Comments on: What Does Your Dog Tell People About You?

By: one person's view

one person's view — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:52:23 +0000

While sitting at the vet one day, waiting our turn, I saw a dude at the counter waiting for his dog. He was tall and dressed in gangsta rap clothing– really looked like someone who you’d cross the street to avoid. I was sure some menacing bully breed would come out that door. Instead, the groomer came out and handed him– a fluffy little bichon. I almost died. Talk about a mismatch!

My own dog was an accident. He was on Petfinder for six months before we gave up and kept him. He’s still anxious, too big, and sheds too much. And I wouldn’t trade him now, two years later, for anything. But my next dog will be small, female, and non-shedding.

By: melF

melF — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:51:30 +0000

In reply to Jen. Funny Jen. I would think exactly the opposite of most people. I love Dobermans. My cousins had them while I was growing up and found them to be not only smart, but very sweet dogs. I'm usually the one going towards one, now away from one. :)

By: melF

melF — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:46:29 +0000

In reply to Pamela. Thanks for the shout out and kind words Pamela. I kind of have a soft spot for the damaged ones. Even at the shelter I was always attracted to the lost causes. I think it's called "see their potential". :)

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:14:16 +0000

We always joke that our dog is just like us. She will run up to say hello to someone but then step sideways when they try to pet her and she doesn’t like big crowds. She’s friendly and outgoing, but likes her space 😉 She is relaxed and easy going around the house, but always ready for fun!

I don’t remember thinking much about the breed when we got Cali, but I have thought about it LOTS since. We have fostered and love Goldens, and I have always wanted a Bernese Mtn. Dog. I guess I love big goofy loveable dogs – not sure what that says about me!!

By: KellyK

KellyK — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:11:42 +0000

I think adopting a dog and getting a dog from a responsible breeder are both good choices. My dog is extremely shy, and I wish I could’ve had her early puppyhood to socialize her and get her comfortable with new things and new situations (we got her at four months old). I don’t think her previous owners were neglectful or abusive, but they did have six kids, and they surrendered her because they didn’t have time for a puppy, so I’m sure she wasn’t socialized all that well. I wouldn’t trade her for the world, but I totally understand the desire to stack the deck, and it’s not wrong. People who breed dogs responsibly are trying to maintain and improve the breed, and generally not turning a profit. (I have a blog crush on Joanna at Ruffly Speaking, who breeds cardigans and fosters rescue dogs.)

What does my dog say about me? That’s a good question. She’s a sweet, goofy, very cuddly and affectionate shar-pei mix (my guess is shar-pei/pit, but who knows).

I hope what she says about me is that I’m nurturing and caring…someone who wants a snuggly love dog and who is willing to put in the time and effort to help a shy, nervous dog get more comfortable with her world. Another thing I hope she says about me is that I don’t judge a book by its cover and when I’m confronted with issues, I do my homework. The first time someone guessed “pit bull” as part of Diamond’s mix, my instant thought was, no she’s not. No way, can’t be. And then I realized that I knew very little about pit bulls beyond media hype, and educated myself.

By: Aleksandra

Aleksandra — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:59:57 +0000

I felt a little shiver when I read this, as though you were writing about me. We are the bully-breed types. We love them above all others and almost have a hard time understanding why anybody would want a different dog. Not really, but very nearly almost. For me, you hit the nail on the head — I like challenging assumptions and proving that things area not always as they seem. I also love the underdog — whether that dog happens to be a dog, a person, or something else entirely. Show me the most misunderstood, the most forsaken, the most discarded, and I will show you my unending love.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:40:11 +0000

Um, well…let’s see… Hmm… (That’s a lot of deep thought in that post.)

So my first dog was a shy young adult Basset/lab X rescue. I immediately wanted her because she was “hiding” in the back of her kennel and everyone else was ignoring her. I totally went to bat for the “shy” girl. Didn’t really care what anyone thought of me; I just had to save that dog. The fact that she was such an “odd” looking dog (black lab with basset legs) was a bonus.
Okay, so after 15 years with dear Molly, we were ready to get a dog who was going to be more predictable in temperament and who would thrive in our home. It’s a looong story, but I’m certain I was meant to have a Cardigan Corgi (quirky shepherd/dachsund X-looking dog with LARGE personality). Oh, and they attract lots of attention wherever we go… and I could talk about them all day to a stranger (I am obviously an introverted ham, aka: odd). Oh, and I chose the puppy with the “very serious” (according to AKC) cosmetic fault (Jon Farleigh – long hair) because he was wonderful (but also deep down, I wanted to rub him in the faces of those who believe fluffs are defective).

I guess all of this might say a thing or two about me. 🙂 Some psychology student should do a thesis on this subject; maybe there’s some underlying therapeutic benefit. 🙂

By: Pibble

Pibble — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:52:31 +0000

Oh, I shudder to think what my dogs would say about me! I thought human:dog relationships were akin to a relationship with a psychiatrist?! No telling on mommy, kids… 🙂

By: Michelle & Toby @ My Tail Hurts

Michelle & Toby @ My Tail Hurts — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 04:15:09 +0000

Well, if Toby is like my bumper sticker, people would think I’m super friendly and affectionate, but freak out in large crowds, unless I’m getting all the attention. Not totally accurate.

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 04:10:59 +0000

Great question Pamela. Other than the fact we have 6 dogs and most think we are crazy, I am a very shy, nervous introvert and my dogs are the exact opposite. I think they show a ruthless lack of fear I would like to have and they are all a bunch of proud bad asses. 🙂 If people saw me with my dogs they would probably think that I am outrageously confident and secure in myself and would be surprised to know different. But since I avoid people at most cost, nobody really sees me with my dogs and I just try to connect with that inner strength they have that helps me feel secure with myself.

So does that mean I have an inner bad ass inside of me trying to come out?? BOL!!