I realized yesterday that I am my dog’s entire world.
This thought made me a little sad.
Ace gets out if I choose to invite him. But I leave whenever I want, with or without my dog.
Ace knows and learns what I teach. His behavior depends on me. His energy depends on me. Even his ability to make choices depends on me.
Ace eats the food I choose to buy. He eats when I decide to feed him, and therefore his weight is controlled by me. He gets vet care if I decide to pay for it, and he goes for walks only with me.
Ace runs off leash, goes hiking and swimming on my terms. He goes in his kennel when I need a break.
I decide where Ace sleeps, when he can or can’t socialize with other dogs and when playing is or is not appropriate.
I decide what behavior is “good” or “bad,” even if there is no consistency.
Yes, he is just a dog. But I am all he has, and he loves me no matter how much or how little I give.
Don’t forget what your dog does for you.
I love my mutt. Ace is a good boy.
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September 14th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
That’s a lovely photo of Ace!
Your melancholic post is so true… and I’m always awre of this with Amigo. That’s why I never take him for granted.
September 14th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
That is a very elegant post. A good reminder to be the best dog owner you possibly can be. Ace is a lucky dog to have you.
September 14th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
What a gorgeous photo of Ace. I do feel like this quite often – usually on Monday mornings after Biggie’s had a fun weekend with us and I am leaving him alone for the day and he gives me a soulful look as I go out the door.
He would like nothing more than to spend the day outdoors with his people (guarding them), but most days the high point of the day is when the 2nd person gets home. Not only do I never take him for granted, he is an excellent reminder never to take for granted the important things in life: good food and good company!
September 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I take Ace for granted often. He and I are both lucky.
Ha! Biggie always makes me smile!
September 14th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Yeah – good food and good company! Agreed, Biggie.
Great post, Lindsay.
September 14th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Thanks, Apryl!
September 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Perfectly said. Makes my heart hurt for dogs with owners who do not realize this. Lucky for our dogs, we do:)
September 15th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Hey Brooke! It’s also sad for the dogs with no owners.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Ace and my girls are with owners in sync with them and responsible.. so true all their needs are at their owners whims .. tis the neglected dogs leashed to uncaring or uneducated owners that break my heart
September 27th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I know, it’s too bad…
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
same here! Don’t take your dog for granted. they are our playmates even if we used to scold them, they still cuddling around you. treat your dog as a brother. n_n