“Who Loves Me Will Love My Dog”

Mom and I have a lot of time to chat while we’re cruising in the Dogmobile.  On one of our trips we got to talking about how similar she and I are, in terms of the characteristics we share.  And we started comparing all the dogs that have passed through our house and how funny it was that each dog reflected one or two of mom’s personality traits.  How often have you heard the expression “people start to look like their dogs”?  Or, “dogs and their owners end up looking alike”?  Sometimes it’s really true.  You have all seen the professional photography demonstrating that effect.  Well, I want to take this concept just a tad farther.  I want to propose that we dogs tend to reflect our owner’s personalities.  Or maybe, it’s vice versa.   Are you smiling yet?  If you know my mom, I’ll bet you’re laughing already. 

Let me illustrate.  Take me, for instance.  If you’ve met me, you know I’m not a petite guy.   I’m big.  I have curly hair.  I love to eat.  And I love to talk.  And not necessarily in that order.  I’m not sure what I love more—talking or food!  You’ve seen pictures; you’ve heard stories.  So…anybody know my mom?  Ever see her miss a meal?  With the exception of the curly hair (well, she used to pay big cash money for curls), you can really tell we’re related.  She’s pretty chatty.  And sometimes I hear her use an expression describing herself like a brick building and a potty!?  I don’t get it but maybe you will. 

Then there was Dakota.  Dakota was an absolute sweet, loving dog.  But don’t cross him.  And don’t come after his mom.  He’d literally and figuratively rip your face off.  Uh huh, you guessed it.  Don’t cross momma either, especially before she’s had her 2 cups of coffee.  And whatever you do, don’t do anything to her family!   Dakota had a long “fuse” but when it blew—watch out.  Mom?  Well put it this way…I wouldn’t go takin’ mom’s treats away from her!

Then there’s Ditto.  Ditto is often aloof.  A friendly guy who loves to greet strangers and talk to them, in the long run he’d just as soon go outside and oversee his “land”.  He likes it when he can be outside, undisturbed, and surveying his surroundings.  Away from the pack.  And you know?  Mom’s not too far from that, too.  She loves to visit and see people and be social, but in the end, she’d just as soon sit on the deck, look over “her land” and contemplate the world.  Kind of funny, huh? 

Now, here’s where my thesis goes a bit awry.  Sophie.  Princess Sophie.  I’m not seeing much resemblance between the two.  I’m not quite sure I’d call my mom a princess. Mom doesn’t care about her nails.  And she sure doesn’t mind getting rained on.  Yet, y’know, Sophie’s kind of bossy.  It’s “her way or the highway.”  Sigh.   And, shhh, don’t tell, but I think my mom is a little similar.  She can be pretty bossy when it comes to following what she says.  So, I guess they share some idiosyncrasy don’t they?  Dad calls them, “pushy females”.    *HOWL*

Is it all that bad that we’re similar?  I don’t think so.  I think mom would like to be more like me – forgiving, unconditional, happy all the time-- although since we’re both on a diet I’m not sure she wants to be like me in every way!  And there are times I’d like to be more like her—at least on the physical side—be able to have opposing thumbs, talk—real talk—and live longer than 15.  But I’m happy we’re a family and we can share our quirks and relish in them.  To me?  They’re virtues. 

So what characteristics do you share with your beloved pup?  Please share.  And…thanks for reading everyone.  I hope you were “Bearmused” today!