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.

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Because we created them.

 

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 :crazy:

 

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.

 

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

Why do we love dogs so much?
They are soft cuddley warm loving and never critize and share most of our interests.
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
I think its how you were raised and you as aperson. Even as a kid I always wanted to pet a dog .Other people just dont see their possibilities or the love dogs give. Sad to be them.
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? We need each other and they meet needs for companionship,fidelity, protection and combat lonliness.
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? The pet who lives a long life is still gone too soon.Everytime they are sick we get touched by the realization that we will lose them and we want to do everything in our power to stop that.
Have you always been like this? NO.I Always loved animals ,dogs especially but Daisy brought it all home. I remember arguing that she was sick and the vet saying i was wrong and overreacting and i kept fighting.She had parvo and we almost lost her. She is my first and she made me realize that to lose her i would lose my heart.
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?
No

 

For me, it's all animals as well.
They don't have a voice and I can be their voice. They do so much for me in return it's impossible to list it all. On all levels. Physical, emotional, mental, etc.

My family used to criticize me (my mom anyway) about "all those dogs", and when they moved back to this area again (lived in AZ, then AL) I told my mom I did not want to hear one thing about my dogs - that they were my family when nobody else was here, and they are going to continue to be my family. I've had a rough time on and off w/my family so I think she "got it".
Not a word has been said

 

One of the most fascinating documentaries I've ever seen and answers many of those questions is "Dogs Decoded." Netflix carries it and there is also an online stream:
Dogs Decoded | Watch Free Documentary Online

 

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

Why do we love dogs so much? Because they give so much; bond with us, accept us for who we are, are happy to just be with us; don't care if we are rich , poor, how we look, they will never ditch us for someone better.

Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not? Maybe they have never given their heart to a dog, allowed themselves to be loved by 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 what they give is priceless.

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 don't want to lose their presence in our life.

Have you always been like this? I have always loved my dogs, but now that my children are grown I am appreciating the bond with my dogs deeper than I could before.

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

My relationship with dogs has enhanced my life. Why would I want to overcome it. It is not an addiction than needs to be overcome.
I
Great thread Jean!

 

They don't cheat.
They don't lie.

 

Dogs help us to experience our inner child, our inner joy, our inner self.

Dogs love us unconditionally, or they are happy to see us, every day, all the time, always wanting to be with us, not concerned with our looks, our weight, our language, our intellectual acumen, they do not judge us.

They are dependent, but they can be trained, they will work for us, they give those of us who are shy something to take the focus of people off of us and onto them. So we feel comfortable in a class of dogs and people, where we feel uncomfortable everywhere else.

They are an animal, and they bring us closer to raw emotions.

More cannot think, skin kid (not mine) is crying.

 

Why do we love dogs so much?
Because they give you so much unconditionally, love, loyalty and adoration. And for me because i've been protected from other people as a child by my grandmother's large mutts. i think they just accept you for who you are, forgive your flaws, love you for your finer bits...they don't ever try to abuse their relationship with you in anyway or misuse you in anyway. More thn i can say about some people i've had in my life before.
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
No idea, not dog people? I'm personally really bothered by people who just dislike dogs without any personal bad experience with dogs. It's just like why are you so afraid to approach them, scared they'll see you for what you really are?
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?
Cause they're family, and family stick together
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?
Haven't been there yet, not looking forward to it
Have you always been like this?
Have always always been a dog person, maybe because I've never had a bad experiences and i've always loved being around them and my odd dog growling/barking at me incidents have always been my fault. Loved dogs for as long as i can remember, always will love them. Future spouse HAS to love them too, one of my deciding criteria when deciding if i should date a guy now or not
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was?
Would consider it depending on how painful losing Munich is gonna be in (touch wood) hopefully a good 12 yrs from now <3

 

I am addicted to fish keeping. I have dogs because I enjoying sharing my life with an animal that understands me better then I under stand myself at time. Dogs read us better then any human can. My dog is my best friend. She keels my secret she is always there for me, she makes me smile, she can sooth me, watching her run free on hikes being free living how wish I could at time.

