Your dog vs family dog
- Thread starter SaraB
- Start date
It's hard, as people who want more than just a cuddly couch pet, to share a dog, IMO. Unless both of the people enjoy training and working and playing with the dog just as much as the other does. I think it's easier for regular pet people to share a dog, because the dog is just there as a companion and something to pet and play fetch with. And I don't mean that in a demeaning way at all, I just feel that it's a little different for those of us (like most on chaz) who enjoy working with dogs in other ways and want different things out of a dog.
I'm not married nor am I even dating anybody and I do still live with my mom, because financially that makes the most sense and we both like it this way, so I guess it might not be exactly the same sort of situation as it is for people with significant others. But in our home, the dogs all make it clear that they are mine. Keira and I have really bonded within the last year, which makes me feel bad, as she was meant to be mom's always. And I still call her mom's dog, but she now acts just as much mine as Ripley and Dance do. We joke that we share custody of Ripley, but he's pretty well been mine since day one. And Dance was always meant as mine and so is Koolie puppy meant to be mine. And even though the Dobermans weren't necessarily intended that way, I am the one who instills rules and structure for them, I train them, I work with them, they sleep in my room, I feed them most of their meals, I play fun games with them, etc. It's natural that they all sort of became mine regardless of whatever we refer to them as.
For this reason, if I am still living with her when my mom gets her next dog, I am going to try and not do as much with that dog and make sure mom does. I feel really bad sometimes that mom doesn't have a dog that's truly hers anymore, and I think she misses it. The reason I kind of took over Keira and ended up bonding closely with her is because she and my mom's personalities do clash on different levels, and they just frustrated eachother, and life is a lot more peaceful and quiet now that I take care of the things with Keira that caused chaos for her/mom. Keira is a much calmer, less frantic dog to be around. And mom enjoys a Keira who doesn't tremble and screech and run everywhere with excitement over nothing.
Of the dogs who were meant to be mine though, I kind of feel a little possessive over them, haha. That sounds terrible, but it's true. Tango, Dance, Koolie puppy... I don't want other people interfering with them. They are 100% mine and I want them to be more close to me than my mom (or my brother for that matter, but he doesn't have much to do with the dogs by choice). Other people can love them and play with them, but at the end of the day, they are mine.
I feel like I just rambled about nothing, haha. That's what happens when I post before bed. But anyway, I think I will always be the type of person to have "mine" and "yours" and "family" separated dogs. I mean, the whole family regardless enjoys the dogs, but it's just a whole different relationship with a dog that is really and truly "mine" vs. shared. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Everyone I am sure would be more than happy to experience a dog that is mainly theirs. The dog/s still bond with everyone in the family, but there's just an extra special bond with one particular person.
I'm not married nor am I even dating anybody and I do still live with my mom, because financially that makes the most sense and we both like it this way, so I guess it might not be exactly the same sort of situation as it is for people with significant others. But in our home, the dogs all make it clear that they are mine. Keira and I have really bonded within the last year, which makes me feel bad, as she was meant to be mom's always. And I still call her mom's dog, but she now acts just as much mine as Ripley and Dance do. We joke that we share custody of Ripley, but he's pretty well been mine since day one. And Dance was always meant as mine and so is Koolie puppy meant to be mine. And even though the Dobermans weren't necessarily intended that way, I am the one who instills rules and structure for them, I train them, I work with them, they sleep in my room, I feed them most of their meals, I play fun games with them, etc. It's natural that they all sort of became mine regardless of whatever we refer to them as.
For this reason, if I am still living with her when my mom gets her next dog, I am going to try and not do as much with that dog and make sure mom does. I feel really bad sometimes that mom doesn't have a dog that's truly hers anymore, and I think she misses it. The reason I kind of took over Keira and ended up bonding closely with her is because she and my mom's personalities do clash on different levels, and they just frustrated eachother, and life is a lot more peaceful and quiet now that I take care of the things with Keira that caused chaos for her/mom. Keira is a much calmer, less frantic dog to be around. And mom enjoys a Keira who doesn't tremble and screech and run everywhere with excitement over nothing.
