I have always been an animal lover. When I was little I owned numerous cats, but always wanted a dog. I remember my uncle owned an old yellow Labrador called Kim, who unfortunately got hit by a car and lost one of his legs. Afterwards Kim happily got around on his remaining three legs. I knew one day I would own a dog of my own, because these days there is so much evidence why owning a dog is good for you.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
—Josh Billings
Our daughter with our Choc Lab puppy – Jack
It’s true, dogs give you unconditional love and never really ask for much in return. They are incredibly patient, perceptive and personable. Every dog that I have owned has possessed its own unique personality and funny little quirks. There are hundreds of dog breeds with different temperaments to suit everyone. From feisty pint-sized Chihuahuas to the gentle giants – the Great Danes.
When it came to selecting a dog breed, I was never going to choose anything but a Labrador Retriever. Labradors are an extraordinary dog and are known for their outgoing, gentle and even-tempered traits that they all seem to possess. They are also very intelligent dogs and are easy to train as guide and aid dogs.
Over the past 28 years we have owned four Labradors, one in each colour: yellow, chocolate and two blacks. They have all been beautiful dogs that we as a family have adored, so much so that when we lost our dear old girl Jada, we were all distraught for weeks.
Our two girls aged 12 years and 12 weeks
There are many more advantages to owning a dog, than just companionship. Here are ten very good reasons to get yourself a dog:
Our dog Jada travelled all the way around Australia with us.
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”
—Charles de Gaulle“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
—Dean Koontz“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
—Will Rogers
Owning a dog makes you exercise more
Our latest addition to the family, Stella is only 15 months old but has already firmly placed herself in our hearts. She is an extremely placid and easy-going dog with a beautiful black glossy coat and adoring brown eyes. We find as empty-nesters that she fills the void in our lives nicely, (and she never asks for anything or answers back!)
Are you a dog owner? What do you think is the main advantage to having a dog as a pet?
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset. The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
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Jo Tracey
July 20, 2017I love that quote about being the person your dog thinks you are. Our dog is my constant companion – she’s by my side every minute of the day now that I work from home – & I wouldn’t have it any other way. #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
July 20, 2017Same here Jo. My puppy lies right under my feet at my desk. She’s almost always with us. My kids call her my substitute child! I wouldn’t have it any other way. :) #TeamLovinLife
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
July 20, 2017I know my husband would love a dog Kathy but downsizing to an apartment and travelling makes him hesitant. Dogs are such faithful animals and I know my grandson has a best friend in his little miniature schnauzer they play so well together. Where my MIL in an aged care facility, Bella the labrador visits the residents each week and brings them such joy. #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
July 20, 2017Yes I’ve heard of dogs visiting the elderly in homes and it’s something I would like to do with my puppy once she gets a bit older. She is the ultimate social butterfly and loves to give anyone a cuddle and lick. They are such loyal companions. :) #TeamLovinLife
Deborah
July 20, 2017I grew up with a dog so can very much relate to this, but my family was the sort who viewed our dog as a pet rather than a member of the family. I know people nowadays are quite different.
I couldn’t have a dog now…. well if I got a fence I could, but I wouldn’t want one. I’ve thought about getting a cat but then I’d be living that cliched ‘single cat lady’ thing and I don’t want to do that.
Kathy
July 20, 2017Yes my family did too Deb. People do tend to treat their dogs like children these days. We still like reinforce to our puppy that we are the bosses and don’t allow here too many liberties. She still sleeps out in the garage in her own comfy bed and she is not allowed on our furniture. I think dogs are excellent company but you do need a fenced yard. #TeamLovinLife
Min@WriteoftheMiddle
July 20, 2017Oh I LOVE those quotes! As you know I have a dog. For many years I’ve had two dogs. We lost our Chelsea who was aged 16 last May and have decided to stick with one dog for now. For many years now I have chosen the breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Before then though, my first dog as a married person was a little Maltese boy called ‘Shaddi’. I was absolutely devastated when he was 10 and I lost him. Moving on to the CKCS – I started with a black and tan boy named Colby (deceased), then I got Chelsea (tri-colour) to keep him company when I returned to work post babies. WHen Colby died Chelsea was depressed … so we got Ava (a ruby) who is now our one and only and she will be 5 in September. I could not imagine life without a dog. I’m quite a nurturing, maternal type and I need to ‘love’ something … especially since the kids are all grown. I love my Ava to bits! Right now I’m really missing her because she is at the dog groomers! #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
July 20, 2017Aren’t the quotes the best? Yes I’m with you all the way Min. I think once you find a breed that suits you then generally you stick that one breed. I do like CKCS dogs too. My friend just got a little CKCS puppy named Gidget and she is a ruby like Ava. She lost her husband from cancer last year so the little dog will be great company for her. We love our new little girl Stella and she has settled into our family perfectly. :) #TeamLovinLife
jodie filogomo
July 20, 2017I couldn’t agree more with this Kathy!! Even though we only have 2 cats right now, part of the pet thing is the love and caring that you give each other!! There is nothing like it!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
July 20, 2017Yes I think we all need something in our lives to love and nurture, whether it be human or a domestic pet. I’m more of a dog person but I don’t dislike cats. Everyone where I live seems to have a dog right now. They must be in trend! :) #TeamLovinLife
Vanessa
July 20, 2017I love the Charles de Gaulle quote :)
And I sure am a dog owner! I have a 10 year old Husky x Border Collie who needs a bath right now, but it’s too cold!!
