Control

I can't help thinking back on my post about having control of the big Mastiff. I know a lot of people think pets are pets, that they don't matter. What do pets think?

A lot of reading, vet talks and other great sources of information have told me that when the dog thinks of you as its leader, you're family. We tend to think of pets as toys, dressing them up and flaunting them. To them, we're one of the most important things in their world.

Having control of that Mastiff doesn't just mean he listens to me. It means that I listen to him. I have to listen to when he's making noise, listen to his body language, and I have to care. I say 'have to', as it's my firm belief that we should provide our pets with more love and care than we are physically capable of.

That doesn't mean going out and buying toys, snacks, all that nonsense. My dogs don't need that. What they need is for me to be there, for me to acknowledge them, and to make sure they have food, water, shelter.

It's great, being in control of one hundred and fifty pounds of muscle. Do you know what's better? Seeing the affection in that one hundred and fifty pounds eyes, when I tell him he's good, or when I give him a hug or a pat.

Do you know what's the best? Proving to the newest addition, a dapple mini daschund, that I'm the boss.

But the bestest best thing in the entire world, was wrestling with him on the ground. It was when I leaned over him on my hands and knees, and he rolled over to willingly, trustingly give me his neck and underbelly. It was feeling his tail wag, it was knowing that he knew I would never ever hurt him or let him go without.

Being the boss in great and all, and I like being able to bring control to my pets. What I like more than that, is how when I tell them to stay, they do. And then I can give them cuddles.

As I'm writing this, a previously untrained dapple dasch is stretched out against my side. He wants to go and play, but I'm tired from chasing him around, wrestling, etc. He's listened to my command - really all I have to do is say his name and he settles - and he's okay with that.

What's most important to me, is that I know his favorite place to be is between my leg, and the arm of the couch.

I remember someone saying recently, that a dog should never have to protect its master. As its superior, its "alpha", we should protect them. Seeing this dapple here, wedged between my body and the couch, I know it's true.

They look to us for guidance, for love, and if we give it to them, they're the most loyal companions in life. The dog doesn't care how much money you make, how much you weigh, or if one ear is bigger than the other.

A dog only cares that you're both safe, that you're both warm, that both your bellies are full,and that, at the end of the day...you're together.

Vet bills and upkeep costs aside, it doesn't take much to keep a dog happy. A sleeping dog is a happy dog, as the saying goes.

That being said, please, don't get a dog if you can't afford it or have the time for it. I know that seems like I'm contradicting my above statements, but nothing can live on love alone, no matter how strong that love is. Think wisely, act wisely, and if you aren't certain, do what your instinct tells you, not your heart.

Because you heart may think that puppy at the shelter looks so cute, but if you end up being unable to keep it...well, that's on you too.