Of the dogs who were meant to be mine though, I kind of feel a little possessive over them, haha. That sounds terrible, but it's true. Tango, Dance, Koolie puppy... I don't want other people interfering with them. They are 100% mine and I want them to be more close to me than my mom (or my brother for that matter, but he doesn't have much to do with the dogs by choice). Other people can love them and play with them, but at the end of the day, they are mine.
I feel like I just rambled about nothing, haha. That's what happens when I post before bed. But anyway, I think I will always be the type of person to have "mine" and "yours" and "family" separated dogs. I mean, the whole family regardless enjoys the dogs, but it's just a whole different relationship with a dog that is really and truly "mine" vs. shared. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Everyone I am sure would be more than happy to experience a dog that is mainly theirs. The dog/s still bond with everyone in the family, but there's just an extra special bond with one particular person.
My parents share their dog. My mum feeds and my dad trains (though AJ doesn't get a ton of training right now since he's ancient). When I was a kid we had our own animals, but it was still a family pet. Whoever's animal it was just had poop duty for that animal lol. About the time I started high school I wanted to take over more dog responsibilities, and have MY dog.
Now, my dogs are mine. My mum watches them on occasion and feeds them at noon if I work a long day, but they're 100% MY dogs. I also don't do much responsibility-wise with AJ. I feed him maybe twice a month, take him somewhere on occasion, and play with him on occasion, but he's not mine by any stretch. The cats are SO NOT MINE. AT ALL.
Now, my dogs are mine. My mum watches them on occasion and feeds them at noon if I work a long day, but they're 100% MY dogs. I also don't do much responsibility-wise with AJ. I feed him maybe twice a month, take him somewhere on occasion, and play with him on occasion, but he's not mine by any stretch. The cats are SO NOT MINE. AT ALL.
Chris brought Keena to the relationship, and she would die for him. Which makes sense, as she's his retired service dog 
I brought the hounds, and they are hands down my dogs. They all love both of us (except maybe Rage...) but I get frustrated with Keena not respecting my space like she does Chris', and I KNOW it frustrates him to death he can barely get a "sit" out of Liz & Dais. I feed all 4 usually, I take Rage & Keena running, Chris is home with all of them most of the day so he does the in&out nonsense
I brought the hounds, and they are hands down my dogs. They all love both of us (except maybe Rage...) but I get frustrated with Keena not respecting my space like she does Chris', and I KNOW it frustrates him to death he can barely get a "sit" out of Liz & Dais. I feed all 4 usually, I take Rage & Keena running, Chris is home with all of them most of the day so he does the in&out nonsense 
Technically, they're all "our" dogs, but Ozzy is definitely "his" dog and the other three are definitely "my" dogs. Enzo though could be considered an "our" dog now though, because she will pick and choose who to follow. I provide more fun time going places and training though, so I'd say 66% of the time she hangs with me. Indy and Knox were both acquired as "my" dogs from the jump, though Indy has somewhat turned into a "his" dog. She loves both of us, but she definitely prefers boys (she's a bit of a hussy ) She'll follow either of us around.
Ozzy loves me, a lot, but like someone else said, his world starts and ends with Steven.
Knox pretty much ignores Steven about 99% of the time.
) She'll follow either of us around.Ozzy loves me, a lot, but like someone else said, his world starts and ends with Steven.
Knox pretty much ignores Steven about 99% of the time.
Fudge, Scamp and Aura are mine. They have very little interest in anyone else at all. Which is unfortunate because Fudge and Scamp were got for my sister. She didn't do anything with them after the first week and when Fudge became almost unmanageable I started training him. Then in typical Fudge dramatic style, I became the only one that mattered. Scamp was the same although he does occasionally let my sister love on him. Fudge mainly ignores her.
