ADDICTED TO MY DOGS

Tell me – Am I addicted to my dogs? This inquiring mind needs to know…

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HERE’S WHY I ASK –

Doodle Dad and I were leaving an event last week. We knew Jaxson’s paws were probably crossed waiting for us to come home. #pottytime

As we said our goodbyes, making our way to the door, I walked by two people (whom I know) and overheard them laughing.

They were laughing at me #horror

Apparently they found humor in joking about the way I treat the Boys. #cutmedeep

While the comments weren’t intentionally mean spirited – they weren’t flattering. #Ihavefeelingstoo

Once they realized I heard them, their awkward cover-up and apologies didn’t ease the pain either. #knifesharp

It reminded me of my days in grade school. When a group of girls would huddle in a locker room corner giggling and pointing their fingers in my direction. #takemeawaycalgon

I chose the word “addicted” for this title because of its multiple definition.

While the majority associate it with negative connotations like –

  • obsessed with
  • fixated on
  • fanatical about

It also means –

  • devoted to
  • dedicated to

AND

  • passionate about

I’ve always seen myself as the “latter.”

BUT THEN I WONDERED –

Do I need time in a quiet room, on a chaise lounge, with a man sitting next to me wearing a polo shirt, wide rim glasses, holding a yellow legal pad and a#2 pencil? #DrPhil

Just how emotionally attached am I to my Doods?…

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ACCORDING TO PSYCHOLOGY TODAY –

No relationship that humans have is quite like the attachment we form to non-humans.

When I “enlisted” for the role of Doodle Mom, I was ready for the job. I knew their health, welfare, and well being would be my responsibility. #Imcoolwiththat

People often talk about pets as being family members, friends, surrogate siblings or being “like children” in their vulnerability and dependence on us for their care and welfare.        Veterinary Expert

Couple that with blogging about their adventures only strengthens the degree of time spent – along with the bond that we have.

Can’t have adventures if we’re not together right?…

DSCN3718After that evening, I realized  –

  • I do have a life outside of Harley & Jaxson.
  • I do have human friends. #abunch

Pawhaps these people never bonded with an animal, so it’s hard for them to understand. #Iforgiveyou

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Eventually I will move past this and find humor in the whole thing, but it will take some time. #stillbruised

For now though, I will sit right here – writing to you – sandwiched between two fluffy bundles of love…

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Tell me – do you think you’re “addicted#inagoodway to your dog?

If so – #welcometomyworld❤️ 

The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.   ―M.K. Clinton (author, The Returns)

Show some love this weekend AND thanks for sharing us with your friends

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35 Comments
  • Amanda
    January 8, 2016

    I wish those “catty” women knew how much joy and light you and your doods bring to so many people through your blog! With so much negativity in the news, it’s such a nice treat every time one of your posts pops into my inbox, and I know I can read it and see something cute that will make me smile, and often learn some good info about caring for my own pack. My impression is not that you have an unhealthy “addiction” but rather that you have a huge, open, empathetic, and generous heart…. when you love, you love 150%, whether that be for the people or the dogs in your life. There is nothing wrong with that!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 8, 2016

      You ROCK Amanda! We’ve got nothing but 150% love for you too! No matter how old and wise you think you’ve become in this world, there’s always something unexpected waiting/lurking for you around the corner. This is a wonderful forum to share the good the bad and the ugly. Thank you doodles for taking the time to share! Have a great weekend!

  • Dashlilly
    January 8, 2016

    Right there with you Cathy! (as an aside, knowing that Jax was crossing his paws waiting for you — perhaps those friends of yours have never come home to a mess in the house — which is just a low point in so many ways and such an excellent reason to head home)

    Here’s my story .. I love to take doodle pictures –as you know. I have stopped sharing them with folks who say things like “Dash doesn’t look happy.” “This isn’t good, they don’t look pleased.” or the worst comment I received from a “friend” “Oh this is just wrong.” All the comments were meant without harm – -but I get to decide if I don’t want to hear them anymore. Because, really… do you think I would do anything with my doodles that made them unhappy or that was wrong or that would harm them in ANYWAY? These non dog folks don’t know that doing the photos gives the doodles a chance to practice commands, to get treats (hooray!) and for us to spend interactive time together. All wins.

    Okay..getting off my soap box but not without one more comment to you:

    I think you are addicted to LOVE! And that’s an A+ addiction in my book

    signing out …

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 8, 2016

      Yep – some people just don’t “get-up” I guess! The older I become the more I’m getting right comfy in my pastel pink slippers and my fluffy friends. Thanks for sharing – I couldn’t agree with you more….

  • Monika
    January 8, 2016

    Addicted to dogs…hmm, and that’s the problem because? 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 8, 2016

      My thoughts exactly Monika! It’s a label I can learn to rock!

  • Emma
    January 8, 2016

    I guess we both had addiction on the posting schedule for today. Mom is addicted to us, most of her life is about us, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. It makes us all happy and it works, so there is no shame. It is sad for people who can’t understand and feel the need to make fun. They are just jealous.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      You said it best Emma – it is a shame that people miss out on the genuine love from a pet. #theirloss

  • M. K. Clinton
    January 8, 2016

    First of all, thank you for using my quote to express why we are “addicted” to our dogs! I know people think that I am the same way but I am way past caring. I usually prefer the company of Bentley and Pierre to them anyway. LOL! I am making my own meme like on that I recently saw online. It says: “People don’t understand why I love my dog so much, but that’s okay… My dog understands.” ☺

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      You are so welcome MK. I thought it was super special when I saw it, and I just had to “use it!” I feel so much more alive since Harley, Leo and now Jaxson have entered into my life. Have forgiven those who were “chatting” about me behind my back and to a certain extent I pity them for not knowing a love like the one you get from a pet. #theirloss Great big Doodle hugs to both Bentley and Pierre. Have a great week.

