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20 Jun 2011

Why you should get a dog, (and why you shouldn’t)


I’m mad about my dog. I mean SERIOUSLY, I’m really, honest to goodness, head over heels in love with her. As far as I’m concerned she’s the earthy embodiment of all things good and pure and she’s as damn near to perfect as a living creature could ever hope to be. Her name is Lola, she’s a black working-type cocker spaniel and she’s drop-dead gorgeous with silky ears, a velvety muzzle and the most soulful dark puppy eyes ever. I often think that she very much resembles Cheryl Cole (UK reference there, sorry). 

Who else, other than a dog, so consistently thinks you’re the best thing ever? In fact, you can be horribly grumpy, snap at them, shout “Out to the kitchen!’ in an evil voice and generally be a right meanie and they’ll still think you’re the bee knees. People who abuse this devotion and starve and harm their pets really are either in need of a stint in their local mental health out patients to talk over their childhoods or are simply scum. Plus, you can never go wrong with a dog, never be sort on things to say, never fear you’ve put your foot in it or offended them and they give you a level of companionship above and beyond that of any other animal and, to be honest, of most other people. Hanging out with a dog is very chilled, very undemanding and there’s no pressure to be funny or clever or attractive at all.

Whereas people need all kinds of complicated things to keep them well and happy a dog’s needs are simple. They need water, food, shelter, love and walks. These five simple things make them happy. If you consider the lists of things that other family members need to be happy then you’ll appreciate the fact that five is a very low number indeed. The relationship between a dog and its owner is a perfectly symbiotic one, we give them those five simple things and they give us unconditional adoration, affection and company.
I can't imagine how empty my house would be without Lola padding about, or how lonely I’d be without her head on my knee. Seriously. It doesn’t bear thinking about. My advice is, if there's someone home for most of the day and you can feed/ exercise/ love a dog even when you’re skint/tired/not in the mood, then what the hell are you waiting for? BUT… expect to find yourself walking in the rain, in the cold, in the snow for hours, expect to have to pass up on impromptu days out and weekends away because there’s no one to baby-sit your beloved pup, expect to pick up stinky poo on a daily basis and expect to fork out your clothing allowance on food, pet insurance and inoculation jabs. Still worth it? Hell yeah! I think so. I mean, look at this photo of her WEARING SUNGLASSES, doesn't it kill you?
 
XXX

15 comments:

  1. Oh Lola is adorable! I would want a dog, but my accommodation wouldn't allow for it, also I'm a teeny tiny bit scared of jumpy ones!

    Sarah
    x

    www.almostdelightful.com

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  2. i want a dog so badly, but alas my small apartment probably isn't the best space for a puppy. Not being at home much during the week means it isn't really fair for a puppy either so I'll have to wait a little longer.
    Lola is so so so cute, she looks like she has a lot of energy :)

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  3. Oh goodness, I totally understand what you mean. When I moved countries (and I actually still can't believe I did this) I left my little pup behind! I miss him a ridiculous amount - have a dog is the best!

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  4. Having a dog is the best, he will always love you, plus their never in a bad mood:)

    http://mini-lemon.blogspot.com

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  5. elly- you poor thing! That must have been awful. I feel for you!
    XXX

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  6. Ahhh, I feel the same way about my baby, she is my best friend in the world!!! Lola is so precious, her eyes are so kind!!! I love your pictures of her! I just love your blog and now following, of course! Maybe you'll have time to visit my blog:)

    Kisses,
    Annabelle
    http://vivaluxury.blogspot.com

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  7. cute pictures!you have a great blog! please check out my blog and follow if you like, I promise to do the same for you! xx 
www.lovejoice.blogspot.com

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  8. She is so cute! I completely agree with you -- a doggie is just infinite love. My cats give me attitude sometimes, but my fat cat is kinda like a dog in that way. They really brighten up my life.

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  9. Your dog is TOO CUTE! I know how you feel.. I have two small dogs, and they're like my kids!

    Love your blog! Follow each other?

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  10. Ps, thank you for the comment on my blog; hell yes it's the maxi from primark!

    Sarah
    x

    www.almostdelightful.com

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  11. Lola is adorable and so completely love this post. I'm a huge dog lover so this sort of post totally and completely touch my heart.

    great blog doll come visit me and maybe we can follow each other.


    <3 Marina
    Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

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  12. great post! I've really been considering getting a dog! You pushed me that much closer! Yours is adorable! Such a gorgeous coat!

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  13. I don't like dogs but you both look so so so cute together :D nice fotos :)

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  14. your dog is so adorable!

    http://thelittlebrunettemermaid.blogspot.com/

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  15. Ohhh my gosh I just want to hug Lola! How cute!!

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