Aura was always mine from the start. That's good because no one else in the house can stand her lol. She's too loud, too enthusiastic about everything and far too attached to me. She barks in her crate when I leave (her crate got moved recently and she's only just adjusting to it now.) When I tell her to do something she does it as fast as she can and then if I ever dare to say the word "good" towards her she flies at me, bounces off my chest, gets her pat and races round with excitement. I think it's adorable, my parents ... not so much. My sister says she's not trained because she completely ignores her. It really irritates my sister who think the dogs should just do what they're told. The fact she shouts and can get physical with them very quickly really doesn't help her and she knows that to touch my dogs is off limits completely.
Ozzy is nobodies dog, because he was got for my mother. I give him basic care (food, water, let him out) and that is it. He is very attached to my mum though she doesn't have much time for him.
Diesel is a "family" dog. He gets the same deal as Ozzy but he gets more attention because he's more pushy about it plus he's supposedly shared between my mum and sister. I also do some basic training with him because it's important for me that the dogs can stay, down and come. My mums training wasn't working (and still isn't, the day when that dog gets off the sofa the first time he's told will be the end of the world! lol) and I need those behaviours for the dogs outside since our garden isn't dog proof.
Tika and Taz are true family dogs although Tika is more attached to me and Taz is more attached to my dad (ironically since Taz was supposed to be mine and Tika was my dads) but both of them will go with anyone who gives them any sign of affection.
Aura was always mine from the start. That's good because no one else in the house can stand her lol. She's too loud, too enthusiastic about everything and far too attached to me. She barks in her crate when I leave (her crate got moved recently and she's only just adjusting to it now.) When I tell her to do something she does it as fast as she can and then if I ever dare to say the word "good" towards her she flies at me, bounces off my chest, gets her pat and races round with excitement. I think it's adorable, my parents ... not so much. My sister says she's not trained because she completely ignores her. It really irritates my sister who think the dogs should just do what they're told. The fact she shouts and can get physical with them very quickly really doesn't help her and she knows that to touch my dogs is off limits completely.
Ozzy is nobodies dog, because he was got for my mother. I give him basic care (food, water, let him out) and that is it. He is very attached to my mum though she doesn't have much time for him.
Diesel is a "family" dog. He gets the same deal as Ozzy but he gets more attention because he's more pushy about it plus he's supposedly shared between my mum and sister. I also do some basic training with him because it's important for me that the dogs can stay, down and come. My mums training wasn't working (and still isn't, the day when that dog gets off the sofa the first time he's told will be the end of the world! lol) and I need those behaviours for the dogs outside since our garden isn't dog proof.
Tika and Taz are true family dogs although Tika is more attached to me and Taz is more attached to my dad (ironically since Taz was supposed to be mine and Tika was my dads) but both of them will go with anyone who gives them any sign of affection.
I know my future SO will have to deal with my type of dog to an extent. I like really in your face dogs and really need them to train with. Hopefully I find someone that understands that (and maybe likes similar dogs). I just don't want to live in a household where half the house finds the dog obnoxious again. My familys' idea of a good dog is a Rose type- meek and quiet and non destructive and not demanding. An sweet without any kinds of reactivity to worry about.
Mia... doesn't fit that.
Mia... doesn't fit that.
Except our first dog who was clearly my dad's, all the animals in the house were family animals when I was growing up. We all spent time with them and loved them and trained them but they were family pets and my parents were responsible for them.
I got Murphy when I was 21 and when Matt and I got together he was clearly MY dog. In the last couple years (we've been together for five) he's morphed more into a family dog. But I'm still his person - he refuses to come downstairs in the mornings until I get up. And I'm the only one that can handle him when he's in pain. I don't think he trusts anyone else.
