Believe it or not there are people in my life who don't like my dogs.
I'm not talking about people who are frightened of dogs, as I have a lot of sympathy for them. We recently had a couple of my daughter's friends here and they were extremely nervous of Buddy and Star. I assured them our dogs are friendly, but offered to keep them in another room with me. I can empathize with their fears - you could tell me that your tarantula was the friendliest in the world, but there's still no way I would want it in the same room as me, much less touching me at all. I understand the feelings, although I cannot relate them to dogs at all.
No, the people I am talking about are those who simply do not like dogs. As soon as Buddy or Star come within five feet of them a look of wariness comes over them, and should either dog brush against them, or give them a gentle nudge with a nose, such an expression of disgusted distaste contorts their face as to be quite comical. At least if it wasn't my dogs they were repulsed by it would be comical. Because you see my dogs are part of my family. I love them. If you take a dislike to my dogs, you may as well take a dislike to me.
Of course I don't have a doggy odour (usually!), don't shed quite as much hair, am more discreet in my attention seeking, and will respect your personal space. But I am far more likely to bite. And my bark is pretty bad too.
The illusionistThe Great Lafayette loved his canine companions and hung this sign on his house, " You may drink my wine; you may eat my food; but you must respect my dog." I quite agree. Here's a verse I found that I think sums it up succinctly:
I love my dogs this is their home.
From which I hope they never roam.
They're faithful friends, I love them best.
This is their home you are a guest.
If pets to you are just a peeve.
Then please by all means feel free to leave.
I'm not insensitive to the mess dogs create. I know they shed and drool and leave marks on you when they put their little wet noses on you. But all that's a small price to pay for the companionship a dog offers. And what those who screw their face up in revulsion at my dogs just don't get, is that every nudge, lick or pawing is a gesture that says, "I like you" or maybe "I want to cheer you up" or sometimes just "I'm here for you". Of course best of all sometimes it says, "I love you". W. Davton Wedgefarth said it better than I can:
I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands.
When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands;
then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat.
For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that.
Amen to that!
Julie x