Dogs

Owning and caring for a dog must be an inherited trait. My oldest daughter has a crazy little dog who was the attention seeker for years before her three daughters became dog owners this year. Fritz ruled the home with his loud barking and greetings whenever anyone entered the home. As of late this little bundle of energy has calmed down somewhat and is better behaved. Fritz did fill an empty space in this home when the three daughters moved out on their own.

The first daughter to become a dog owner bought a springer spaniel and named her Luna. A dog who loves the water and has taught a sense of responsibility to her owners is calmer than Fritz and gets along well with sharing the limelight. As this daughter is planning marriage in the near future this will be a good lesson in just how challenging it will be when and if they become parents. Today with the cost of raising a pet dog and the care involved it almost mirrors the raising of a child. Luna has given her masters hours of attention and joy but has caused the owners to realize the responsibility of ownership in caring for Luna in a proper manner.

The next daughter to become a dog owner chose a small, very young breed that she could take to work and care for in her third floor condo. She named this eight week old beauty Runyon. On a visit to our home this little fellow entertained us for hours. Cute, demandingm and open to years of training and love from his owner this dog is lucky to have a dedicated master. I have observed just how this young lady studied her responsibility and will provide proper training to make this shared relationship a happy one.

The youngest of the three daughters to become a pet dog owner has taken a different route to ownership. Instead of purchasing an animal she has begun to foster a guide dog. Since this young lady is a student at university this large Black Lab will be with her constantly. Part of the training involves strict social behaviours on behalf of the dog and owner. Both will learn and grow together and by the time the dog is to return for final training I am sure that they will be able to make a decision on ownership. This contract is a very responsible undertaking on behalf of this second year student and I am proud she has accepted this responsibility.

Runyon

Buck

You can just imagine what the scene will be on Christmas morning with the four dogs and nearly twenty people all seeking attention. I am sure that the joys received in dog ownership will be just as rewarding as the other gifts they receive on that special day.