Mu was supposed to be Matt's dog (or at least that's how I talked him into getting another dog lol). But she is completely, totally, 100%, my dog. She begs off of Matt because he's an easy mark, but if she's focused on me and Matt (or anyone) tries to get her attention there's no chance. When I leave her with my parents she either follows my mom around looking woeful or searches for me, or goes and finds my stuff so she can lay on it.
Tipper is everyone's dog. She's a total attention *****, I kinda love it. Lol. I think she loves/likes/whateverdogsdo us a lot, but she would have no problem switching houses again.
ETA: I would really like Matt to have his own dog. I know what would be perfect for him - a small cuddly dog that's willing to lay on laps and snuggle for hours. He was in luuuuurve with BackwardCinderella's Bobsie when we met her. Someday I'll make it my mission to find his perfect dog.
I got Murphy when I was 21 and when Matt and I got together he was clearly MY dog. In the last couple years (we've been together for five) he's morphed more into a family dog. But I'm still his person - he refuses to come downstairs in the mornings until I get up. And I'm the only one that can handle him when he's in pain. I don't think he trusts anyone else.
Mu was supposed to be Matt's dog (or at least that's how I talked him into getting another dog lol). But she is completely, totally, 100%, my dog. She begs off of Matt because he's an easy mark, but if she's focused on me and Matt (or anyone) tries to get her attention there's no chance. When I leave her with my parents she either follows my mom around looking woeful or searches for me, or goes and finds my stuff so she can lay on it.
Tipper is everyone's dog. She's a total attention *****, I kinda love it. Lol. I think she loves/likes/whateverdogsdo us a lot, but she would have no problem switching houses again.
ETA: I would really like Matt to have his own dog. I know what would be perfect for him - a small cuddly dog that's willing to lay on laps and snuggle for hours. He was in luuuuurve with BackwardCinderella's Bobsie when we met her. Someday I'll make it my mission to find his perfect dog.
When Mary dog passed away, if I got up and left the room, Pepper and Victor got up, even if they were cuddled with Hyia at the time, I knew it hurt her. Mary was the dog that paid attention and made her feel special. SO when we got the cat for her for CHristmas, I did not pet the cat, look at the cat, brush, feed or in anyway acknowledge him. Hyia gave him all of that and it worked beautifully. He treasures her. I will feed and care for him if Hyia is away, and I will pet him, and shove him off of my head at night, but as soon as she comes in, he drops me like a hot coal which is perfect.
I agree and disagree with this at the same time.
Dogs are friends, but they are also similar to children. Dogs are completely dependant on you, much like children and not like friends. They offer a companionship no human "friend" will ever offer, and that is more like a friend and less like a child. Basically, they have become some sort of hybrid. lol. They have a very real relationship, but it is a mix of needing care and needing companionship.
When you enter a relationship with someone, things at first are very much "mine/yours." As the relationship progress somethings stay "mine/yours" and other things progress into "ours." The thing with "ours" is that this even comes in degrees and something can be more mine and less ours, while still being considered ours.
When it comes to human friends, there are friends that start out as my friend... but then after hanging out together and everyone really getting to know each other progress into an our friend, yet still mostly remain a my friend. I think dogs are very similar.
When it comes to my bf now and my dogs, he is the first person to admit they are my dogs. Yet honestly, they are starting to become slightly our dogs. He helps to care for both dogs when we are around, he has a second set of all dog supplies at his house for when we are there. Walsh loves him, Muffin likes him... but they both choose me over him. lol.
I think in the future as our relationship developed even farther I *might* be ok if he started calling Walsh our dog. Muffin will always be mine though, but Muffin is like my soul mate(and I'm a resource guarder...haha). And I really think I'd be ok with it only because he didn't just come and try to claim a relationship that doesn't exist. He built a relationship with my dogs and he takes an active part in the care associated with my dogs. He knows they will always be more on the my dog scale than the his or even ours, but he worked to have himself included in the relationship.
