What does it mean to be a dog owner?

I am an avid aquarist (fancy word for "I like to have fish tanks") and I met some great people through that hobby. One of those people once said that in this hobby there are "fish havers" and "fish keepers" A "fish haver" throws water in a tank, puts some fish in, feeds them when they remember, never changes the water etc. A "fish keeper" changes their water dilegently, feeds their fish the best they are able to, and really makes sure that those fish are healthy.

What do fish have to do with dogs, you ask? Well, I think the same applies for dogs. There are people who have dogs. They live in their homes, or in the back yard. They get tossed some kibble, and on a lucky day...they get a pat on the head or get to hear "good boy/girl".  Then there are people like us, people who look at our dogs and can translate a tail wag, a bar, a stare, into a language. We can see our dog's feelings, we do everything we can to make sure we have happy, healthy dogs. We take them to the vet for check ups, we worry about them when they arent well, and we cry when they finally cross over the rainbow bridge.

Dog havers.....those dogs are lucky if they ever see a vet, if they ever get the simple joy of laying in their owners laps, or on the couch watching tv.

So what does it mean to be a dog owner? A whole lot more than ownership, that's for sure.  A dog is not a belonging, it's not a possession, and it's not disposable. A dog is a life time decision to care for another living being and to treat them right.  We may not all be able to afford top of the line kibble, but our dogs don't care much as long as they are fed and loved.  As dog keepers, we are doing the best we possibly can with what we have available. And, if ever a time comes that resources are no longer available, then we must make the decision to forfeit our companion before any harm comes to them.

I haven't been with the rescue very long. Maybe 4-5 months now, but I don't think I'll ever look back. I've always been a dog lover, and my dogs have always been my "kids" it hurts me to see any dog in pain, suffering, unloved....and through the rescue I've been lucky enough to meet many people who feel the same way.  I'm just saying, I'm glad to be surrounded by a community of dog keepers rather than dog havers.