Dogs are animals that just fit so perfectly into our lives.

I can't be friends with someone that does not like animals. I think people that don't like animals are weird and can not be trusted.

 

I have been dog and horse crazy my whole life, in fact I have never lived a day in my life without a dog, I bought my first horse when I got my first good job and it's been a life long dream fulfilled, the dogs really became even more important to me when I purchased my first house all by myself, I live alone in a rural area and they have become not only my protectors, but my constant companions, I marvel at how they don't care about themselves, it's all about me, when I run out to bring the horses in from a blowing snow storm they could remain safe and warm in the house, but they trudge along with me, even the little terriers who have a harder time of it, when I take a shower I look out and they are curled up on the bath mat, waiting for me to come out, no matter where I go, they are there by my side, making me laugh, and hug them, last night watching the Super Bowl, I dozed off and awoke to myself covered in dogs, all snuggled up together, through my animals I have met my best friends,people like me, animal lovers, we have been friends through the years all bound for our love of our dogs and our horses. I'm not one of those women that goes goo goo over human babies, but last week a patient brought in a Dachshund puppy and I had to hold it and play with it, my co-workers laugh at me cause I won't even go look at a human baby, LOL! My heaven on earth is a trail ride on one of my horses, with my dogs running alongside on a beautiful scenic trail, it just doesn't get better than that.

 

I haven't always been a dog lover. I mean...I like dogs as a child and teenager but I was always leaning to I'm gonna have a huge family. Something changed for me and I got Casper after we were married a few months. Then we recently got Callie and sadly, my hubby doesn't want to have children, so these ARE my children. They just happen to be furry and have 4 legs. I love them. I would do anything for them and I think they know that. Maybe Casper a little more than Callie right now, but they know. Now that I'm being a total sap, I don't care if there's a 12-step program and some people just don't understand but I'll probably always be the crazy dog lady.

 

I have always loved dogs!! They are so loyal and personally I feel like they are smarter than a lot of the people out there today. haha

 

it's in my genetic make-up, there is no way I could 'not' love any type of animal.

 

Why do we love dogs so much?
There are so many things to do with dogs, they possess and undying loyalty and are such versatile animals. You could have one simply as a companion, you could have a dog to aid you, they work for us, and they can be a sports buddy. Sort of like how some folks dream of having a kid go big in sports, you can do that with your dog and they're not going to be disappointed if you don't win, they're just happy you were there.

Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not?
Body language, speed, environment, the dog's emotional state, a lot of different things could cause it.

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 didn't ask to be brought into our lives, I think they deserve the best we can offer.

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?
For me I'm overly paranoid and dogs have been the only thing I could fully trust throughout my life.

Have you always been like this?
I've only been into dog sports and obedient for the past two or so years. But when I was young my dogs were my best friends.

 

I haven't always been a dog partner. I mean...I like pets as a kid and youngster but I was always inclined to I'm going to have a large household. Something modified for me and I got Casper after we were wedded a few several weeks. Then we lately got Callie and unfortunately, my husband doesn't want to have kids, so these ARE my kids. They just are fuzzy and have 4 feet. I really like them. I would do anything for them and I think they know that. Maybe Casper a little more than Callie now, but they know. Now that I'm being a complete sap, I don't health care if there's a 12-step system and some people just don't comprehend but I'll probably always be the insane dog woman

 

Just to let you know...this thread perked me up I will be answering after I get some ideas of other people's responses...

 

Why do we love dogs so much? I don't get it either, actually :'c
Why are some people able to walk by a dog and some are not? I do know but do not wish to share over and over again...
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.
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 they become an extension of ourselves. Why would you want to lose something that is a part of you? Like a limb? You'd be crippled but with the case of a dog, it would be emotionally crippled.
Have you always been like this? No way.
Is there a 12 step program and would you even care if there was? Please oh PLEASE sign me up if there is one out there!!!