Dogs are friends, but they are also similar to children. Dogs are completely dependant on you, much like children and not like friends. They offer a companionship no human "friend" will ever offer, and that is more like a friend and less like a child. Basically, they have become some sort of hybrid. lol. They have a very real relationship, but it is a mix of needing care and needing companionship.
When you enter a relationship with someone, things at first are very much "mine/yours." As the relationship progress somethings stay "mine/yours" and other things progress into "ours." The thing with "ours" is that this even comes in degrees and something can be more mine and less ours, while still being considered ours.
When it comes to human friends, there are friends that start out as my friend... but then after hanging out together and everyone really getting to know each other progress into an our friend, yet still mostly remain a my friend. I think dogs are very similar.
When it comes to my bf now and my dogs, he is the first person to admit they are my dogs. Yet honestly, they are starting to become slightly our dogs. He helps to care for both dogs when we are around, he has a second set of all dog supplies at his house for when we are there. Walsh loves him, Muffin likes him... but they both choose me over him. lol.
I think in the future as our relationship developed even farther I *might* be ok if he started calling Walsh our dog. Muffin will always be mine though, but Muffin is like my soul mate(and I'm a resource guarder...haha). And I really think I'd be ok with it only because he didn't just come and try to claim a relationship that doesn't exist. He built a relationship with my dogs and he takes an active part in the care associated with my dogs. He knows they will always be more on the my dog scale than the his or even ours, but he worked to have himself included in the relationship.
That's how I feel. I really do encourage the husband to interact with the girls, but anything disc/agility/possibly training related, I get controlling over. Especially with disc since both girls are just learning and I have a lot of bad habits to undo with Zuma and a lot of good habits to instill on Zinga. There are rules I want followed and I feel bad harping on him about them. That's part of the reason I want him to get his own dog, a dog to interact with and do the things he wants to do without me standing over him regulating what he can/can't do and how he should do it. It frustrates us both, but I do not feel like I can be more lenient with my rules/training processes because I take it very seriously.
DH is very clear that if he weren't married to me, he'd maaaaybe have one low key dog. Because he's married to me, we have 3 crazies, and one "good dog". LOL I do the vast majority of dog care and all the training, but he does play with them and will help with care when I'm super over-committed or out of town.
Ziva I adopted before we were living together, but she's "our" dog really. She loves attention from either of us and listens well for both of us.
Kestrel we adopted the first year we lived together. He loooves DH, but he also loooves me and usually listens better to me. He'd probably still be considered "ours", with a slight preference for me.
Aeri we bought together, but she is totally mine, except for an hour between 10 and 11p when she solicits loving from DH before bed and for a few minutes in the morning on Sundays when she snuggles with him.
Snipe is technically DH's because he lobbied to keep her when she was eventually given to us, but I still do all the training and care LOL. I think she's ended up an "ours" dog, with a slight preference for DH.
Ziva I adopted before we were living together, but she's "our" dog really. She loves attention from either of us and listens well for both of us.
Kestrel we adopted the first year we lived together. He loooves DH, but he also loooves me and usually listens better to me. He'd probably still be considered "ours", with a slight preference for me.
Aeri we bought together, but she is totally mine, except for an hour between 10 and 11p when she solicits loving from DH before bed and for a few minutes in the morning on Sundays when she snuggles with him.
Snipe is technically DH's because he lobbied to keep her when she was eventually given to us, but I still do all the training and care LOL. I think she's ended up an "ours" dog, with a slight preference for DH.
It took me a while to learn to just "let the sleeping dog lie" when it comes to my families dogs. I don't WANT anymore dogs, and I know what all that training does...so with my mom and her dogs (even with her ZERO dog knowledge) I just let her do her thing.
and behold...she has dogs whom adore her and have grown up used to her and her training methods (I use this term loosely because really all she teaches is house manners) and they are FINE WITH IT! Without me in the picture, they adjusted to each other. My mom learned to exercise more because of her dogs needs, and they learned how to communicate with her. (aka: all the dogs understand french :rofl1
She has also learned that I am very particular about the way my dogs are raised. And she got one look at how parents got shafted with pet responsibilities once their kids got bored and decided she would not LIFT A FINGER.
