dogs

[frankfred]

What are dogs for?

[frankfred]

If,Leelapops, asking a simple question in order to initiate debate is throwing a "hissy fit"(whatever that is!), so be it , and when I point to the motives of different owners you should realise that I am not tarring them all with the same brush, when you say that prospective owners should be given an intensive examination in order to determine the wisdom of their choice, it seems to me that you are coming round to my way of thinking.
You also assume,on my behalf that I have been inconvenienced by only one owner,not so, the other side of me,my neighbours had a black labrador,who was locked up alone in the house nearly every day,barking at passers by as its only entertainment,until it contracted cancer and was put down, one wonders if a happy dog would have led a healthier life.
Perhaps you should think about what I am saying!

[jules77]

what is the purpose of the question then, can you elaborate?

[shaneystar2]

Doesn't always follow that a happy dog leads a healthier life .I have just had my beloved old pooch put to sleep last week .He was a happy dog and very well and responsibly looked after .But he still died from cancer .And you ask what the point of a dog is ? I had a loyal and loving companion for many years .He was a good listener and was always pleased to see me,he never judged me and he gave me lots of exercise ! He guarded my property with his life and kept my feet warm in the winter and I miss him terribly .
But I can see your point .There are several dogs at the back of where I live and they are left to bark all day long and then shouted at for doing so . And not only shouted at by some of the yelps I hear . Cruel and upsetting. But the owners are not the sort of people you can reason with .I often wonder why some people get dogs if they can't give them the care and attention they need.

[frankfred]

Jules77,
The purpose of my question is, to get different answers from different people, I suppose this is why most questions are asked and this one seems to have elicited various responses, I wonder what you hoped my answer would be.

[jules77]

no reason behind my question, I just wondered why you asked. Obviously you are going to have different answers from dog lovers/cat lovers and people who dont like dogs at all. Rather a strange question though, as without sounding rude, and please dont take this the wrong way, something a child would ask. Most people ask questions as they have a problem with their pets and would like advice/help.

[frankfred]

If Jules 77, there is no reason behind your question,why do I need to elaborate further, even children are not asked that!

[jules77]

well from your responses to some of the answers, i thought there was a hidden meaning behind the question thats all.

[leelapops]

it seems a bit loaded, jules, you're right.
frankfred, I am not "coming around to your way of thinking", as I already have my own "way of thinking" thanks.

Maybe a question of interpretation but your opening post just sounded like you were setting yourself up for a moan.

Cancer is common in dogs, as in humans, and while its increase may be lifestyle-related, as with humans, there is no guarantee, as shaneystar says, that health and happiness equate. My friend rescued a staffie who has a plethora of health problems, yet she is very happy. I could list a lot of similar examples.

shaneystar, I am sorry for your loss. You must miss your woofer terribly, I know I would be lost without Jack.