my t has a lab.

she had dogs while growing up but her husband never did so we talk sometimes about how goofy he is with the dog.

i have 2 rescued basset hounds, and when i first started seeing her also a rescued chesapeake bay retriever. i am very involved in basset rescue. i also have no "real" family so the dogs are it for me...as well as my online/and real rescue family.

t bought her dog from a pet store (can you say puppy mill????)...makes me crazy..okay it was a long time before i began seeing her...and it was her hubby who dragged the kids into the store while babysitting them one day...etc. i have had the rescue chat with her and she won't ever do that again.

basset rescue has a very strong social network...with some well attended events (one such event has over 610 bassets marching in a parade each spring). basset people are some of the most giving you'll ever find.

i think t was a little taken back by how strong this network is...when i was unable to care for myself...they swooped in and cared for me...same for the folks at my dog park. they have sent me $$$, food, meds for the dogs, toys etc. i buy her gifts and most of the time they come from rescue groups.

we spend alot of time talking about dogs and how important they are...as well as the people that come with them. my first t did not have pets and the bond was not as strong (okay and she was evil and unethical too).

she understands too when sometimes i have to be the one swooping for other people and might have to miss a session (like when i had to help a friend put down her rottie)...or when i bring in endless pix of the boys.

pack mentality? don't know about that with her...just know that it is a common bond we have...one of several. i have helped her find boarding facilities, foods, etc for her dog..which is funny..she helps me with my head...me with her dog.

stumpy