The problem, for me, with owning a dog is that I know (?) that I will outlive her.
I can’t stand losing ones that I love. Really can’t stand it.
We’re all different; I know people who lose a dog and truly mourn the loss then get over it and have a new puppy the next week and others who lose a dog will take years to get over the loss. And still maybe not get another dog. I think it’s because we get so close to them.
They are like our children. Luna is easily as smart and crafty as any 2 year old human I’ve ever met and can communicate better than some of them! She understands at least 200 words that I’ve been able to track and she comprehends complete sentences. Doesn’t always agree with them, nor follow them, but it’s clear she contemplates the choice and then makes her own decision.
Not at all like our last dog, Aristotle. He also was very smart, but he didn’t try to be the alpha; he was happy to do whatever I asked him to do.
Luna tries at all times to be the alpha.
She clearly shows jealously, even toward my wife, if I give someone else attention while she’s in the room. My son always used to comment that she’d make a great girlfriend with the loyalty she shows, but we now agree that she acts too jealously too often. Oh well, what to do? I just ignore her and continue to give attention to whomever I was giving it to. Luna will learn.
Like a 2 year old.
She clearly shows bossiness, even toward me. When we’re playing a game like fetch, if I’m not quick enough with the throw she’ll be right in my face “HEY! Throw that thing!” “HEY! Come ON!” HEY! Throw it!”
The word “hey” is big with her, she says that A LOT. But I just throw it at my own pace, waiting for her to patiently sit before I’ll throw it again. She knows this and understands it but still needs to shout and try to get her way before she’ll quiet down and sit. She’ll learn. Like a 2 year old
And, God willing, I’ll be here to see it.