Dogs are wondrous creatures. They come into our lives without expectations and bring wonder, love, laughter and happiness. I know cat people; I’ve even had a couple of pretty exceptional cats myself. But I’m not a cat person; I’m a dog person. Their companionship is unmatched in the animal kingdom, in my opinion. My current companions are in the form of a Parson Russell Terrier and a Miniature Pinscher.
The terrier, Parson (I did NOT name him), is everything the more-commonly-known-as Jack Russell Terrier is supposed to be. He’s loyal, energetic, stubborn, funny and loving. He also has a fairly calm demeanor for a terrier, which is likely due to the fact that he was boarded most of his first five years of life. Baby, the Min Pin, is anything but calm. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s crazy. Okay, perhaps crazy is a bit stern; but, she’s incredibly spoiled (thanks Mom & Dad), territorial and affectionate.
Contrary to some train of thought, I believe dogs not only have personalities but souls as well.
Parson has such a sweet soul. He seems content with food, shelter, attention and the occasional yard time. His yard now consists of a large parcel of land over which he roams freely. Why he insists on chasing cars in the road is beyond me. Maybe it’s because he can. But my heart leaps every time he heads to the road after a vehicle. He can roam and chase birds or roll in the grass (hopefully that’s all he’s rolling in). I wonder if he thinks about his first family. They had busy lives, which is why he spent as much time being boarded as he did. They opted not to bring him into their new house because of allergies. But he went from a huge house with kids and every dog’s dream…a boy to pay with, to a tiny house with one person who is not nearly as active as a young boy. Still, he seems to have made the adjustment with ease.
Then there’s Baby. I inherited her when my parents died. She is every bit the high-strung mistress Min Pin’s can be. She believes the world revolves around her and the rest of us are just here for her entertainment and comfort. She is also very loving with huge brown eyes that she uses to her advantage. Baby thinks that anyone sitting in Mom’s chair does so for her comfort, which she exhibits by promptly hopping into their lap and snuggling down. If you try to extricate her, she gives you ‘the look’ that clearly says “you know you love me”.
Yes, dogs definitely have souls and personalities. They come into our lives to entertain and love us. They don’t judge or hold grudges and anyone who believes they do has never seen into the soul of a dog. There is no breed of dog that’s bad; only bad people who train them so.
I for one am glad to have seen into the soul of dogs and I am thankful for the two distinct personalities who grace my home every day.
Baby & Parson enjoying and outing
kathryndstokes 