I'm serious. Some may say that living in the same house means everyone shares responsibility but as far as she was concerned, even when I was younger, I wanted a dog..and I could have one. As long as she didn't hear, smell, or have to deal with it.
It sure taught me responsibility pretty quickly lol
So now, it's hand-off when it comes to "others" dogs. We cuddle and play.. but unless she asks, I don't walk, feed, groom, or deal with.
and it works fine.
My BF basically lives in my apartment, but even though we are coming into this puppy thing WITH HIM. He knows it's MY DOG.
because yes... dogs are possessions when you get down to it and I want there to be no confusion in who calls the shots around here lol especially when it comes to training.
and behold...she has dogs whom adore her and have grown up used to her and her training methods (I use this term loosely because really all she teaches is house manners) and they are FINE WITH IT! Without me in the picture, they adjusted to each other. My mom learned to exercise more because of her dogs needs, and they learned how to communicate with her. (aka: all the dogs understand french :rofl1
She has also learned that I am very particular about the way my dogs are raised. And she got one look at how parents got shafted with pet responsibilities once their kids got bored and decided she would not LIFT A FINGER.
I'm serious. Some may say that living in the same house means everyone shares responsibility but as far as she was concerned, even when I was younger, I wanted a dog..and I could have one. As long as she didn't hear, smell, or have to deal with it.
It sure taught me responsibility pretty quickly lol
So now, it's hand-off when it comes to "others" dogs. We cuddle and play.. but unless she asks, I don't walk, feed, groom, or deal with.
and it works fine.
My BF basically lives in my apartment, but even though we are coming into this puppy thing WITH HIM. He knows it's MY DOG.
because yes... dogs are possessions when you get down to it and I want there to be no confusion in who calls the shots around here lol especially when it comes to training.
I just live with my husband, so all of the dogs are "our dogs." Neither one of us came into the relationship with pets, and we picked out each of the dogs together.
We both feed the dogs, take them out, take them for walks/hikes/train/play with them. We have a shared bank account for all of our expenses, so we both pay for the dogs. Sometimes I'll go pick up their food, and sometimes he'll do it. They're all very much shared.
It would be a little different if one of us came into the relationship with a dog, but by now I think they'd be ours as well (we've been together for almost 10 years).
We each do have our own pets, though. I have the sugar gliders, and he has a salt water aquarium. We take care of these on our own, unless there's a reason one of us can't (out of town, sick, etc). I've fed his fish maybe 5 times in the past few years since we've had them. He's fed my suggies once when I was sick.
We both feed the dogs, take them out, take them for walks/hikes/train/play with them. We have a shared bank account for all of our expenses, so we both pay for the dogs. Sometimes I'll go pick up their food, and sometimes he'll do it. They're all very much shared.
It would be a little different if one of us came into the relationship with a dog, but by now I think they'd be ours as well (we've been together for almost 10 years).
We each do have our own pets, though. I have the sugar gliders, and he has a salt water aquarium. We take care of these on our own, unless there's a reason one of us can't (out of town, sick, etc). I've fed his fish maybe 5 times in the past few years since we've had them. He's fed my suggies once when I was sick.
Technically - Abby is mine, Grace is the 'family' dog. However, I spend the most time with both dogs and I do most of the dog stuff. Grace's vet's bills/food are paid for by my parents. However, my parents are very attached to both dogs and have said to me many times that they will take Abby if there is ever the need. They adore her.
