Happy 2007!!

I've been wanting to create a blog on this site for quite some time. So, guess what one of my New Year's resolutions is? That's right, at long last, here it is.... my Dog Listeners blog. It's my hope that this blog can become interactive, with the Pup 'N Iron community adding comments, questions and their own insight as well. If you'd like to add comments to the blog, send me an email (onesmartpooch@aol.com) and you will be registered as a member of the blog. Remember, this blog is for sharing and listening.... to each other and to our dogs. Welcome!

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2007 isn't supposed to be the "Year of the Dog ", technically last year was, but I never let technicalities get in my way. In my life every year is the year of the dog, and has been for quite a long time. I've always described myself as the quintessential dog person. I am an animal lover in general, well, sort of. I think a better description would be an animal respecter. I respect all living things, well, sort of. I am known to kill plants, not intentionally, but I tend to forget they're there. As for rodents and insects - I can respect them as long as they remain in their own domain. Once they invade mine, it's on. But by and large, I have a great respect for animals, admire their beauty, and most of all, admire their pureness and simplicity.

But when it comes to companion animals, dog are it for me. Through the years I've had cats, birds, hamsters, and fish as pets, but that's just it - they were pets. I took care of their needs, fed them, gave them shelter, cleaned their litter boxes, cages, etc., but that was the extent of the relationship. The relationship I have with my dogs is much more than that. For one, they are an integral part of my life. Yes, I still clean up after them, feed them and give them shelter, but they have responsibilities in the relationship as well. They provide me and my family with reciprocated companionship and non-judgmental emotional support, but it goes even deeper. Through training, dog sports and therapy work, I've given my dogs additional duties, responsibilities and jobs. This has enhanced the relationship, promotes teamwork, and makes us more as partners rather than merely "caretaker and animal." After all, that is the historical basis of the human/canine connection. Whether we are to believe man brought dog into the relationship, and tamed him, or it was the dog's choice, the bottom line is the relationship was meant to be mutually beneficial. While we could trick outselves into believing that a dog wants to lie around on the floor or couch all day and night, deep down we know that isn't true. A dog is happiest when he is doing, and participating in the relationship, not just being a bystander. Watching a dog do what he was bred to do is one of the most exciting sights.

So, that's the goal. Creating mutually beneficial relationships with my dogs, and helping others to do so as well. This IS the Year of the Dog.
~Laurie