Heart Dogs

For Shutter Sisters Love Thursday....

I believe all dog lovers get a very limited number of "heart dogs".  That is, a dog that answers something in you; a dog in which you recognize bits of yourself; a dog that you love for himself, not because he's perfect.

My first "heart dog" died when I was 13.  This is my second.

I adore his courage; I often try and channel him when I need to be particularly fearless. 

But even though he's as independent as all-get, he seems to sense that I need him to need me sometimes.  He has this thing where he comes up and gently puts his front paws on my knees so I'll pick him up and cuddle--melts my heart, every time.

Even though he's a door dasher, and doesn't always play well with others, I love him, and that is that.

Comments

[Fergus' Mom]

Well said and AMEN! After losing my first heart dog I was convinced there would never be another then this sweet pile of puppy threw himself in my lap and I was a goner. It took a bit to realize that the terrier in him made him way more independent than my first, but he does love his cuddles. Fergus will jump up on the bed while I'm reading and just FLOP up against my side, throw his head back against the crook of my arm, and demand his loving. Now I see why neighbors call him my 'teddy bear' dog ;o)

Definitely makes up for the less pleasant bits for sure!

[jfrancis]

Dogs
were made
for loving,
both directions.

[Meryl]

Well said jfrancis.

FM--your use of the word "demand" made me smile. Sweet Husband and I were discussing Moe last night, and I said how much I love the way he goes about getting my attention. He doesn't whine or sulk or anything like that. He just comes up, firmly plants himself beside me, and says (in his dog way), "You will pet me now." I think it probably sounds annoying to some, but to me (and I suspect many other "terrier" people) it's very refreshing.

[Fergus' Mom]

it makes the neighbor's laugh as Fergus has a revised version for those we encounter on our walks...he walks up to them, sits with his back to them, then flops back against the side of their leg and demands his loving. Thankfully he only does this to those he knows will give him the attention he desires. Ah terriers, like they say, life is merrier with a welsh terrier ;o)

jfrancis that was beautiful!

[AuthorMomWithDogs]

So true, so true... Heart dogs only come along so often. Hopefully, we'll be picking up my daughter's soon-to-be heart dog in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed.