Last week, I asked people of all ages, from all over the country and of all different industries, to explain just one small reason why they have a dog. I had so much fun reading the replies. The stories are funny, touching, poignant, and everything in between. Here are all the answers in no particular order (starting with my own). A cats version of this post is coming soon. Enjoy!
- The only thing Mr. Blue likes more than sleeping on the couch is sleeping on the couch with mom or dad!
1. My dog has come to know that if the couch isn’t covered with a sheet, he is to find somewhere else to sleep. One Sunday, I spent most of the day working on the computer while doing the laundry, so the couch cover was being washed. He had been laying on the floor while I worked.
Eventually, my dog got up and stared at the couch, hoping for a softer napping spot. I found something to cover the couch with and invited him up while still standing next to the computer. He didn’t accept the invitation to lay there alone. It wasn’t until I decided to take a break from the computer and sit on the couch with him that he then enthusiastically jumped up, laying his head in my lap. That’s why I have a dog.
Leigh Peterson, GoFetchGifts.com
2. Oni still thinks she’s a puppy, a long cry from what the now-70 lb, 7 year old lab retriever mix really is. One day my husband was giving her a bath, which she dreads, and when she came out of the bathroom, she looked so defeated. After she dried off a bit, she searched for a place she could go to sleep and nurse her wounds. She found our cat’s bed and by the grace of god, squeezed her huge body into the tiny, (eventually squashed) bed. It was a truly sad sight but adorable nonetheless. Once she was dry, she was back to her regular gleeful self. That’s why I have a dog.
Fresia Rodriguez, www.kingleyandposh.com (plus sized fashion)
3. Sophie, our rescue dog, helps me to help our community. On Friday mornings we are volunteer visitors at our local nursing home. Seeing people’s eyes light up as she walks into their rooms, tail wagging, makes me feel great. The healing touch of dogs has to be seen to be believed: there are some residents who wouldn’t speak to anyone until we started visiting, but now love to talk to Sophie – that’s why I have a dog.
Tamsin Fox-Davies, London based marketer – www.enthusemarketing.com
4. My kids are grown, and the house is quiet most of the time now. Except for Harley, our Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix dog, who loves to talk when he gets excited. He brings his rope or his plastic bottle in and howls at me to play with him. I pull the bottle or rope out of mouth, throw it somewhere and he runs an gets it, then plays tug of war growling until he lets me have it and I throw it again. Then he collapses with me and puts his head on my lap. It would be really quiet and lonely here without him. That’s why I have a dog.
Melody Brooke, relationship coach – www.ohwowthischangeseverything.com
5. My children grew up. That is why I have three dogs.
Shirley VanScoyk, http://domesticepisodes.blogspot.com
- Bongo brought joy to a girl and her family.
6. My daughter was having some personal challenges, as preteens often do. A friend of mine suggested I get her a dog. I told my friend, “no way,” as I had shortly before put Tank down. I swore I was done with dogs because I was so brokenhearted. My daughter went to a week-long sleep-away camp during the summer. The night before she left, we were having a family dinner, and I teasingly said, “Don’t be surprised if there’s a little puppy here when you get home.” Her eyes lit up, but her father’s didn’t. I said, “I’m just kidding.”
During that week, I was working in my front yard and a lost dog appeared. I coaxed him to come to me. He had his tags on, I walked Bongo home, but no one was home. When I “found” the “owner,” I jokingly said, “Bongo is so sweet, I might keep him.” The owner said, “If you want him, you can keep him.” (The owner had recently divorced and traveled professionally, so she wanted to find Bongo a better home.) I did a little husband arm-twisting. When my daughter got home from camp, there was a big sign on the door “Welcome Home, Love Bongo.” Puzzled, she opened the door. The smile has never left her — nor my — face. And that’s we have a dog.
Sheryl Kurland, www.everlastingmatrimony.com
7. No matter how bad a day I have at work when my four Golden Retrievers meet me at the door when I come home I can’t help but smile. The rest of the day is off to a much better start. That’s why I have a dog.
Sue Lockinger, AZ Retriver Rescue: www.azrr.org
8. When I walk into the house after an absolutely wretched day and our three dogs greet me at the door with such enthusiasm and love my bad mood melts away and I can enjoy the rest of my day. That’s why I have dogs.