I suddenly find myself in the position of potentially leaving town (a couple of great jobs that I've applied for). Grace is just so happy, so dependable, so beautiful - that I find her just joyful. Abby is of course my problem child and I swear Grace helps keep her on the straight and narrow lol. I also think Abby keeps Grace more active than what us humans could ever have done. She going on 12 now and is still like a big puppy and Abby is a perfect playmate for her.
I started to freak out about separating them. I'm not sure if that would be the right thing to do. I did say to mum that I'd love to take Grace with me too and mum said fat chance (rightly so). But then last week, I was chatting about how great it would be that I was closer to my sister and I'd definitely visit a lot on weekends - I'm also going to be an aunty for the first time so there's lots of excitement there - but that it would highly unfair of me to work 5 days a week and then leave Abby for a whole day alone. She'd have to come with me - absolutely fine, arrangements can be made. I confess how worried I was about having her as an only dog and, to be honest, about Grace being the only dog.
Mum basically said that she and dad had been thinking and discussing and that they thought the right thing to do was let me take Grace and Abby and see how it went, but in the event that it didn't work, they would take either or both back. I felt strangely honoured. The idea made me happy but upset at the same time. But the idea of leaving them was really, really upsetting.
Sometimes I think I worry too much, I'm sure they could adapt - whatever course we try and I'm lucky that we can be really flexible. But I really want to do the right thing by them. And separating them may simply not be an option.
I suddenly find myself in the position of potentially leaving town (a couple of great jobs that I've applied for). Grace is just so happy, so dependable, so beautiful - that I find her just joyful. Abby is of course my problem child and I swear Grace helps keep her on the straight and narrow lol. I also think Abby keeps Grace more active than what us humans could ever have done. She going on 12 now and is still like a big puppy and Abby is a perfect playmate for her.
I started to freak out about separating them. I'm not sure if that would be the right thing to do. I did say to mum that I'd love to take Grace with me too and mum said fat chance (rightly so). But then last week, I was chatting about how great it would be that I was closer to my sister and I'd definitely visit a lot on weekends - I'm also going to be an aunty for the first time so there's lots of excitement there - but that it would highly unfair of me to work 5 days a week and then leave Abby for a whole day alone. She'd have to come with me - absolutely fine, arrangements can be made. I confess how worried I was about having her as an only dog and, to be honest, about Grace being the only dog.
Mum basically said that she and dad had been thinking and discussing and that they thought the right thing to do was let me take Grace and Abby and see how it went, but in the event that it didn't work, they would take either or both back. I felt strangely honoured. The idea made me happy but upset at the same time. But the idea of leaving them was really, really upsetting.
Sometimes I think I worry too much, I'm sure they could adapt - whatever course we try and I'm lucky that we can be really flexible. But I really want to do the right thing by them. And separating them may simply not be an option.
interesting question! Traveler was definitely a family dog--she was bonded to each adn every one of us--she grew up with my children and that creates an incredibly bond, IMO> Both the boys were my 'idea"--I was the one who sought them out and wanted to bring them home. But, I'd say Baxter is mine--and Wilson is my husband's. I feed them, generally, but we take them out together--or my husband will take them for a walk/run since I can't let them run the way they want to. If there is a choice--Baxter is most often by my side, and Wilson is most often lounging on/over my husband! LOL!
My human boys also help with the dogs as needed-- but I don't expect much since they did not seek out these dogs, and they are not looking for that responsibility right now.
My human boys also help with the dogs as needed-- but I don't expect much since they did not seek out these dogs, and they are not looking for that responsibility right now.
It's never mattered who the dogs were supposed to belong to in my family, they always ended up being mine.
Even with Charley, although Shiva was definitely his dog, if she was hurt or scared or even just unsure she came to me to be cared for.
Kharma's definitely been all mine from the moment we met -- the reason Charley hated her so much.
Even with Charley, although Shiva was definitely his dog, if she was hurt or scared or even just unsure she came to me to be cared for.
Kharma's definitely been all mine from the moment we met -- the reason Charley hated her so much.