Who's Walking Whom (Who)?

The value of dogs as companions is well known to aid in life-long satisfaction, but not necessarily increasing the owner's longevity.  The article Pets and Longevity - Can having a pet help you live longer, the data suggests pets may not have been shown to have a direct effect on our longevity, people who rely on them for company, friendship and affection, will no doubt vouch for the impact animals have on their well-being- regardless of age.

This being stated, what do dogs bring to the relationship?

• Loyalty
• Friendship
• Physical demands- exercise by default
• No judgments

As the spouse of an animal "ENTHUSIAST", it is imperative to go with the flow and look at things positively.  The alternative leads to unnecessary conflict where you will always be the loser and "bad person".

We recently rescued a dog from a shelter that still has a euthanasia policy with 1 day left on death row.  The dog, though a handful, has added a new dynamic to the household routine.  Ricky "the dog", which came with a $10 fee has already learned our American Express card number!

Ricky is part Huskie and German Shepard and takes a walker on forced marches through the neighborhood.  The easy-walk type leash around the chest is significantly preferable for pulling dogs than a neck collars.  My upper body strength has improved since he arrived.

We have had dogs trained in the past, but trainers always train them in their vision of what a dog should behave like.  They do not train the dogs in the true reality of daily life in that household.  Absolute commandments like no sleeping in the bed and no treats are broken while the trainer is still in the driveway.  I suggest to train the dog to do the 2 or 3 things that are important to the owner.

Isolation and loneliness are common place as one ages, and pet ownership or human ownership depending on your world view will keep you younger and active.  There is a whole dog-walking culture out there ready for you to participate in.