Mind of Dogs: part 2 ("Inu no Kokoro")

I’ll Bite You Back A Hundred Times Harder!

“She is the apple of my eye!”  Those who are familiar with the relationship between me and my dog, Juliette, would say, "Yeah, yeah, yeah…" in a little sarcastic way.  This feeling of mine for Juliette hasn’t changed a bit for the last ten and a half years.  I shower her with kisses every time I find her on the bed taking a nap so peacefully.  Yet, I also hold this feeling, ‘I would bite you back a hundred times harder if you dare bite me.’  I believe it is very important for dog owners to have this kind of duality.

As I mentioned in my last article, I prepared for the worst on the third day of bringing Juliette home whose breed was considered to be “vicious.”  At the same time, I vowed to be the best dog owner in the world.  I decided to learn more about dogs, especially about pit bulls.  I started getting involved in animal rescue activities at local shelters in order to help dogs like Juliette who desperately needed to find a home.  I started learning how to train shelter dogs to make them become more adoptable.  I’ve spent a lot of time studying dog behavior and their body language in order to appreciate “Mind of Dogs” more fully.  Better yet, the more I observed the shelter dogs and paid attention to their behavior and communication, the stronger the bond between Juliette and myself became.  The staff at the shelter said that it was a miracle Juliette found home.  No.  A miracle actually happened to me when I adopted her.  She has enriched my life so much, helped me realize my capabilities, and gave me the opportunity to change my life.

Trust and Respect

I love their loyalty, earnestness, and honesty.  It’s impossible to lie or play games with them.  They always give back a 100% of what we give them.  Those are the things I love and enjoy so much about dogs.  Even if I feel blue or stressed, everything goes away when I see Juliette’s face.  In fact, I have rarely gotten depressed in the last ten and a half years because I am surrounded by so many of the “world’s best therapists.”  My bitter face turns to a happy face as soon as I see a dog.  Their healing power is so amazing.  It’s not just me who benefit from this wonder.  There are many dogs who engage special work as a certified therapy dog.  They go to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort and to help people ease their problems.  It is my hope that I want as many people as possible to experience such an amazing power dogs offer to humans.

However, dog owners need to realize that they must make a great effort in order to have a happy and comfortable life with their dog.  The most important things between a dog owner and his/her dog are 1) the dog needs to have an absolute trust towards his/her owner, and 2) the owner must earn respect from his/her dog by providing various needs (feeding, exercise, training, toileting, health care, etc. – these are the basic of the basics, by the way).  If you can’t provide what a dog requires, you and your dog’s life will become quite miserable.  However, when the relationship is properly established, I guarantee that you would say “Life is Beautiful!”

Well, I would like to bring up a discussion on “matchmaking” the next few times to show you what breed is most suitable for you. 

Until next time, be kind to Man’s Best Friends!
 

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