  • DZ Dogs
    January 8, 2016

    I get this ALOT because hubby and I are “so young” as people like to put it… #thathurtstoo We’ve decided we don’t want human children, that is our choice. But i’m constantly getting comments like my dogs are us practicing for “real” kids. Or how i’m “dog obsessed”.
    I’ve also heard things like:
    I treat them too well (?), dogs don’t need coats, you spend more on your dogs than I spend on my kids (ya right!)…the list goes on.
    So I’ve given up, either people get it or they don’t and if they don’t get it then i’m fine not hanging around them. And if my well mannered dogs aren’t welcome, then we won’t be going. I had an aunt I asked if I could stay overnight with to visit some extended family on my hubby’s side, she said she only lets small dogs in her home. Ugh…

    Oh well, their loss!
    It’s a compliment, you’re an amazing dog mom who loves and adores her boys. Most people just don’t get it.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      Here’s my question to you DZ Dogs – “what’s age got to do with anything?” That’s like telling me – I’m so “old” LOL (which half the time I believe myself!!) I get the same questions too, and I’m okay with answering them. It was the behind your back convo that sort of hit me below the belt and stung a bit. But I’m over it now, and I accept who I am, and what I love – I’m okay being an “addict” when it comes to Harley & Jaxson. #worksforme And I know you are too. Have a great week my friend

  • All Things Collie
    January 8, 2016

    #inagreement #dogaddict #it’sallgood

    I just found your blog, and I have to say we are alike. My coworkers don’t get it. My non-dog owning friends don’t understand. But other dog bloggers? We get it.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      Yes we do – it’s not something that’s “right” for everybody but I’m thrilled to be on the number that do. Harley & Jax (and Leo) have taught me so many wonderful things, I feel #blessed to be an addict. Thanks so much for stopping by, looking forward to hopping over to All Things Collie in a bit.

  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    January 8, 2016

    It reminds me of that t-shirt that says something like I’d rather spend time with my dogs than most people. And it’s true!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      You definitely got that right Mr. N.

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    January 8, 2016

    Yikes. I’m lucky, because 99% of my friends are dog people and they understand. The people who aren’t dog people love me anyway and get that this is just who I am. I do think that I’m addicted to my dogs, but I’m okay with it – I call it dogsanity. It’s an affliction you have too.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      “Dogsanity” Ill gladly (and proudly) accept that diagnosis! Believe me you are lucky #blessed because when you do have friends (and family) that don’t share the same excitement it can be devastating. But I’m slowly getting over it #andthem

  • Two French Bulldogs
    January 8, 2016

    This post is serious (mom is addicted to us) to hilarious! You took the words right out of moms mouth
    Woofs,
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      I wasn’t sure if others ever had my experience, so I wanted to share. I’m fine with my addiction – as I know your mom is too!

  • Rebekah
    January 9, 2016

    I’m passionate about my dogs. And proud of it!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      I know you are Rebekah – I can feel it in every single post you write! We’re kindred spirits!

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    January 10, 2016

    Love it! Yes I’m a addict too and proud of it!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 10, 2016

      Girlfriend – we’re in the best club ever!

  • nichole
    January 11, 2016

    It’s the best addiction to have! 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 11, 2016

      Better than coffee Nicole! Better than coffee!

  • Piper
    January 11, 2016

    Your dogs are absolutely precious! I have a miniature golden doodle myself who I treat as though he was my child. I am addicted to make my favorite thing on earth know how much love I have for him:)

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 11, 2016

      Piper I know exactly how you feel. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. How old is your doodle?

  • Jan K
    January 11, 2016

    Absolutely, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have people in my life that don’t get it either. Oh well, I always figure they are the ones that don’t know what they are missing.

  • Steve
    January 12, 2016

    Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 13, 2016

      Thanks Steve!

  • Pedro and Alessandra
    January 13, 2016

    Passionate, devoted, dedicated… addicted. Yes, I’m “guilty” too and I LOVE IT! I love my Pedro and I love your Doodles and I love every Doodle that I run into either virtually or in real life and I also love Dogs in general. And I spend time cuddling with Pedro, reading your blogs, “tweeting” on Pedro’s behalf, taking and Instagramming his photos, getting him Christmas presents, researching the best food for him, having full conversations with him!, strengthening the friendships that I’ve made with Doodle-humans… and as I mentally continue to build up on this list of things that I do and feel due to my “addiction”, I still see nothing wrong with it!
    Even less with yours that has led you to express the talent you were obviously born with, Cathy with creativity and reflecting the beautiful personalities of Leo, Harley and Jax. Let those people “talk”… They really do not know what they’re missing!
    Loving paws from our corner of the World!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 13, 2016

      Thanks Alessandra! I’ve chalked it up to the fact that neither one of them have four paws in their lives to love so they just don’t understand #theirloss But you and I (along with countless others) have been blessed abundantly with furry love.

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    January 14, 2016

    Absotively, posilutely as my mom used to say. And anyone who doesn’t like it can lump it. It’s definitely their loss to not know the unconditional love of a beloved furry family member! I never much cared what anyone said about me behind my back…I simply pitied them for having such shallow lives that they had nothing better to do.

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 14, 2016

      I once read a quote that went something like this: “If you’ve never loved a dog – then you’ve never truly loved at all” or words to that affect. At the time I was dog-less so I really didn’t get it – but I “get-it now. I believe the ladies who were enjoying a laugh or two at my expense, are dog-less themselves. #theirloss You and I think alike 🙂