I have previously stated that I do not own a dog, never had, never will but I must say I have a soft spot for French Bulldogs because our girls are the proud owners of two beautiful specimens named Lola and Stella
We were dog sitting Stella over Christmas and I must say I really enjoyed her company. She arrived on December 19th with her bed, toys, blankets, food supply, doggy paraphernalia and then the routine started.
She made herself at home quickly going for a romp in the garden and relieving herself. When she was going back into the house all the garden mud and grit had to be cleaned from her paws with wipes. This procedure became part of the daily routine during her stay. When she came back indoors, she stopped at her food station, strategically located at re-entry point and waited for her food sachet to be served. This was served on her own personal bowl, and she quickly scoffed it, had a drink from her water bowl and was ready to enjoy another active canine day.
When we sat at table for our own meals, she sat next to me looking up at me with her two big doggy appealing eyes and I slipped her a few tit bits. We bonded straight away. I generally gave her some morsels of food and pieces of toast and whatever we were having at mealtimes. She just loved them and showed her gratitude by smacking her tongue. Senior house management did not approve so there was a degree of subterfuge.
After breakfast each morning Stella was released out into the garden for free play which she thoroughly enjoyed chasing birds and galloping frantically around and barking at the neighbour’s dog which was also having free play in their garden
After this session of freedom, she would invariably come indoors and look for someone to play ball with her or tug of war which she just adored. After these doggie diversion’s she looked for a treat which I was delighted to give her.
It’s a dog’s world when I see the nutritious diet she eats with turkey, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and lots of doggy treats. She just adored licking plates after meals. There was no need to rinse them off prior to putting them in the dishwasher. Likewise with any stray piece of food that fell on the floor, Stella immediately hoovered it up leaving the surface clean.
I noted that she relishes heat, home comforts and has a definite dislike of rain and cold but sure who doesn’t.
She gets lots of hugs and petting and was so well treated because she is such an adorable pet. I was fascinated that she seemed to understand what we said to her. I was equally amazed that she ran to the backdoor when she wanted to go to the loo and in cold weather she just dashed out, did her business and ran in quickly and headed straight for her bed.
She was a most affectionate dog, and we loved her to bits. When she went back to Dublin, she took a few days to adapt to her new surroundings
I must say that I have a new realisation about dogs and their owners, following our three-week dog minding stint. Being a dog owner requires a full-time commitment to the pet. There is the morning call, going to loo, washing muddy feet, vets, exercising them, doggy coats, feeding them three meals a day, playing with them and their toys and humouring them. It is an arduous task and responsibility requiring a huge commitment in time
As we have finished another festive season, let’s spread awareness about the responsibilities of being a pet parent. If you have given a dog or got a present of a dog , ask yourself if you're ready for a 10-15 year-long commitment. A dog isn't just for Christmas, as the television advertisement proclaims, they're for life.
We often hear that a dog is man’s best friend. This term was first used by King Frederick II of Prussia before his death in 1786. It is he who said, “the only, absolute and best friend a man has, in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his dog”.
Dogs sure are loyal friends but please be aware of the huge amount of work involved in owning a pet and treating them properly. They are full family members and when they die people can feel distressed and very lonely as they grieve their loss.
I love the little poem “Pawprints left by you’ a pet loss poem written by Teri Harrison after they lost their dog Kip, a German shepherd. I give you the first verse of that lovely poem
You no longer greet me
As I walk through the door
You’re not there to make me smile
To make me laugh any more
Life seems quiet without you
You were far more than a pet
You were a family member, a friend
A loving soul I’ll never forget.
Yes, a dog is for life and people get very attached to them. They are great companions for many people, and I meet a lot of people on my walks who would not go out for their daily constitutional stroll were it not for their faithful canine friend.
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