Just my feelings about dogs (Dogs in General)

Member Name: suz1584

Product:	Dogs in General
Date:	29/06/09 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They're great pets

Disadvantages: None

I'm continuing to write about life in my parents house for the week whilst I am looking after their dog when they're on holiday. What better to write about but the dog herself.

Growing up there was always a dog in our house and I grew up knowing nothing different. We have had three dogs in total and the most recent is Poppy who we think is a cross between a collie and a lurcher.

Before moving out of my parents house my Dad came and woke me up one morning and told me to come through as Mum had something to show me. I went through and there I say this beautiful but scared little black and white puppy.

It was the 6th November so the night after fireworks and we assumed that she must of run away after being so scared of the noise. Dad had found her in our back garden cowering in the corner. After managing to get her to come into the house he fed her and gave her some water. Now sitting on the bed with my Mum I had to try and nto fall in love with her incase we found her owners.

Throughout the day we phoned the local dogs home, phoned the local radio station so they could ask all the listeners if they were looking for a dog and I walked round the village with her all day to see if anyone knew where she had come from. No luck at all (much to my delight!)

Weeks passed and Poppy who was called puppy at first so we didn't get to attached to her was then named Poppy as it was similar for her to get used to. She was a very loyal dog who would never leave your side. Even going to the toilet she would wait outside for you.

We began to realise that she was an extremely nervous dog that obviously had a hard time before. She hated cars and if she seen your car keys would hide so you didn't make her go with you. You couldn't shout to loud so calling out to someone in the other room was now out of the question and she was scared of being left somewhere by herself. For instance if you took her for a walk down the beach she would come with you and being part lurcher needed to run a lot to tire herself out. If she lost sight of you though she would panic and run all the way back to the car or back home.

In time I moved out to live with my partner James. Everytime I phoned mum and dads Poppy would hear my voice and get really excited and lick the phone. She then became very much my mums dog instead of mine and through the years that has come more noticeable. When Mum was away Poppy would sit on the back of the house and look out the window until she came home. As soon as her car pulls up Poppy runs to the door to greet her. Don't get me wrong she still does this with me but not as much as my Mum.

I will be honest she is not always the angel that I make out she is. like 1am this morning she starting running round the house looking for someone to play with her and throw the ball. She also has a love for Baileys, so if you have any in the house keep it out of sight, she will knock the glass out of your hand, climb onto the table or even climb onto the chair next to you just to get a taste!

So this week staying at Mum and Dads house was the only option to look after Poppy. I live 20 miles away which is too far to take her in the car, she really couldn't cope with it. We've had the vet give her valium before just to keep her calm on a long car journey. (Didn't help much!)

For the first day she was really upset about Mum and Dad being away but as the days go on she is more used to me being in the house again. the welcome I get when I come home from work is fantastic and I really see why people have dogs as pets.

I've been walking her down the beach everyday but this means a quick car journey and if you could see me trying to get her in the car you would be laughing at how much of a mission it is to get her in. Once she gets out at the beach you wouldn't ever think there was any issue in the car. he is also happy to jump back in the car to go back home. I would love to be able to walk her all the way to the beach but unfortunately it's just not possible.

So walking along the beach with no lead on her, gives her the freedom to run as fast as she can. She loves chasing rabbits, once they stop because she has caught up with them she just looks at them confused as she doesn't know why they have stopped she nevers harms them, which just brings out her lovely nature.

I do miss living with Poppy as she is a fantastic dog. I also miss having a dog in my house. Cats are great and I love all of them so much but there is just something about a dog that would truly make my house a home!

Summary: Worth having a dog in your house