Google says there are 900 million dogs in this world. Now, I’m sure you would agree that not all of them are truly GOOD dogs. Fewer still are GREAT dogs.
This got me thinking. What makes a dog better than most? This is what I came up with:
A great dog is…
Intelligent. Smart enough to understand your commands, while willing enough to learn and obey them.
Reliable. He’s there when you need him – both physically and emotionally. In the literal sense, he stays home; he can be counted on to be there morning and night. He’s also there when you’ve been cooped up and need to go for a walk, or are in a bad mood and need a distraction. Or when you find yourself crying on the front step, his fur soaks up those tears.
Forgiving. He doesn’t hold it against you if you get busy. If you had a long day, and can’t play with him, he’ll just try again tomorrow. Toddlers and small kids lean on him or pull his fur, he doesn’t mind, he knows they’ll throw him the ball later.
Adaptive. He’s ready to do whatever you feel like. Going to check cows – you got it. It’s raining and we’ve got to stay inside and read all day – that’s good too. He’s just happy to be included.
Intuitive. He knows how to read the room. Your friends are his friends – you don’t have to worry about him being aggressive to people he shouldn’t be. You come home with a new baby, once or twice, or three times, and he knows they are his now as much as yours.
Honest. He’s going to screw up now and then; get into something he shouldn’t – but he’ll understand his mistake in the tone of your voice, and you’ll see it in his actions and eyes that he’s sorry. He wants to please, so you won’t catch him making the same mistake often.
Loyal. He trusts you completely, and would follow you anywhere.
The thing about a great dog is, THAT becomes your standard. Yes, they are all individuals, but once you have loved and been loved by a truly GREAT dog, you understand something that special is a combination of luck, work, and commitment.
They have earned their way into your heart. Even when they’re gone, you will always remember that you were lucky enough to call that truly GREAT dog yours.
– By Danielle Barnes