Sonja, www.silverriverjewelry.com
9. During tax season, I come home after a 14-hour day with aching feet, eyes bloodshot from staring at the computer screen, and my suit pants feel too tight. Then I see my dog, Wally, waiting patiently at the front window. As soon as he spies my car pulling up, he locks in on me, unwavering, willing me to the front door so he can run between my legs and greet me with his happy wiggly dance. No matter how stressed or miserable I may be, how eager I am to get my shoes off and sweatpants on, I can’t help but smile and laugh when he greets me like that. This is why I have a dog (the best dog in the world).
Leigh Dowdle, 28, Baltimore, MD
10. When Mr. Green Jeans came into our lives he was a sickly little 9 day old puppy rescued from a puppy mill. We were foster parents with a rescue group and had a number of pups the summer of 2005. Nursing Green through his medical issues affected everyone in our family and all those that know us.
Mr. Green Jeans is a miracle puppy. Not expected to live through Christmas of 2005 but he is still with us today. He has scared us with his medical issues, he has made us cry with sadness and joy, he has made us laugh at so many things. Most of all Mr. Green has proven to all that know him how rewarding volunteering is. That is one reason I have a dog
Sue Lockinger, Author, The Puppy Who Refused To Die – www.florianvalentine.com
11. Being in bed is probably Remy’s favorite time of the day. It is his own special cuddle time. In the morning, after the alarm goes off and I put in my contact lenses, he climbs into my lap to be petted and massaged. He knows he only has a few minutes for love before I have to get dressed and takes full advantage of his special moments. In the evening, he waits patiently at the foot of the bed as I remove my contact lenses, then repeats the process of getting in my lap for his before-bed attention. After a few minutes, he knows it is time to lay down and go to sleep. It is a wonderful way to both open and close a day. That is why I have a dog.
Dr. Robin Goldblum
North Wales, Pa
12. When I get home from work every day my dog’s entire body wags and she won’t stop until she can curl up in my lap with her head on my knee. That’s why I have a dog.
Emily Maddox, 23, Knoxville, TN
13. When I found out I could hear non-verbal communication when working with disabled children, my dogs became my teachers. Once they knew that I could actually hear their thoughts, they became relentless in sending me their demands, usually for cookies or body rubs, sometimes for trips to the beach.
When I lost a dear friend, they stayed by my side, kissing away my tears and trying to cheer me up. One of my dogs, Jakey, loves to put a blanket on his head and have you poke him so he can try and bite your hand where you poked him. When I am sad, he will flip a blanket up in the air until it is on his head and he will stand very still, waiting for me to start poking him. He knows it will cheer me up. And that’s why I have dogs. You can’t be sad around them for long.
Terri Jay, Psychic Messenger – www.TerriJay.com
14. My toy poodle, Spirit, is the mayor of my town. At seven pounds with long curly hair, he looks like a stuffed animal. He’s full of spirit, happy and extremely friendly. When we take his daily walk, or should I say when we make his rounds, he drags me over to greet each and every person we pass, from neighbor to road worker. He’s charmed people of every ilk.
Sydney Barbara Metrick, PhD, www.ChickenSoupCounseling.com
15. Sadie, my dog only needs me to love her, feed her, walk her, physically be near her and of course the occasional treat and she is happy. She doesn’t need money, a car, a cell phone, and new clothes or give me attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. My dog however always shows me love and appreciation even when I do nothing but sit near her. That’s why I have a pet!
Collette H. Aurand, CB
16. I didn’t adopt my dog Bear from the shelter for the reason that I love him so much now. We got him because our son Shane wanted him. After a few days, Shane didn’t care but my husband and I fell in love with Bear and he with us. He is a black and red mostly Chow, who is people friendly. Most people love to pet him because he is fluffy and soft.
The reason that I love Bear is that he takes me for my walk every morning, and he’s happy to see me no matter what. Unlike my teenager, Bear doesn’t talk back to me, and sometimes gives me kisses. He keeps me in good shape mentally and physically. That’s why I love my dog.
Jill Nussinow, MS, RD – www.theveggiequeen.com
17. When I read that women should do aerobic exercise every day, I decided to take a daily hike in the park near our house. My dog revels in this new daily ritual and keeps me on track. He has even pushed me to go faster (I run whenever he’s in heel posution) and I have lost 10 pounds.
