Why Dogs?

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Being inclusive of all breeds because these are questions I sometimes wonder about.

Why do we love dogs so much?
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food?
Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone?
Have you always been like this?
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?

[chelle]

Why do we love dogs so much? Because they don't hold a grudge, always love you and really are.. simple! Unlike our human relationships!

Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not? No idea. Not dog people?

Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food? I don't buy it, either. They're smarter than that. They bond on a deep level. A simple level. They don't muck it up with memories of what you did yesterday or last year. They're just super happy with what you are offering NOW!

Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone? Because we love them as much as they love us. Maybe more. Probably more. Because some of us see our fur babies as our kids. I'm an empty nester, I'm lonely and my dogs ARE my company every night when I come home from work. No one else is there, but they are and they're happy and hungry and it gives me something to look forward to every night. What the HECK would I do if I had to come home to an empty house every night? Oh no.

Have you always been like this? Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was? No, I haven't always been like this because I had a human child to take care of, but as my human child got into his teen years and wasn't so interested in me, my dogs filled all that in. My dogs are all I have. I am a freako, and it's okay by me. Nope, no need for 12 step. I am okay with being looked at as the crazy dog woman.

[NewbieShepherdGirl]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

Being inclusive of all breeds because these are questions I sometimes wonder about.

Why do we love dogs so much?
I think because it is very rare for us to receive unconditional love and devotion from people, so when we find it in something else (like a dog) we cling to it. Dogs don't look for hidden meanings in actions either, so if you give a dog love it receives is purely, meaning it's not going "Why is she being nice to me? What does she want?" That not having to explain yourself feels good.
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
I don't know that one. I love dogs but I don't really try to visit strange dogs, not because I know better or anything just because I don't have the desire. They always make me smile though. I suppose I always smile because to me dogs are associated with a happy feeling.
Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food?
Because we're fools! Hahah just kidding. I think it goes back to the first question. How they are makes us want to give them everything.
Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone?
Because we love them. It is natural not to want to let go of something you love. I think for most of us dog lovers our dogs are our best friends. They do everything with us. Who wants to see their best friend be sick or die?
Have you always been like this?
Yep. I pretty much sprang from the womb going, "Can I have a dog? Can I have a horse?" Which is interesting because neither one of my parents is/was like this. Both are more dog/animal neutral. They prefer animals if they belong to others.
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?
I have no desire to be cured.

This is a neat thread

[OriginalWacky]

Why do we love dogs so much?
For me it isn't just dogs, it's most critters. Ive been animal crazy since I can remember.

Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
Maybe it's willpower, or maybe it's something else. I just dont know.

Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food?
I don't think they are using us. But I give my love because it comes back to me in spades.

Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone?
Because nobody loves us like they do, and most people are bothered when loved ones hurt.

Have you always been like this?
I think I was born asking for a pony.

Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?
I don't care, I like me this way!

[jetscarbie]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

Being inclusive of all breeds because these are questions I sometimes wonder about.

Why do we love dogs so much?
I was never a dog person growing up. I am surprised that I love my dog's. I love my dogs b/c they love me. They are loyal. They are NOT fake in their affection. They don't lie. They just are.

Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
Maybe for a couple of reason.....bad experience with dogs. Don't want to get attached to dogs. Or they don't like dogs.

Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food?
Dogs are smart. They can't lie about their emotions. It can't be for the food that they love us....I can have a complete stranger try to give mine food and they won't take it. I spend the money b/c I want them to be around for as long as they can. They leave us way to soon.

Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone?
B/c we are helpless. We can't really help them.

Have you always been like this?
No, I've always avoided animals b/c I get too attached to them.

Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?

Just my feelings

[PaddyD]

Why do we love dogs so much?
A new scientific study shows that petting your dog or cat can have just about the same effect on your mood as being around your infant. Scientists were able to conclude that the hormone oxytocin is released in similar quantities in both cases, triggering feelings of happiness, stress and depression relief, as well as an increased feeling of trust. ... Plus the fact that they are cute, smart, fun and they love us back.
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not? No accounting for taste. I can walk by a cat but not a dog.
Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food? Because we have made a commitment to them and they have made one to us.
Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone? Because we love them ... we are emotionally invested, they are a significant part of our lives.
Have you always been like this? Yes
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was? That is assuming that love and commitment are an addiction worth over-coming. nope nope

[CookieTN]

I've always been a dog lover, as far back as I can remember. I really don't know why. I guess what attracted me when I was little was that they were cute and playful. When I was a kid, I used to be so much closer to my pets than my family. I felt like they understood and cared about me.
My perception has changed somewhat since then, but I am still a dog lover and value their loyalty and companionship.

[robk]

Because we created them.

[Riccosmama12]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

Being inclusive of all breeds because these are questions I sometimes wonder about.

Why do we love dogs so much?
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food?
Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone?
Have you always been like this?
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?

I love dogs so much because they truly show their love and loyalty back in so many forms like cuddling, kisses, protection, training, etc. I think some people arent able to really appreciate dogs and all they have to offer is because they werent taught how to love something and not look at it as just an animal...ITS NEVER JUST A DOG!

I know I spend my time, money and whatever else on my Rico because we love him as a member of the family. I have felt this way about all the dogs in my past and was even like that growing up. No matter if its canine or human the definition of friendship is loyalty and companionship and those are the two main things that my 4 legged family member gives me.

I dont know about any 12 step programs but if you find one please sign me up

[kiya]

Why do we love dogs so much? I think I inherited my love of animals from my grandmother (I called her Nanny) so it's in my blood.
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not? Don't understand what you mean. I will walk past a dog without trying to pet it out of respect for the dog/owner. I am really only drawn to Shepherds so other breeds don't have that magnetism. I hate seeing a person clearly avoiding by a dog because its a "dog". Drives me nuts.
Why do we spend our time, money, and give our love to an animal that supposedly (I don't buy it!) is only trying to use us for our thumbs and food? Since I don't have children they are my responsiblity to care for and make them happy with toys, bones, walks ect.
Why does it bother us so much when they are sick, or worse, when they are getting ready to leave us and when they are gone? They become a member and part of the family.
Have you always been like this? Kind of, but it seems to get worse as the years go by.
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was? I don't think it would help me.