SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I'll never understand it. Do they find them cute? Funny? Devoted? Loving? People who have dogs are delusional. I certainly don't see the appeal, but this little guy lives in my house so he's fair game for photo sessions.

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RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Southwest, I'm surprised there is enough room in your cheek for your tongue. This looks like an affectionate fellow. And you got a great image of him.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Awwwww! It’s about time. Love him and he will return it tenfold.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

What, you don't take me seriously? How did we get here? He's not my dog but I get to enjoy him.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

No, sorry, I misled you. He is my housemate's dog so of course I get all the benefits without the work. But he is a very loving little soul when he's not a monster. To my delight his DNA test showed he is 33% Heeler, right up my alley. When and if I get my own dog I will make it abundantly clear!

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Such a sweet face!!

Please give him lots of hugs and kisses from me.

There will never be another Ted but I bet there will be someone to be part of your life. (I've been without Murphy for almost 2 1/2 years and though a part of me wants another dog, I just haven't found that right one, yet)

Dodie

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Wow it's hard to fathom that Murphy has been gone that long. Didn't you just tell us about his passing?

This little character, Miguel, is pretty perfect for this household. He's chummy with Leaf and terrified of Oliver (which makes Oliver's life worthwhile if you were to ask him). And Miguel has learned to howl, beautifully and in a mournful minor key while somehow chewing syllables out of the sound, to sirens. Since there are a lot of sirens, he gets plenty of practice. He wants his people to join in, so we do. When the nonsense is over, I usually ask, "Why do people have dogs?"

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

They're not called man's best friend for nothing,lol.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

So true.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

This little guy is mainly for affection and fun. But many people keep big dogs to discourage door-to-door salespeople or the neighborhood wildlife.

My wife, way back when I met her in the early 70's had a German Shepherd named George, he had flunked out of guard/police dog school because he was too friendly and non-aggressive. But he had a sense of humor and was protective of Debra and all small children.

Once a salesman came to the door and George did his usual jump to the back of the coach by the door to look out. Most who came to the door knew George did that and talked to him, which made him very happy. But one day when I was there, a pushy sales person opened the screen door just as my mother-in-law opened the inner door. George looked around the door (head about 5-6' up) and barked. The reaction was very entertaining.

The first time I hugged Debra in front of George when we were dating he pushed in between our legs and gave me a "You didn't ask permission first." look. Debra talked to him and then hugged me. After that it was OK, but he would come over and wait for his turn at hugs. When our first born was about a year and his cousin was 3 months older, George appointed himself the guardian of Michael and Jennifer. Anyone scold them, even when George saw them getting into trouble and he would come over sit down between the adults and the toddler(s) with a "You should be ashamed to scold the cute little kid(s)" look.

And when Debra's sister's husband gave her a pedigreed St Bernard puppy named Chris he got raised with George as his role model. When Chris was grown (top 10% in size for a St Bernard) he pretty much thought he was a very friendly German Shepherd. Michael and Jennifer used to use him for a bean bag to take naps in the yard. Now close your eyes and imagine a LARGE St Bernard reacting to taggers in the ally behind the garage WOOF!!! and the first time the trash guy (who was a family friend) came in the gate to get the cans when my Father-in-Law forgot to put them in the alley for pickup. Chris had seen the man talking with Louie when he was still a puppy but the man didn't expect Chris to be at the In-laws house and had not seen him since he was grown. Here came a furry Volkswagen bounding toward him going WOOF WOOF, the guy almost had a heart attack and then almost got licked to death by said Chris trying to get pets and hugs.

When something went on in the alley while Chris was visiting George didn't even bother to wake up from his naps. He left it to the mountain that barked.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I love how dogs raise each other (usually with more success than people, who half the time don't even try). The dog I have not yet replaced, who was about half German Shepherd, was raised by a Borzoi and a Kerry Blue Terrier, so he had a rather eclectic education. Still, he was his own dog with a million odd traits. He might have looked imposing with his wolfish outline and yellow coyote eyes, but one of his huge pointed ears flopped while the other stood so no one took him very seriously. Miguel, the little fellow in the photo, knows how ears should look.

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you.