[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Tink04

I really like how you said, " I don't limit my speech to commands, which some people would disagree with. " I have full on conversations with Tink, like I'm talking to an actual human being. If I'm taking her to the vet, I'm fully explaining to her why we are going. When I'm doing housework and she's following me around everywhere, I talk to her. "How was your day, Tink - Oh my goodness, that's so interesting." ...My boyfriend often thinks I'm crazy, but hey, she's my little buddy.

Very good point about vet visits. I tell my boys too why were are going, and if I have to leave them, I assure them that I will be back. I believe it helps a lot. It's the only place Teddy tolerates people poking and prodding him.

Originally Posted by Zeus is Loved

Couldn't have said it better myself. My Zeus is not a show dog, so it doesn't matter. I sing to him -- really make up songs for him. His nickname is Toot Toot. I sing to the tune of Little Duece Coup by the Beach Boys -- He's my little Toot Toot, and I love him, he's my little Toot Toot. We are crazy about him. We realize he is a dog, but we try not to leave him home alone for too long except when we work. He goes everywhere he can with us. He is part of our family. He is our first pet. He is so happy to see me when I get home. It is the best feeling in the world as a human -- feeling needed and wanted. My Zeus makes me feel that way, and I would never want to change it.