the reason we have not gotten another one. Our lives are so peaceful now without a dog to have to constantly care for.
and with that thinking, it is certainly best you don't get another dog.
At least I know the difference between a pet and a human child.

And you have neither.

So for those of us who CHOSE to live with a pet, multiple pets and our children, please don't impose your choices on the rest of us.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

151949 — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:57:30 GMT

My DH went to PT today and a man came in there with 2 dogs on a leash for his therapy.Thereceptionist told him to tie them outside - this is a medical facility, and he did but my DH said they barked incessantly the whole time he was there. Why on earth would you bring dogs to a medical appt?

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

bichon mom — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:56:50 GMT

Of course they do but I wouldn't have it any other way! I am home all day and I love having them with me. Today, Chloe was at the vets all day having a repeat Cushing;s test and Brandy and I missed her like crazy! If it wasn't for all Chloe's medical expenses I would have 3 furbabies!!!

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

goldensrbest — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:05:04 GMT

Well,for the person that does not understand why a person would have more than 1 dog,I HAVE 3 ,love them and i don't know what i will do when they are gone.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Lapdog — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:07:08 GMT

My two buds and all those that went before me have my heart.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Sweetbay magnolia — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:14:13 GMT

Yes, I thought that until it became a reality (no dog), and I missed having a buddy around. We lost two dogs last year and I thought it was time to stop for awhile.

After a few weeks of no dog, we adopted one. I am very happy with the decision.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

Julie928 — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:25:55 GMT

@SeaMaiden ~ You're preaching to the choir, lol! I am home all day as well and my day pretty much goes like this. Get up, feed everyone (we also have a sun conure, two canaries, and a pond out back with one goldfish and four koi). Then the pups get a small rawhide rollup, then go out back. I run errands, come back and walk two of three (our boy is too strong for me to walk, otherwise I'd walk him, too)! I clean a bit, feed them again, take them outside again....you get the drift. Do I mind? Sometimes I want to pull my hair out but I wouldn't change it for the world. I'd give anything to have Dres back and be able to care for her once again. Some people "get it" and others don't ~ and that's okay. I look at it this way ~ I'm not going to our villa in France anytime soon so I'm good doing what I've been doing, lol! Love them lots and know (from experience) that what now makes me crazy is what I'll miss the most when they're gone.

Re: Do you ever feel like a slave to your dogs?

SeaMaiden — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 01:32:33 GMT

@Julie928 ThankYou! Your post was exactly what I was writing about. Some posters got off track here and made the thread ugly.