A Better Person?

[Vinnie]

This weeks topic comes from member Raizo. Raizo wants to know;

"Do you think that owning a German Shepherd has made you a better person?"

If you answer yes, I'll add HOW has your GSD made you better?

[onyx'girl]

What if we answer NO? My kids think I am a horrible mom now because I "obsess over the dogs" and not them...well they are teenagers(one in college, but living at home still).
Do they really want me to obsess over them?
I think my dogs have made me a better person because I have goals(training). Before the dogs, I bred parrots and was really involved with the whole world of that.
I waned away from breeding/showing parrots when my kids were born, and we just raised the kids, had pet dogs. We had a boat on Lake Michigan we went to every weekend.
I was drifting a bit as the kids got older, so the GSD's filled the void. Now the teenage kids are on me about being obsessed with the dogs. So they can be the judge whether or not I am a better person...I think they would say no.

[Jax08]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Now the teenage kids are on me about being obsessed with the dogs. So they can be the judge whether or not I am a better person...I think they would say no.

I'm all with this answer. The kids don't want us in their business but get upset over the time we spend with the dogs. Go figure.

[Syaoransbear]

Nope. I feel like, if anything, I'm a worse person.

[orangeleash]

Yes --- totally --- I'm a lot more patient than ever before. My GSD has also helped me to discover the affectionate and nurturing aspects of myself and personality. I'm not a parent and have never been in a true caretaker role until my pooch came into my life. He has, hands down, changed me in many welcomed ways and has made me a better and much happier person. I'm so thankful.

[wildwolf60]

Yes, I think so....having GSD's has made me more patient and has given me the opportunity to help love some GSD's that were not in a good situation and maybe even saved their life! They have taught me so many things, like appreciation for the little things in life, and also shown me how to love unconditionally. They give me a new viewpoint of the world around me so I am not so self centered, I have to pay attention to them and what is happening around us. I have learned to deal with problems in my life simply because they are there to share it with me. I don't have children and they have taught me how to be a good parent! So, they are my furkids....

[King&Skylar]

yup!
I'm much more patient, more independant because I feel safe if i take Skylar with me now, and more outgoing because i'm forced to talk to strangers to socialize her, and talk to folks in obedience. I never would have done any of that without her

[Stogey]

YES ! DJ came into my Life quite unexpectedly. I had just gone through a divorce from a long term marriage. Lost my 12yr ole GSD to cancer a couple of months later and in comes DJ. He has been the blessing of my Life, well until my Grandbaby girl came along ... But I firmly believe he was my gift from above !!!

[DnP]

I know I wasn't a better person with Dakota. In many ways, I felt that I failed him early on and then when he was diagnoses with DM, I finally stepped up to the plate. Dakota taught me a lot about myself and my priorities. I became his biggest medical advocate when diagnosed. My biggest regret was that my job was my biggest priority before he got sick. I missed out on so much with him.

Phoenix came into my life a complete opposite of Dakota. He has challenged me in every way. Phoenix has made me a better dog owner. He has been a challenge to train but also when I finally "got" it, we became a unit. I LOVE doing rally with him. He also made me look more into nutrition and health. I was one of those owners w/ Dakota who did every thing by "the book". Now I have dialogue with my vet on EVERYTHING. We don't always agree, but we can talk about it!

I don't know if Phoenix or age has made me a better person when it comes to taking care of him. He also reinforced the addage "don't judge a book by it's cover!" for me.

[XTOL]

Im afraid my answer will be no. And Im quite sure the
people that know me would agree. It seems I would
much rather spend time with my dog that dealing with
other people.

It does seem however that I frequently interact with other
dog owners. Or those that are interested in or want to
pet my dog. If you dont want to talk about my dog then
I dont have any time for you...because its really the only thing
on my mind right now. For me right now its all Abby
all the time...24/7.