Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:24     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
Sometimes my dd will say to me, “Can you believe this apex predator of a different species lives peacefully in our house and lets us pet him and even put a coat on him?” There’s something very special about sharing a deep bond with another species and establishing love and trust with them. Dogs have evolved to be able to read and react to our emotions. Over thousands of years of evolution, they’ve actually developed muscles in their eyes and faces that allow them to mimic some of our expressions. They want to please us. They are faithful companions. They’re goofy and make us laugh. They can perform tasks. They may even risk their own lives to save us.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:24     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Anonymous wrote:Nothing loves you like an attached dog loves you. Also great for getting out the door for some exercise every day in every weather.


Lol see those dog owners in knee high snow not looking so happy on those days
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:23     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
Anonymous wrote:I used to feel the same way...until we got our dog.

I was raised on a farm and our animals were always outdoor animals (working dogs with plenty of options for outdoor shelters). A couple of years ago our then 5 year old had the most traumatic start to school. Our family was in a tailspin and nothing felt optimistic. We saw the joy that dogs brought him, and despite everyone thinking we were crazy, we adopted a dog from the shelter.

This sounds very cliche, but this dog saved my family's life. The dog is now as much for me as it is for my kids. I am forced to get out and walk and take in fresh air because of him. He senses when I'm sad or when the kids are sad. He's like a sibling to the kids. The joy he brings them - especially the now 7 year old who has been diagnosed with autism - is indescribable. Research actually shows that petting a dog will lower stress levels and that having a dog can improve the health of a family because of the "forced" movement.


Yep, know many who got a dog for therapy for their kids. Enjoy.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:22     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Nothing loves you like an attached dog loves you. Also great for getting out the door for some exercise every day in every weather.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:21     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
^*pet
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:20     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm sad for you, OP. That is my serious answer. I hope for you that maybe dogs just aren't your preferred pet?


Hopefully a fish will be fun


But they can die easily if not properly maintained. And you can't let it like a dog.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:20     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
I used to feel the same way...until we got our dog.

I was raised on a farm and our animals were always outdoor animals (working dogs with plenty of options for outdoor shelters). A couple of years ago our then 5 year old had the most traumatic start to school. Our family was in a tailspin and nothing felt optimistic. We saw the joy that dogs brought him, and despite everyone thinking we were crazy, we adopted a dog from the shelter.

This sounds very cliche, but this dog saved my family's life. The dog is now as much for me as it is for my kids. I am forced to get out and walk and take in fresh air because of him. He senses when I'm sad or when the kids are sad. He's like a sibling to the kids. The joy he brings them - especially the now 7 year old who has been diagnosed with autism - is indescribable. Research actually shows that petting a dog will lower stress levels and that having a dog can improve the health of a family because of the "forced" movement.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:17     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Unconditional love
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:16     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Lolll! They're so cute. I guess for companionship. We aren't dog people but I get it. They truly seem to be man's best friend.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:15     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
They're cute, they're funny, they're empathetic, it is relaxing to brush them, they are a great companion to go on walks with, they are protective, it's soothing to pet them, unconditional love.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:14     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
Anonymous wrote:I'm sad for you, OP. That is my serious answer. I hope for you that maybe dogs just aren't your preferred pet?


Hopefully a fish will be fun
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:13     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Anonymous wrote:My wife suffers from depression and something (usually a routine life annoyance) will have her sad and crying.
Our dog will always go to her, give her a lick of her arm and having her crying changed to crying out of love and with laughter.
Hope this helps explain.


A golden retriever? they are known to perform that magic
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:09     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
My wife suffers from depression and something (usually a routine life annoyance) will have her sad and crying.
Our dog will always go to her, give her a lick of her arm and having her crying changed to crying out of love and with laughter.
Hope this helps explain.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:09     Subject: What is the point of having a dog?
Dogs are our ancient companions, providing good company, sharper senses, and improved security to their humans in return for relatively modest amounts of food and shelter. A win-win for both sides for thousands of years if not longer.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2025 13:07     Subject: Re:What is the point of having a dog?
I'm sad for you, OP. That is my serious answer. I hope for you that maybe dogs just aren't your preferred pet?