Are we dog carers rather than dog owners

Just had an interesting discussion at A&E about dogs

I know most of us are dog lovers and have a dog as a companion

Does this make us dog carers rather than owners

[sospan]

Sometimes they care for us as much as we do them. My son wouldn't be alive today if it were not for one of our dogs

[cat3]

Oh don't get me started dillm. I don't have a dog but love them, (especially yours) and I HOPE that most people are carers. But we do, too often, hear of those owners who certainly aren't carers but abusers/neglecters and for whom I have a whole string of 'choice' words to better describe them.

My daughter tells me I am bound to be bitten one day as I can't resist cuddling every pooch I see tied up outside shops ........ large, small, yappy, any. I've always had cats but they've all gone now and I would love a scruffy little border terrier to care for. But it worries me that I'd be unable to care for it properly as I'm often housebound which wouldn't be fair to a spirited animal.

Why were you in A&E anyway ?

[Hidden]

Have you noticed most dogs will go to humans who love dogs even those dogs whose human companion says `my dog does not like people `

PS in A&E with no.1 son tripped over Smudge's (the pup) toy he injured his foot

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

Yes dillm only a couple of weeks ago I was caressing a lonely looking dog tied up outside the newsagents, and he was nuzzling and licking & loving the attention. When the owner appeared he said 'Oh be careful he's a rescue dog & doesn't like strangers'..............but I bet he would have come home with me !

Hope your son's foot is mending now. I know you have the two beautiful white terriers but who is Smudge ?

[Hidden in reply to cat3]

He is the young well built bedlington the older one is Alfie different as chalk and cheese but they are sooooooo loving but like all bedlingtons stubborn and independent

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

Well they both look adorable.

[philstretchdavis]

An interesting subject. I have always liked dogs. Having read through some of the other responses you have received, I feel I have something interesting to offer. In my conversations with other dog owners, I am often told of them being bitten. I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who is my best friend. He has never bitten me, apart from the accidental occasions whilst we've been playing. I give him my total respect and trust and he repays those feelings in his own way. I am 60 now, and have never had a dubious moment with a dog ever. In retrospect, my involvement with humans hasn't been that great. I've been beaten up and stabbed, but I've never been bitten.

[cat3 in reply to philstretchdavis]

Bit of a coincidence here; the dog I just mentioned was a 'staffy'. Handsome, sturdy fellow but when the owner told me his breed I realised his caution was understandable. They've had a pretty bad press and rescue dogs have often been abused.

I'm sure their temperament is mainly down to the owners and, as you say, mutual respect.

[philstretchdavis]

I have to say, that it depends on the way they are brought up. I don't want a fighting dog or a guard dog, just a family pet type dog. He is my companion, we go for long walks together, 10 miles occasionally, I don't want people to be frightened or scared of him, as I like him to socialize as much as me. The excercise works both ways, I have severe arthritis in my knees, and the best remedy for arthritis is excercise. And he's such a good listener, that if it were possible, he could take his Ph.D now.

[Hidden]

I have problems walking but as they stop every 10 metres for a sniff I can manage to take them for walkies (or they take me) and yes they do listen and understand

I am sure dogs are big lingual

[sospan in reply to Hidden]

My St bernards used to be a challenge to walk. One is there ability to scent and sniff and their perpetual playfulness, wanting to "moisturise" every vertical object as they go past.

Then the actual scene of two St Bernards padding down the road - I used to get people stop their cars to have a chat.

I could be out for hours and only get to the end of the street.

Ours used to have selective hearing - one thing you learn pretty quick though is never call a St Bernard back in an open space - a 30m run up, 100kg, enthusiasm and poor brakes is not a good mix

[cat3]

And I bet you also have to make regular stops for people to admire and stroke them, they're so eye-catching.

[Hidden]

we took them for a run on the Beach (we live an hour from the coast) after their run it took an hour to do the 5 min walk to the car because of the attention they received ( and enjoyed)

they are a rare breed formerly gipsy dogs allegedly the first terriers

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

Where does the word 'Bedlington' originate from ?

[Hidden in reply to cat3]

Its a small town in Northumberland where the breed originated they were at on time known as Rothbury terriers

Both Alfie and Smudge are Bedlington Blues

If you Google Bedlington their is loads of info about the breed

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that dillm. It doesn't surprise me...........I love everything to do with the N East !

[Hidden]

Used to know a friendly and big softy of a German shepherd who had no brakes just knocked you over when it bounded up to greet you if he stood on your chest to fuss you you had paw prints on your chest try explaining that to your health care proffessional