All A Dog Needs

When this dog bed was brought home from the shop the other day, Missy didn't want anything to do with it. I was sad for my husband, who'd bought the bed, thinking he'd wasted his money.

But over the past few days, Missy had become more and more used to this new resting, and sleeping option, and as you can seem is happily curled up on the bed with her 'friend' the soft toy we've named Herman the German.

I don't remember where Herman came from, but we've had him around the house for quite a time, and Missy seems to like cuddling up to him at night time. She'll often be curled up to Herman when I see her first thing in the morning. It's cute!

Of course, a dog needs more than a bed, and a toy of some kind. Missy gets plenty of food, mostly a good quality dry dog bood, and some bits and pieces of human food too. She likes many things we like, including beans and mushrooms, as well as carrots, and especially cheese. Who doesn't like cheese?!

Missy is a Pharaoh Hound, an old girl now, and well into her elderly stages, but even though she spends a lot of time snoozing on her bed, she still has lots of outside time, sniffing around, and barking at any cats that hand around our property at times.

We've had Missy for all of her life, and while we love her a lot, we are going to 'change breed', once she's gone, and get a Greyhound. Pharaoh Hounds and Greyhounds are both Sight Hounds and alike in many ways, as we've seen, with Sharon, our son's Greyhound which he's had for a couple of years.

Missy doesn't actually like Sharon, but Sharon is easy either way, regarding liking Missy or not, Sharon just does what whe wants when she visits with our son, and Missy keeps clear of the taller Sharon ...

At first, Missy was a bit 'snarly' with Sharon, but with the Greyhound being bigger, Missy didn't go as far as starting any trouble, fortunately. At Sharon's most recent visit, there was nothing outwardly agressive at all from Missy, so that was a good thing. We've been wondering about getting that Greyhound of our own before Missy has actually left us ...

If we did bring another dog into our home to live, while we still have Missy, it would be a male one, because male and female dogs tend to do better together than two dogs of the same gender. It can work, if they're both of the same gender, but it is potentially more 'difficult', regarding which will be 'top dog'. having two dogs of different genders means for easier hierarchy issues, from my experience with dogs over many years.

I wonder though, would Missy share her bed, if we got that Greyhound? Who knows, it might mean another bed could be needed, and some rearranging of furniture! I think life might be easier if we just wait on that issue, and stick with just the one dog ...

The responsibilities when one is a dog owner, or a pet owner overall, are important, and if one brings animals into their life, they must be prepared to do their best to provide, at the very least, food, water and shelter, as well as veterinary assistance if needed. If you can’t afford to meet these needs for a pet, of whatever kind, please, please forget about getting a pet!

Plants are interesting to look after, providing good feelings, and moments of joy. These may not be as awesome as with a with a pet you love, and who seems to love you, but plants are able to offer blossoms, and possibly food, via their leaves, or fruits. A dog or cat, can’t do that for you, and the plants will be cheaper for you, and so less of a burden on your household finances.

And even if you fall in love with your plants, you are still not going to have a broken heart, the way you might if your loved pet dies … These are all important aspects to think about!