I think kids' opinions and actions toward dogs is a direct reflection of what they see from parental units. When I was growing up, the dogs we owned were practically vestigial organs: they had a use at one point, but eventual nobody remembered what that was. Poor dogs.
I vowed that when I bought my first dog, it would get the proper attention and training it deserved. I went overboard by most people's standards, but training and testing my dogs to their greatest potential has been a life-changing experience. We have dogs that are part of our family unlike any other critter I've ever had as a "pet." In fact, I really don't see Remy and Blitz as pets. That seems degrading. They're certainly not children, but they demand respect and recognition that most dogs probably don't get or deserve.
Our dogs definitely have their place, and I've done my best to teach Nolan what that means. He gets it, even at 3 years old. The dogs love him and he loves them both. In fact, he's already claimed Blitz as his own. Which is fine by me. Blitz can be "his" if he wants. They've always had a pretty strong connection. I think Nolan was right around 2 in this pic.
Last edited:
