The recent bout of people losing dogs and/or getting new dogs like we did this last year has made me stop and think a bit about our canine companions.

Our first dog was a big hairy lovable and loving lap dog that thought she was just one of the 'people' in the house, and when people came to visit, they were there to see her as much as they were to see us. She would lie down in the same room as us and rest whenever we were busy, but as soonas you asked if she wanted to go, or broke out the leash, fishing gear, stroller or anything else that might mean an adventure (fly rod included) she was right there excited and ready to go. Well, we thought we would never get another dog that was similar, but our 7-month old lab is turning out to have a very similar personality. Will climb on the couch, lay her head on the arm or pillow closest to us and quickly begin to snore very loudly, but ready to go at a moments notice.

So, do we, as owners/trainers/friends 'make' our dogs become what we need/want, or do we just seem to end up with the dog we need at that time? Does this just happen to my family?

Don

[This message has been edited by drolfson (edited 21 March 2005).]