They Are More Like Us Than Not

Nearly two years ago now I adopted my little guy Buddy.
I had lost my Golden Retriever to cancer nine months prior to adopting the little guy. Buster and I had been together for 17 years, and losing him was really painful. He had been a great and loving animal, who was also extremely smart.

I have heard all kinds of estimates on a dog's ability to think/learn. Most people say they can learn about the same things as a two to three year old child. I have found this to be pretty much the case. The other thing I have learned after having had dogs for many years now is just how much like us they are.

People will frequently say a dog doesn't have "human" feelings, and don't try to assign that to them. To the contrary, I have seen dogs get depressed, cry at the loss of a "friend", and grieve the loss of an owner. I have seen them give love and comfort when their master is lonely or upset. These aren't "tricks" but demonstrations of real emotions and feelings.

Once, when I lived in Maryland, I had four dogs. All of them got along well and played together constantly. When one of the dogs was killed following a truck when we were moving, all three of the other dogs stood beside the road and cried mournful howls for several minutes. They realized what had happened and were mourning the loss of their little friend.

I had a German Shepherd once that was a fantastic baby sitter. He would follow my oldest son every where he went and any time anyone approached the child, the dog would step in between and watch to see the person's intent. Once when another child was bullying my son, the dog knocked the other boy down and stood over him nose to nose until I told him to stop. He didn't injure the other child, he just protected his master's son.

My daughter and I talked yesterday about a movie which was made about Hachikō, an Akita from Tokyo who showed an incredible loyalty to his master. If you want a story that will tug at your heart and make you understand just how faithful and loyal a dog can really be, you must see this movie.

Dogs can develop many of the same illnesses and problems that people do. Recently, my little Boston Terrier Buddy has developed some serious allergies. He is allergic to grass, and keeping him from rolling in it when he occasionally goes out is a challenge. He gets a runny nose, red eyes and his skin gets red and rough. I give him antihistamines prescribed by the vet when this happens. I have done some additional research and found that dogs can even be allergic to poultry. That was a surprise. Many dogs are allergic to wheat.

If your dog exhibits excessive licking of paws, chewing at his feet, runny nose, or other symptom you think might indicate allergy, you need a quick trip to the vet for treatment. These allergies can sometimes cause serious infections. If you love your pet, please care for him just as you would any other member of your family.
They will return your love and give you more in return than you can imagine.

They are like us in so many ways. They can't talk, but believe me they can communicate. They can love and feel pain. They can be sick and tired. I love my new little companion Buddy, and he loves me. I hope he is around for many years, and I plan to take really good care of him to insure that is true.

Let me hear from you about your wonderful pets. I would love to know your stories.

My Buddy Has Allergies

I have always been aware that dogs can have many of the same health issues as humans. Therefore, it shouldn't have come as a surprise when my little Boston Terrier, Buddy, presented with severe allergy symptoms. His nose was runny, his eyes were runny and reddened, and other sensitive little parts of his body were red and swollen...sigh.

So, off to the Vet we go. Buddy as it turns out is allergic to GRASS! I don't know if it is just our particular grass, Tift Bermuda, or any and all grass. When he goes outside to go potty, Buddy usually just makes a quick trip around the yard and does his business and comes right back in. Two days ago, however, he decided to have a rollicking roll in the grass...and apparently that was the beginning of the problem.

After a cortisone shot, some antibiotics for the most irritated areas on his little body and some allergy cream, and a prescription for antihistamines, Buddy is feeling much better. Buddy, by the way, is the "PERFECT" dog. He is quiet. Buddy never barks and if he occasionally does, it sounds more like a cough than a bark. He doesn't whine to get out of his crate. He was crate trained in ONE night! So, if dealing with allergies is the only problem we have, we will deal with allergies.

Please remember that if you take the move to get an animal, make sure you give them the same care you would a family member. They deserve to have the best food, their annual shots, regular visits to the vet and all the love you can shower on them. In return, they will love you unconditionally and faithfully. It has been proven that having a pet can lower your blood pressure and generally cause you to have better health! Just make sure you have the time and resources to give them what they need too!

Additionally, you may want to consider pet insurance. Those vet bills can get a little steep if your pet develops a serious problem. There are also "credit cards" which can be used to pay for a large expense which will make it possible for you to spread the cost over a length of time. I actually have CARE CREDIT, and it is a card which has no interest if you pay the amount back within a six month period.

I have always had animals, and I have always enjoyed them. Just like people, they have their quirks and own personalities, so be careful to choose a dog that will match your family's needs! Enjoy!