He doesn’t reprimand me for years of walks that could have been this blissful. He’s just grateful every morning for the chance to see the forest. That’s why I have a dog.
Grisha, www.ahimsadogtraining.com
18. Life can be very complicated. As an entrepreneur I spend most of my days and sometimes nights trying to please other people. No matter what I do I can only get so much joy from this, as people aren’t always happy. But every time I look up from an exhausting phone call, or close my computer after losing all my work, my little dogs Barney and Louis are all over me. Kissing me to pieces, bringing ALL their stuffed animals in and just ready to LOVE me, and that melts my heart every single time. That’s why I have TWO dogs.
- Hugo is a great listener.
Bridget Loves Livingston, www.barneysbling.com
19. Sometimes you want, no, need to spend time with someone who doesn’t talk back, and that’s why I have a dog.
Lisa Hanock-Jasie, mom to Hugo – www.thecitizeNY.com
20. The reason I have a dog named Odie; every time there is a thunder storm he runs to cuddle like a child. It puts life into perspective. Odie is my baby and gets in less trouble than my child.
21. A dog is a dependable source of security for many kids today. Coming home from school, the latch-key kid will open the door to the wagging tail of a faithful friend, instead of the stillness of an empty house.
A dog can help reduce stress in parents too. When I was miserable and no one wanted to be near me, when even I didn’t want to be near me, my dog would snuggle his head against my arm. As I laid my hand on his head, I could feel the tension drain from my body. Dogs are like emotional sponges. They absorb bad emotions, and give back undying loyalty, affection and love. That is why I have a dog.
Joe Sindoni, Author, “50 Reasons Not To Have Kids…And What To Do If You Have Them Anyway” – www.50reasons.com
22. When a human has gas we all make a face, give the how rude look, or with our children, husband or friend we even scold them: “say excuse me, my goodness!” But Betty, my Boston, farts and farts and farts…whether in her sleep, walking across the floor, running to play catch, or sitting on my lap. Every time, I just look at her and laugh until my sides ache. A good laugh a day heals all. That’s why I have a dog.
Christina Selter, Founder/Pet Travel Safety Expert – www.BarkBuckleUp.com
- Rocky entered Courtney’s life at exactly the right time.
23. Rocky, my three year old puggle and I met just before New Year’s Day. I was considering adopting him from a family. I asked the family for a three day test drive and they obliged. The first memorable thing he did was run away. The second thing he did was throw up in the car. The third thing he did was go potty in my apartment. I thought I had a Marley situation on my hands.
On New Year’s Day, the third and final day of the test drive, I received devastating news that a family member had unexpectedly and tragically passed away. As I sat there in shock and sobbing, Rocky, who is rowdy by nature gently climbed into my lap, put his paws on my chest and rested his head on my shoulder as if he was hugging me. He then made the 7 hour drive home with me to be close to family. I called his previous owners on the ride home and tearfully told them he was my “fate dog,” my rock. I thought about changing his name to something less cliché, but Rock seemed to make so much sense now. More than a year later, we are still together. He makes me smile every single day and that is why I have a dog.
Courtney Quattrini, Public Relations Account Mgr in NY – www.traverscollins.com
24. My dog loves to chase squirrels. In all his 13 years he has never caught one but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Today he moves a bit slower but somehow that inexhaustible enthusiasm he has for chasing squirrels is still there and whenever a squirrel comes around he finds the energy of his former puppy years if only for a minute. After that jaunt he always runs back to me with excitement, tail wagging to exclaim “Did you see what I just did?! Wasn’t that awesome?!”. That pure joy of life and boundless enthusiasm for the little things is why I have a dog. Well, why I have a Coneydog.
Rachael Lyon – meet Mr. Coney – http://www.dogster.com/dogs/17559
- Porkchop is an unconditional lover, weirdos included.
25. As a freelance, work from home writer/illustrator, I can attest that working from home does something strange to your ability to interact socially. Sometimes, hungry for human contact, you can become over-friendly with the Comcast guy (“hey! I made some cookies! Wanna sit and chat?”); at other times, you can become a bit of a hermit (“I can’t open the door for the UPS man; I haven’t even showered or dressed yet, even though it’s 4pm!”.) In short, you can become a bit of a weirdo.
