Can you love your Pooch too much?
I've surely been accused of that.
My miniature poodle Velvet is 6 years old and the love of my life, well after my husband.
She brings me so much joy from the time I wake in the morning, till I turn in at night. I never knew a dog could bring you so much joy.
Truth be told, I was afraid of dogs most of my life. At seven years old, I watched my little sister being mauled by a rabid German Shepard, which traumatized me for years. I didn't get over the fear until I decided to face my problem in a story we did about nine years ago on phobias and how therapy could cure them.
I got Velvet shortly afterward and have been in love ever since. I must say I do spoil her. She can become the center of my world at times. My husband doesn't like that she follows be around the house non-stop. She likes being near me, getting up whenever I do. She has a fit when I leave for work, spinning around in one spot, frantically displaying her unhappiness at my departure.
Before I got married it was just the two of us and I'm sure Velvet got used to the world revolving around her. When Rodney arrived I thought the battle lines would be drawn, Velvet barked at him every time he moved. Now, she loves playing with him.
I asked the question; Can your love your Pooch too much because a while back, I was crying at work sometimes uncontrollably for a few minutes because Velvet was ill and in the veterinary hospital and a couple of people said: She's a dog Romona. I responded by saying No, she's my baby, part of my family. Don't people understand our pets are more than "just animals" they are family members, or am I the one who's losing a grip?
Let me know what you think with your comments below. Can we get too close to our pets? Also share photos of your special family member at wkyc.com.
My miniature poodle Velvet is 6 years old and the love of my life, well after my husband.
She brings me so much joy from the time I wake in the morning, till I turn in at night. I never knew a dog could bring you so much joy.
Truth be told, I was afraid of dogs most of my life. At seven years old, I watched my little sister being mauled by a rabid German Shepard, which traumatized me for years. I didn't get over the fear until I decided to face my problem in a story we did about nine years ago on phobias and how therapy could cure them.
I got Velvet shortly afterward and have been in love ever since. I must say I do spoil her. She can become the center of my world at times. My husband doesn't like that she follows be around the house non-stop. She likes being near me, getting up whenever I do. She has a fit when I leave for work, spinning around in one spot, frantically displaying her unhappiness at my departure.
Before I got married it was just the two of us and I'm sure Velvet got used to the world revolving around her. When Rodney arrived I thought the battle lines would be drawn, Velvet barked at him every time he moved. Now, she loves playing with him.
I asked the question; Can your love your Pooch too much because a while back, I was crying at work sometimes uncontrollably for a few minutes because Velvet was ill and in the veterinary hospital and a couple of people said: She's a dog Romona. I responded by saying No, she's my baby, part of my family. Don't people understand our pets are more than "just animals" they are family members, or am I the one who's losing a grip?
Let me know what you think with your comments below. Can we get too close to our pets? Also share photos of your special family member at wkyc.com.
Labels: pets
posted by Romona at
10:00 PM
26 Comments:
Any true animal lover will say "No, you can never love too much.....dogs and cats give us their love and never expect anything in return.....hard to find a human these days with that qualification....and you don't have to talk politics with them or explain why you are eating ice cream directly out of the carton....they acept you unconditionally......you know dog spelled backwards is GOD.... need I say more.
Maggoe Fuller of Willoughbly
Ramona--our 2 dogs are our "furkids," also, so, no, I don't think you can love them too much! As long as the dog owner realizes the dog is a dog, not a person, it's OK in my book. I know our pets aren't human, but they need love and attention just as much as people do!
Cherie
My dog's name is Molly and she brings me and my family so much joy and we love her to death. I got her from a little paws rescue group so I don't know how old she is but I cherish everyday with her. I believe that having a pet to love is a gift from above. If your pet warms your heart that much, you should enjoy it as much as possible. Besides, can you really love a living thing "too much?" I think not! Save a shelter animal-they make the BEST pets!
I'm glad you were able to work out your trauma/fear of dogs.
I had a beautiful cocker spaniel for many years, and the unconditional love animals give is so valuable - and by caring for & about an animal, people learn to be more understanding and patient.
My boyfriend treats his dog like an actual "daughter" (which I totally understand) - and now that her life is starting to show signs of winding down (she's 15 years old), I can see that he is anxious about the eventual loss of her.
I've seen from personal experience how caring for a pet can give people a focus on life, helping to relive depression and other health conditions.
