I just want to share a story how an adoption of a big dog had changed our life. We had a small dog before, who was actually a friend's pet we adopted after her moving. She was however old and did not live long. We started to look for a new dog, but that time we wanted a calm large one, preferably of dark color and scary appearance, like a Mastiff or a Great Dane. We however could not find such a dog in shelters. Once my friend the ACO had called me and said that a stray Rottie was taken off the streets and is now availible for adoption. We went ot see the dog. He was very big, although bone-skinny (not a surprise). What I liked the most was his temperament. He was clearly a friendly dog, but did not try to jump on everyone with kisses and hugs. He would rather lean against people and put his big head on their hands. We did not think for a ling time before adding this gentle giant to our family. I named him Roland, just because the name suit him.
Roland fit to the family just great, and everybody had some benefit from the reletionship.
First, having a large dog in the house increase you feeling of safety incredibaly. He has a strong bark and warns us about anyone approaching the house, so the pizza guy asked to remove the dog before open the door. It is not only a recognition of the fact that the dog really protects the place, although Roland does, but just aving a strong friend on your side. I stopped to worry about safety as much as I did before, and in fact am not trying to have defense weapons within close distance at any time.
Second, an energetic dog requires long walks and interaction with other dog owners. That was particularly good for my husband, who is avoiding contacts. Now, he has to answer questions people ask him. And, he even willingly goes to the pet store to buy toys, food, leashes and everything :thumbs-up
Third, a dog needs training. Training your dog, working together with him, just engulfs you completely, takes a great deal of your ime, and bring enourmous fun when you see results. Jose benefited a great deal from it. He in fact trained Rolad to sit, lay, and retrieve at the command. I just see him becoming more open and more interacting with the surrounding, and also calmer. This is amazing. In fact before I just could not imagine my hubby telling something like "Let's take Roland and go to the park!"
Adopting a dog is somewhat like adding a new friend to the household. You obviously must be prepared, I mean have resources as well as ability to care for the pet. But if you have that, think of getting your own four-legged therapist!
Roland fit to the family just great, and everybody had some benefit from the reletionship.
First, having a large dog in the house increase you feeling of safety incredibaly. He has a strong bark and warns us about anyone approaching the house, so the pizza guy asked to remove the dog before open the door. It is not only a recognition of the fact that the dog really protects the place, although Roland does, but just aving a strong friend on your side. I stopped to worry about safety as much as I did before, and in fact am not trying to have defense weapons within close distance at any time.
Second, an energetic dog requires long walks and interaction with other dog owners. That was particularly good for my husband, who is avoiding contacts. Now, he has to answer questions people ask him. And, he even willingly goes to the pet store to buy toys, food, leashes and everything :thumbs-up
Third, a dog needs training. Training your dog, working together with him, just engulfs you completely, takes a great deal of your ime, and bring enourmous fun when you see results. Jose benefited a great deal from it. He in fact trained Rolad to sit, lay, and retrieve at the command. I just see him becoming more open and more interacting with the surrounding, and also calmer. This is amazing. In fact before I just could not imagine my hubby telling something like "Let's take Roland and go to the park!"
Adopting a dog is somewhat like adding a new friend to the household. You obviously must be prepared, I mean have resources as well as ability to care for the pet. But if you have that, think of getting your own four-legged therapist!