When I got my pug, Porkchop, he immediately and happily fit into that void. Not only is he a wonderful sounding board for any witty comments I might make during the day, but if I have to run errands he’s always happy to see me when I get home. He loves to sit by my feet while I draw or write, and loves me unconditionally. I guess that’s why I have a pug!
Jessie O, Head Spy – www.cakespy.com
26. I first met Mia when she was just a few weeks old. She found her way to my farm with nothing but the will to survive and the hope that I would give her a chance at life.
Since that day long ago I have watched Mia offer that same hope and healing to all the other animals I have rescued through the years. That is why my dog is my Hero!
Kristie Jones, www.BlackDogRescueRanch.com
27. He is a perfect mirror, hearing not only my words but feeling the energy that belie them. As a result, I am able to see myself more clearly and make adjustments without the need to explain or the fear of being judged. For example, after getting lost in the Bronx for the third time and getting ripped off, I looked over to him in the passenger seat and said, “I need to do this; everything is OK” and then screamed at the top of my lungs. I looked back to him with a smile and saw an expression of understanding. That’s why I have a dog.
Michele Risa, www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com
28. My dog is my Zen Master. She teaches me to relax, go with the flow, play, exercise myself, and itch myself when I need to – no matter who is watching.
Dianne Sikel, www.Life-Love-Money.com
29. My Doberman and I are a rare pair. On the outside I’m a petite, disarming female, someone who is taken lightly by passerby’s. Donovan is tall, dark and intimidating. Women, children and men alike will often cross the street when they spot him approaching. On the inside I can be a passionate disciplinarian, strong in my ways. I take life seriously at times, forgetting to embrace its simple pleasures. Donovan’s sole existence revolves around life’s simple pleasures. A scratch behind the ears, a seat in the sun, or a walk to the park, is all it takes to make his tail wag and ears retreat. He slows me down and constantly reminds me to live in the moment. That is why I have a pet.
Jennifer Maloney, Spark Group PR & Publicity – www.sparkgroup.ca
30. I have dogs because they are honest. They only play games with toys, not with my heart. Honest to God, when I was undergoing chemo for breast cancer six years ago, one of my dogs would throw up with me. Now THAT is love. My dogs let me know when they are pissed off, and when they are over it. Their behavior reveals they know when they’ve done wrong. They don’t point paws at each other. When I come home from work, they are besides themselves with joy. And every day they teach me what is important in life…
Love unconditionally, play with abandon, nap when you need to, and drink plenty of water. Those lessons are why I have dogs.
Jerilyn Willin, Career Coach – www.jwillinconsulting.com
- Duncan connects with his family through play
31. Duncan is the third dog we’ve adopted from the Weimeraner Rescue. It’s the most fabulous feeling to take home an uprooted dog and show him a new loving environment. But the best part for me is discovering each dog’s already established personality and quirks.
Within minutes of entering our home, Duncan ran to a tennis ball that my kids had left lying on the floor. He then proceeded to roll the ball to us with his jaw. My husband and I looked at each other as if to say, “Did he really just roll the ball to us?” So we rolled it back and watched as Duncan rolled the ball to us over and over again. Since then, we’ve discovered all sorts of wonderful tricks that Duncan can do including lying on his back and lifting the ball out of his mouth with his paws and then dropping it back in. He brings so much laughter and joy into our lives, and that’s why we have a dog.
Cindy Lieberman, www.cindylieberman.blogspot.com
32. Beast is big and black and when someone comes to the door the hair raises on his back and he barks like crazy. When he squeezes out the front door he’ll run up and bark in a jogger’s face or he’ll terrorize the mailman until he’s threatened with Mace. But when my 5-year-old daughter pulls his ears and tail, he’ll lie down so that she can lie on top of him. That’s why I have a dog.
