How much is that doggy in the window?!

Domestication seems to have shaped dogs

Wow!

Not only do they understand right and wrong but they also manipulate us to a planned outcome.

I used to have a little cocker spaniel, she was very smart. I got her when she was older and didn't teach her anything except how to walk on a leash. She understood what bath meant right after she had the first one. It didn't matter my tone of voice but the word "bath" brought a look of total disbelief and alarm. I could put a plate of food beside her (food she liked) and she wouldn't touch it, she wouldn't let the cat near it either.She thought I was angry at her one time so she went to her little bed. I heard sniffing so I went to check her and she was crying!

Aw . . . that is such a cute story Tany. What was the dog's name?

Her name was Honey and she really lived up to her name. Everybody who came in contact with her, loved her. One time a neighbour of mine wanted her so bad he told me to name my price and he hauled out his cheque book. The stories I could tell about her. It just totally broke my heart when I had to have her euthanized but she was suffering and in so much pain to let her continue would have been torture.

We treat our animals better than humans sometimes Tany, but we could learn a lot from unconditional love from them.

A hearbreaking story tanyamm - I restrain myself from having pets after my cat was poisoned by my neighbors; it breathed its last in my arms...that haunts me to this day, although it happened 20 yrs ago!

I'm sorry that happened to you Hitch.

Appreciate yr concern debby...

Ya know, my favorite dog (we can't have them in our apartments, so I am godparent to my brother's) punishes herself when she has been bad. Going into her kennel for a timeout is her "punishment" and when she does something she knows is wrong, she puts herself in timeout.

So sorry about your cat hitch. Losing a pet can be like losing a much-loved family member. You can't just go out and replace them. I lost my little cat about a year ago and I'm not ready to get another cat yet either. It took me over 4 yrs to get another dog but she's not a replacement she has her own personality. It's too bad you can't have your own dog dmeg, they're such great companions.

Thanks tanyamm - you're on target when you say it can't be replaced by another. I've moved to a different city since 15 yrs. I have a great rapport with other's pets, yet I don't have the heart to get one myself...

It seems like your heart is pretty big to me Hitch You should think about giving one a good home . . .