Pretentious Pooch Blog

I ran across this today and just had to share it with everybody - I thank Chai all the time, we even joke that wouldn't it be funny if someone thanked us or cheered when we went to the bathroom. I haven't really given this much thought, it just comes naturally and she responds so well...

This blog post by Sherri just breaks it down very well - ENJOY!!

Just dogs with Sherri: Have you thanked your dog today?

 

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog" or "that's a lot of money for just a dog". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog".

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog".

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me the comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", :just a sunrise", or "just a promise".

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog", but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man(woman)".

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog", just smile, because they "just don't understand".

--Author Unknown  

        

 

Guilty Dog Owner!

My dog, Chai, is an expert at making me feel guilty.  She has facial expressions and puppy eyes that say, "If you loved me you would...[give me a bite of your grilled cheese sandwich]...[let me stay outside for a little longer]...[stop what you're doing and play with me]..."

I wonder if Chai actually knows she is manipulating me or if it's just her canine instinct and facial reaction to her woof-centered moods and wants. 

Of course, as a guilty dog owner, I proceed to unwrap myself from her pinkly toe (finger?) and giver her what she wants.  At this point I have to apologize to all of the dog trainers and people who think a dog should be perfectly trained into absolute obedience with manners befitting a tea party with the Queen. 

I think Chai's manipulative manners are quite cute and they give her and even more childlike stature.  Now, if she wasn't in good health and a bite of the grilled cheese would harm her I would absolutely substitute the treat for a more healthy alternative.  But, for now, she is happy, mannered to my liking, and in great health; so, Queen Elizabeth, we'll have to pass on the tea party unless you will give Chai a crumpet.  You know what, come to think of it, it sounds a bit stuffy for me, too.

What are your thoughts on the manipulative nature of dogs?

Tom Berger
Co-Owner
Pretentious Pooch
Baltimore Maryland Dog Boutique
1017 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-7777
www.pretentiouspooch.com