Andrea Askowitz, Author, My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnancy –www.andreaaskowitz.com
33. Early every morning the woods behind our house begs to be explored. The birds songs are calling and the colorful shoots of Spring are beckoning. But alas, I’m too tired for that this morning. Besides I’m far too busy today to make time for a walk in the woods. But Aurora nudges her snout under my arm, looks up at me with excited eyes, and wags her tail in anticipation. I can’t let her down. Besides she’ll never leave me alone all day if I don’t take her. So I get the leash and my running shoes and we’re off. The woods don’t disappoint. Aurora bounds ahead, chasing squirrels and spurring me on. 40 minutes later we’re back where we started, energized, connected with nature and vibrantly alive! That’s why I have a dog.
Victoria Loveland-Coen, www.ManifestYourGood.com
34. My Shetland Sheepdog Casey is the only dog I know who understands weekends. Every weekday morning Casey and I take a walk at 6am, but on the weekends he sleeps as late as I do. Never once has he woken me up on a Saturday or a Sunday … I think he is starting to now understand how to relax on vacation too! That’s why I have a dog.
Jacqui Pini, Museum Way Pearls
35. I’m an online gamer and I’m often up late playing after my wife has gone to bed. Gwen is usually upstairs sleeping at the foot of the bed at that time of the night. Sometimes I’ll want to snack while I’m playing and I’ll get myself some chips. Usually within 2 minutes of sitting back down at my desk with the chips Gwen is at my elbow looking at me as if to say “You’re going to share, right?” I swear she has some sort of chip alarm system. That’s why I have a dog.
Chris Scully
- Frisco was a little guy who taught his owner a big lesson.
36. I’ve always been a big believer that everyone is responsible for their own feelings, e.g., you can’t feel guilty, sad, hurt, etc., if you don’t allow yourself to. Still, it took Frisco, my first dog, to really make me recognize this dynamic. I mean, here’s this outrageously good looking blonde cocker spaniel with those big brown eyes looking up at me as I’m scoffing down some Chinese food — almost as if he was trying to make me feel guilty for not sharing any with him. And then, I realize Frisco didn’t have the capability to make me feel guilty — to intentionally set out to give me a guilt trip — and that any feelings of guilt I was experiencing weren’t coming from him — they were coming from within me.
From that moment on, words, expressions and actions that normally would have given me feelings of guilt no longer had the same effect and conversation, interactions, relationships — and my own mood — tended to be of a much healthier and positive nature. All because of the lesson that Frisco taught me! He’s been gone for a number of years now and I have other canine buddies. Why? Because they continually teach me to be a better and healthier person.
Dan Gersten, www.fur-ever-friends.com/DanGersten.html
37. I held off purchasing a puppy for as long as I could. I feared the stress of the puppy house breaking, vet bills and dog barking and I just knew that all the dog walking, bathing and feeding responsibilities would end up being mine. But after my 5 year old son begged me for a puppy for the thousandth time, I finally gave in and bought him a puppy for his 6th birthday.
Of course all of my fears came true. But every night just before my son goes to bed, when he leans down and gently hugs his Sadie, kisses her on the snout and so sweet and softly says, “I love you.” I know, that’s why I have a dog.
Elaine K. Stephen, Inspirational Gift Gallery – http://storesonline.com/site/inspirationalgift
38. I work night shift and when I come home, I have to care for 17 pets. When I finally get to crawl under the covers, my dachshund leans against my torso on the right with his little head on my shoulder, the chihuahua-terrier leans on the hip and thigh on the right, the chihuahua cuddles himself into my left side and the cocker spaniel keeps my feet warm – I am covered in love and body warmth – that’s why I have pets!
Dee Finch – www.Peoplefood4Dogs.com
39. Every morning when my puppy Porter wakes up, he looks up at me with sleepy eyes and then starts stretching. This doggie yoga session goes on for about 5, sometimes 10 minutes. It’s really funny to watch. Now, whenever I’m in yoga class all I can do is think of his little body in downward dog with this floppy ears touching the floor, and I smile. And that’s why I have a dog.
Becky – www.denhaus.com (stylish dog crates)
40. After a long day’s work there’s nothing more satisfying that plopping down on the couch, getting under the duvet with our two dogs and cuddling in together to keep warm. This is our own little pack: my husband, me and the two dogs! This is why I have dogs.
What a cute idea, we like this!
What a powerfully moving post this is and I LOVE the title!There are SO many dogs in need of forever homes, please consider adoption first!
What a good read. Thanks.