It would probably drive the dog nuts, too. They like a little quiet time now and again.
Yes, I think you're right, and good on you for correcting your cousin's idea of what dog ownership entails. That right there is another reason to shut down puppy mills and pet shops that sell puppies (and kittens): good breeders and good rescues will make sure that people understand into what they are getting. I was given the third degree, for one puppy (he's the one in my avatar there) and for our current rescue boy, and expected nothing less.
I don't really understand why anyone would get a dog if they didn't want to spend time with them. Sure, there's the whole 'dog as status symbol' and 'dog as tough guy accessory' thing, where the dogs are pretty much perceived as objects, but that just weirds me out. I wonder what is amiss in the minds of people who can be around a dog and not grok that they are smart and emotional and have real honest personalities. It certainly produces some pretty messed up dogs.
For me, when I come in tired and stressed out, the dogs are major sources of comfort and relief. Five minutes of playing with them undoes hours of crappy day, and many have been the days when I've felt tired and headachey and bummed out but felt much better after a nice walk in a pretty place with the dogs. Even if I do have to shower them after.
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(no subject)
Date: 2011-02-16 02:02 am (UTC)Yes, I think you're right, and good on you for correcting your cousin's idea of what dog ownership entails. That right there is another reason to shut down puppy mills and pet shops that sell puppies (and kittens): good breeders and good rescues will make sure that people understand into what they are getting. I was given the third degree, for one puppy (he's the one in my avatar there) and for our current rescue boy, and expected nothing less.
I don't really understand why anyone would get a dog if they didn't want to spend time with them. Sure, there's the whole 'dog as status symbol' and 'dog as tough guy accessory' thing, where the dogs are pretty much perceived as objects, but that just weirds me out. I wonder what is amiss in the minds of people who can be around a dog and not grok that they are smart and emotional and have real honest personalities. It certainly produces some pretty messed up dogs.
For me, when I come in tired and stressed out, the dogs are major sources of comfort and relief. Five minutes of playing with them undoes hours of crappy day, and many have been the days when I've felt tired and headachey and bummed out but felt much better after a nice walk in a pretty place with the dogs. Even if I do have to shower them after.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-02-16 02:04 am (UTC)