Not Cairns, but Good Article about Owning a Dog

[kjwarnold]

My friend posted this article on Facebook and it's so good that I thought I'd share. It's very true that going places with a dog makes you visible; they're a great way to meet people even if you only know their dog's name. And it's interesting reading about the "positive transactions" that owning a dog creates.

When My Dog Lucky Died, I Disappeared

[jo_]

Great article. Thank you for sharing.

[Zekey's Mom]

(from the article) Dogs make you somebody in the eyes of the universe.

This is SO true! When I got Zekey, my first ever dog, I suddenly became much more social! I usually went places by myself, but now I had a buddy. And people and kids all commented on how cute he is. Now, with Gavin along as well, people are doubly interested, asking all about what kind of dogs are they. Kids all want to pet my "puppies". And when I go visiting, folks may or may not be excited to see ME, but they're always delighted to see Gavin and Zekey!

(It's funny, though, I've stopped going to some events like outdoor art shows and some carnivals, because I can't take my dogs! I base my activity schedule on where I can bring the dogs to.)

[hheldorfer]

Wonderful article.

About 6 months ago one of our neighbors, Dave, had to euthanize his Newfoundland. The Newfie, Kaisa, had been one of the most popular attractions on our block, always waiting by the fence for a scratch and a pet whenever someone walked by. She loved everyone and even Buffy - who normally isn't the friendliest dog when she's on a leash - enjoyed visiting Kaisa and sharing a sniff. Kaisa was very old and becoming more frail day by day, and her owner finally had to say goodbye.

In the interim, we rarely saw Dave. He went to work, came home and stayed indoors, rarely spending more time outside than was necessary for the basic lawn mowing and yard clean-up.

Last weekend, Dave adopted a Newfie rescue named Sophie. He walked her by the house yesterday and DH and I practically flew out the door to say hello. And Dave was smiling and talkative again. It was a happy moment, knowing that Dave was no longer grieving and that Sophie has a good home now. I guess Dave just wasn't Dave without his Newfie.

[Hillscreek]

When Angus is with me people smile. People stop and ask about him. Kids especially like to visit with him and he likes them especially. What is with kids and cairns? I read about it but didn't believe it till we started to meet kids here and there.

Angus does good for other people, and they do good for Angus and me!

[tlwtheq]

People stop frequently to visit with my three when we're out walking, especially

little kids. And I quote, "DOGGY, MOMMIE!" They especially like Sweet Pea

because, at least with humans, she is friendly, quiet and gentle. (She doesn't

give her brothers the same break! )

But our Cairn children are bridges to others for sure, human and nonhuman alike.

Great article, thanks for posting.