There's a phrase I'll leave you with:
"I strive to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am"
I agree that our pets become become part of our family. I have had my dog for almost 4 years and can't imagine my life without him. The thought of him not being around is very upsetting to me. People laugh and say I treat him like a baby and I respond by simply saying "whatever, he's my son". They can be so great to have around.:)
Hey Guys,
Thank you so much for reading by blog and responding.
Its always nice to hear from pet owners who understand the love of animals.
Besides children,its one of the toughest stories for me to read about on the news...the abuse of an animal. They give so much and deserve our love and care in return.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts, but where are you pictures!!!!
I love my dogs sometimes more than my kids. Don't get me wrong I love my kids, but sometimes they wear me out and wear me down. But not my dogs! I have three beautiful dogs that are always happy to see me, lick my face, and keep me laughing. I spoil them and so does my husband. My youngest started high school this year and I was feeling like I needed a baby in the house so I got a puppy in the Spring. He keeps us on our toes, but loves us and is loved back every minute of every day.
My dogs are there for me when everyone else seems to have disappeared. My husband travels a lot and I spend a lot of time alone. But never really alone, my pets are always there.
You can never love something too much that never stops loving you back!
I totally agree and feel exactly as you do.
My husband doesn't allow Velvet in the bedroom when he's home ...so when he's away she know she can jump on the bed...I swear she know exactly what I'm thinking...he's gone now we can play and she can jump on the bed until her hearts content!!!
I teach in the inner city and I see so many dogs and cats that suffer because of stupid humans...Leaving them out during weather extremes just hurts me so badly. I have been known to accidentaly pick up one of these dogs and find them good homes..That is our secret....ha ha
Its people like you who are heroes to animals who can't fend for themselves.
I tried watching that animal cop show, but couldn't, I would get so angry at how the animals were abused.
How so people treat animals is just unbelievable.
Thanks for posting.
Ramona, We just added our 5th rescue dog to our family. I NEVER dreamed of having 5 dogs, but I was smart enough to have only 1 child!. My husband knows he is at least #6 in the house, but if you put my 2 beautiful grand daughters in line, he's lucky to be #8 (and he accepts that). I'm lucky that way. All my dogs are loved equally and each one of them has their very own personality. You should share your love and get more. I'm sure Rodney will step aside (maybe get him a male dog so they can bond. Love to you and all 4 legged creatures.
Cindy - Madison
Hi Cindy,
You are forunate to be able to have more than one. I've been trying to convince the hubby to get another, but he's been pretty resistant.
He did like the male dog that we kept for his sister a few months back.
I'm gonna try using the "male dog" approach!
You cannot trust a person that hates animals.I recently lost my mom and my pug was the most comforting presence during that difficult time.People,not knowing the right thing to do or say (there is nothing)only make you more upset. My buddy,just licked the tears off my face and in a silly playful way made me laugh!OR he sat next to me with his paw on my knee just staring at me knowing I was in pain.No words were necessary. I found I couldn't wait to get home where I would feel better,no judgement,no attitude just a calm sweet guy waiting...I couldn't love him more.
There is no such thing as loving a pet too much. Now there is such a thing as not loving a pet enough. Just look at all those who abuse pets, either physically or just be neglect. I have a Puggle and a mix, lab/pit bull. They are my life. They have the same emotions as humans. Jealousy, anger, fear, and joy. Just ask my two dogs. Every owner has his/her way of showing their love. I work so I give quality time with Pugs and Roxie. Walks, playing, and just snuggling.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks so much for your comments. Velvet is so spoiled, I wonder how she will react to a new housemate.
I want another badly, I've just got to convince my husband!
Ramona, we lost our 10 1/2 year old Shih Poo Muffin on Christmas Eve morning to cancer. We all loved her so much and treated her like the little Queen that she was. We spent thousands of dollars treating her and having surgery at OSU Vet. Hospital in Columbus. We visited her after her surgery driving back and forth to Columbus 3 times til we brought her home. She had the best life a little girl could have in this world. To help ease the pain of knowing we would lose her we got another little girl this one is a Maltese Shih Tzu her name is Bella Mia and is a little over 1 year old boy does she have us all wrapped tight around her little paw. She certainly helped ease the pain of losing Muffin but she is her own personality. So, I certainly understand stand how you feel. Thanks for letting me share a little bit about our babies.