Kathy
July 20, 2017Yes that one is priceless. I could imagine a Husky x Border Collie would have a lot of coat to deal with. They are both lovely breeds though. :) #TeamLovinLife
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
July 20, 2017We always had a dog from my husband’s in our pre-dating days through until a couple of years ago when our jack russell cross died of old age. We’re not sure if we’ll do the dog thing again because they are so much more dependent on us than our cats are. We can take off for a week or more and leave the cats at home with a visit from the neighbour. With a dog we need someone to dog-sit (even if it’s only overnight). Things may change in the next decade and you reminded me of the reasons we loved our prev dogs so much.
Kathy
July 20, 2017Yes dogs can tie you down, but we try to take ours with us mostly. We intend to caravan with her next year for maybe 3 months. We either get our son or a housesitter in to look after our dog when we go away on overseas holidays. I couldn’t be without a dog – they are such great company. :) #TeamLovinLife
Jan Wild
July 20, 2017I’m so pleased to read this Kathy because I was a bit horrified recently by some media coverage suggesting that having a pet is too expensive. I knew instinctively that on a cost benefit analysis that would not be true.
I think it’s great to see more and more nursing homes including a dog on the premises, such comforting creatures. We don’t have one and we have had many a discussion about to do or not to do. We are both dog lovers but it just doesn’t feel right for us in our current situation. Hopefully there might be a Groodle in our future x
Kathy
July 20, 2017I hope so too Jan! I love the idea of dogs for comforting people in nursing homes. It is something I might like to do when our girl is a bit older. She is such a sweetie and she showers everyone with affection and licks! It costs us about $20 a week plus Vet fees which all going well only totals about $200 a year. #TeamLovinLife
Life Images by Jill
July 20, 2017I know there are many benefits of owning a dog. But I’ve never been a dog person. We didn’t ever have a dog when I was a child, so I am a little wary of them – afraid even. And I hate it when they jump up or lick. However my husband’s family always had dogs. We had a dog, a Labrador, when our children were young. He was a great family pet, and a friend especially to our younger son after his elder brother started school.
Kathy
July 20, 2017I think you are either a dog person or not. I can understand that some people hate the jumping up and licking. Labradors are really the best family pets. They are so loving and easy-going. #TeamLovinLife
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
July 22, 2017Ah yes, We love our doggies. Most of the time. They do make me get out and about even in the winter! They DEMAND their daily walks. #teamlovinlife
Kathy
July 22, 2017That is the best thing about owning a dog. They make you get out of bed each morning to take them (and you) for a walk, rain, hail or shine. We love our little girl. She’s so loving. #TeamLovinLife
Pinky Poinker
July 22, 2017A truly excellent post, Kathy.
Kathy
July 22, 2017Thanks Michelle. I know how much you adore doggies! #TeamLovinLife
Lyndall @ SeizeThe Day Project
July 22, 2017You’re preaching to the converted here Kathy! We love our gorgeous Golden Retriever. Life wouldn’t be the same without her. Actually, she just came up to say hello to me while I was reading your post! #Ilovedogs #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
July 22, 2017They really do give a lot of love and don’t ask for much in return. My girl sits under my feet at my desk for a big part of the day. I can’t imagine life without a dog. #TeamLovinLife
Janet Camilleri aka Middle Aged Mama
July 22, 2017I have never owned a dog. If I was to get one, I think I would go for something smaller, more or a lap dog, like Maltese or similar.
Kathy
July 22, 2017Oh yes Maltese dogs are so cute. I know you love your cats. I think you’re either a dog or cat person, but some people I know have both. #TeamLovinLife