[Britster]

I do hear what you're saying! Not everyone who owns a dog can possibly devote all, or even most, of their time to that dog(s). And every one is different! There are LOTS of well-loved dogs who probably don't get the attention they may want, but you know what... there's lots of dogs content to just be a "family dog" and just BE there, if you know what I mean and live a very happy life.

I think I've lightened up over the past few years too. While Jackson still is very much the center of my life in a lot of ways - I also know he will be absolutely fine if I do HAVE to leave him for 8 hours one day, or that I CAN go on vacation and enjoy myself and know he's being taken care of and will be fine upon my arrival. And he doesn't need to be doing something every second of every day and that he does need to learn to settle and entertain himself sometimes.

With that said, he is my best buddy! He's truly FAMILY and my whole human family feels the same about him. If he's allowed, he's going to come with me, because *I* enjoy it, and he enjoys it as well, so why not? I love having him with me! I would say I am more of a "dog enthusiast" than most whereas I belong to this forum, and others, and I enjoy researching about veterinary medicine, food, vaccines, etc, and I love training. And Jackson lives a REALLY good life - he's a very active dog who really does need lots of exercise and stimulation so I do provide him with that.

I don't ever regret for a minute getting him tho. He is my BOY and I can't even remember life without him. But him and I just click and mesh really well, right from the get-go, we had a strong communication between us. I think that can make a difference too. Certain ppl just don't click with certain dogs.... I know I don't really like when a dog constantly has to be on your lap, or be picked up, and is SUPER needy. Jackson is needy, but in a different way. Anyways I'm kind of rambling.

For what it's worth, too, I've ALWAYS been a dog person. Since... I was born, LOL. I begged for a dog for years, and my dad got a Golden Retriever for "me" when I turned 4. I also had MY first dog (minus the costs) when I was 10 - a German Shepherd named Sadie. I was the kid who had toy plastic dogs, and studied the Dog Breed books, LoL!! So I definitely have always been INTO dogs as long as I can remember. I grew up with the dogs in my parents bed and my own, and went to school w/ dog hair all over me every day, lol. And for the past 4 years, I've been in the pet sitting "business" (my own thing)... sooo... Anyways that could be a big reason why I am the way I am!