Marsha of Highland Hts.
I cannot see how. Look at this face. She depends on you for everything:
love, food, water, a play toy, a new squeeker, a daily ride in the car just
to bark at everyone, a lap to sleep on, a side to sleep by, a secure arm to
hold her when she is afraid of the thunder.
I love my Saydee Marie. She has my heart and my love. She gives me
unconditional love. When I am sad and crying, she gladly licks my tears
away. I find myself trying to leave a few minutes early from work to try
and get home to her.
No, you cannot love them too much.
Tina Marie
Hi Tina,
Saydee Marie is beautiful!
They do have a way of instantly making you feel better when you're down.
I know exactly what you mean about being so close to your pet. I have had my cat, Cutie, for 5 years. She was given to me by my nurse when I was alone at the time and recovering from a long hospital stay. She is so much fun and company for me when I am alone. I don't even want to think about being without her.
Hi Ruth,
I know what its like having that little one around that is so loyal.
They just have a way of making us feel so needed and appreciated.
Thanks for sharing.
loving your pet too much, yeah i say some people do. my boyfriend dont go out, we dont sleep in the same bed he wants the dogs, we havent had relations in over 6 months now. So i guess from what i read is that partners dont count as long as you build your relationship with your animal
Now come on! Aren't you kidding?
I don't want to get in your business, but sounds like you and your friend should have a long talk.
Ramona, Velvet is beautiful and so lucky to have you in her life! And, in answer to your question, no, I do not think that you can love your dog, or any other animal, too much. We have domesticated these animals and they are dependent on us to care for them. They give us so much for so little in return. They don't care how big your house is, or how expensive your car is, they are just happy when we are willing to give them a kind word and a gentle scratch behind the ears. These are sentient beings, with intelligence and emotions, and they deserve our love and respect. I feel sorry for those who don't allow these animals into their lives, I feel like they are missing out on an incredible experience. I understand your anxiety over Velvet having to stay at the veterinary hospital. I've been there, and we lost two of our three dogs this year, one at the end of February and one just a week ago. Losing a dog is one of the hardest things to deal with, it just tears your heart apart. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by others who understand and have experienced an outpouring of sympathetic and support. But, I know what you mean, there are many who would say "It's just a dog." Like I said, I feel sorry for them, because they are the ones who have not experienced this incredible, unconditional love.
All my best to you,
Rachel Simpson of Chesterland
Hi Rachel,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
It pains me to think of losing my Velvet.
It's so nice to hear from people who understand the love of a pet.
You can get upset with them one minute and its forgotten. They just so want to give you affection and get it in return.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Miss Romona, this is Brooke from Mt. Zion. I just came across your blog!!! But when I seen this one I had to respond even though it was such a long time ago. I have such a phobia of dogs. My parents have begged me for years to go to therapy for my fear, but I just haven’t. I often get so upset with myself because I don’t understand why I am so deathly afraid of dogs. Unlike you, I haven’t witnessed anything horrible or been attacked. I’m just scared for no reason. I have broken the cardinal rule, about not running from dogs so many times. As a child there were multiple occasions when I ran from dogs and almost got hit by cars. I have so many horror stories about dogs that I can’t begin to tell them all. One day I do want children and I refuse to pass this fear to them, so I have to figure out a way to get past this. My family has tried everything to break me, even buying me a puppy when I was about 12 yrs old because in their mines there was no way I could be afraid of a little puppy, BOY WERE THEY WRONG!! I am 27 yrs old and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t break out in a nervous sweat from just hearing the bark of a dog. So, I say all that to say, it is hard for me to understand how people love their pets so much, but I can understand how they could become part of your family. I guess if you never have that connection with an animal it’s hard to understand how people treat their pets like their own children. Maybe you can let me know how you broke your fear of dogs.
Hi Brooke,
I totally understand where you're coming from. That same sweaty palms, can't breathe if a dog was in my sight, but take it from me you can overcome the fear.
I had a therapist because we were doing a story....I know I never would have sought therapy if it wasn't for that.
What I did learn that might help you...he said to find a neighbor or a friend who had a very gentle dog and gradually work your way told him. Have them hold the dogs leash, so it doesn't make any quick movements toward you and you pet him when you're ready. I used my producer's dog and it worked!
Good luck to you and Happy Holidays!
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