Just a reflection

[gaia_bear]

Since I got Gaia I get a lot of flack from friends, family and co-workers on how much I do for her, they tease me and call me one of "them" dog people. A title I proudly wear.

Most of my co-workers are also pet owners whom often complain about dog hair, the batteries running out in their wireless fence so they have to walk their dog and make fun of how scared their dogs are to go into Petsmart and have to be dragged to get their nails done. I used to try to offer advice but was often met with "Well, I'm not as into my dog as you."

Sure I now get up 2 hours earlier to make sure Gaia gets walked rain or shine, devote every Sunday to training and according to them spend way too much money on dog food, it works out to about 10$ a week nothing wrong there but they've never taken the time to comprehend how much I get back from the little fur ball.

When I first got her, I did nothing, was miserable and struggling with depression. I now walk 10km + a day, am involved in a club with a fabulous group of people and have acquired a new sense of confidence when I'm out with her. While introducing her to new situations I often found myself in places I normally wouldn't be in and comfortable confronting the world alone. Getting greeted every night by a happy eared tail waggin wiggle butt isn't that bad either.

The thread on "a dog is a good as its owner" got me thinking about this, I was going to write in my journal but its something that needs to be shared on how wonderful and how great of an impact "only" a dog can make in ones life. They are very resilient creatures whom in my case will do anything to please their owner or at least put a smile on their face.


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[Nikitta]

I've never worried what other people think. They don't like me; look at someone else. And why do people around you expect you to live up ( or down) to THEIR standards? It sounds to me that your pup has done nothing but good for you. How can that be bad? BE one of those "dog people" and continue to enjoy and and if they don't like it? They can lump it. Who would discourage you from what was making you happy and healthier and instead of cutting you down for it? Honey, the family you have to put up with, the co-workers- who cares? And the friends? Time to get new ones.

[llombardo]

Very well said and so true. I kinda had the same thing with one of my co-workers, until I got a dog for her. Well all of the sudden she is on to dog number two and the two little boogers get blueberry facials when they get groomed She has said numerous times how she didn't understand how I felt about mine until she got hers. I get excited when I'm almost home and I know I'm going to get to see them, then when I pull up there are three heads in the window looking at me like hurry up and get in here because we missed you...the best feeling in the world

[Gharrissc]

Dogs do a lot for us.I never understand why people get dogs that they aren't that into or whatever. My dogs make me want to pull my hair sometimes,but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I always say that if you feel that your dogs are such a burden,then don't get them in the first place.

[gmcwife1]

Many pet owners don't realize how much more fun and how much better their dogs could be if they did a little training with them. I know many people that complain that their dogs don't behave, but don't understand that a little training would go a long way to correct that.