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I didn't vote because what I would vote for isn't there.
My dog isn't my "baby or child," and I don't want him to be; I want him to be a dog, which is what he is. I appreciate knowing if there's a bear, a big cat, or whatever outside at night, but that isn't the only reason I have him. He provides companionship, but not the same type of companionship that a child or baby provides. He's a dog.
This all day long. I'd never want or expect a dog to be a surrogate baby. Its demeaning and sets both of us up for failure. While I enjoy various aspects of herding breeds I don't have anything to herd (and the last thing you want to try doing to a moose is herding it!), so need to be mindful of how to manage those urges. For me, a herding under-achiever tends to work best. I appreciate their "velcro" tendencies as i want their attention, their kind companionship, and their desire to stick close to their "working" partner. A high-powered hunting breed around here can get into big trouble with the wildlife.
Last edited by Parnassia; 06-28-2022 at 06:10 PM..
I probably should have explained the "child/baby" thing. It's not like I expect them to take the place of a child or a baby. It's just a powerful mothering instinct I have about them. I'm really protective of them and make sure they have everything they need to be healthy, active and happy. I don't see it as an unhealthy thing, like carrying around a fake baby!
Other. Largely companionship, but not my "baby." Also offers high quality alert services free of charge. Our dog is a 25 pound "moodle" (mutt/poodle) and won't be wrestling the bad guys to the ground. But he sure is hell will let us know the bad guy is here.
Without him? Too quiet. Too organized. Too generic. Need him in my life!!!!!
I probably should have explained the "child/baby" thing. It's not like I expect them to take the place of a child or a baby. It's just a powerful mothering instinct I have about them. I'm really protective of them and make sure they have everything they need to be healthy, active and happy. I don't see it as an unhealthy thing, like carrying around a fake baby!
Yes. That would have been better. I chose "child baby" and that is one aspect of our relationship. And yes, I think of all three of my dogs as companions and friends. There are similarities with the parent-child relationships, and there are differences. My dogs sometimes are a comfort to me. They are also companions.
"Companion" for me, is the most accurate description of my relationship with my three dogs, and as with any relationship, each is unique.
My miniature Dachshund, for a variety of reasons, is most like a baby or child. Some of that has to do with the personality of her breed. While she loves "Daddy", she is more of a one person dog. She follows me EVERYWHERE. If I nap, she naps, if I excursive, she watches and seems to participate.
ALL of my dogs are part of our family. I just can't imagine life without dogs.
No family nearby....the pekes we had were like children to us.
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