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My dog is a 'Meeter and Greeter'

(35 Posts)
Judthepud2 Fri 24-Jun-16 20:16:07

My little cocker spaniel loves to meet and greet. She nearly wags her tail off and grins broadly. Poor lass hasn't yet learned that not all dogs and people are friendly. sad But like you said Nonnie not everyone likes dogs. I now always call her back when anyone is around, unless they are actively showing interest.

Mind you, lots of people seem intrigued by her energy. The usual comment is 'she's full of beans, isn't she?' Walks do tend to take a lot longer than planned due to chats with other dog owners. A whole new world for me!

NanaandGrampy Fri 24-Jun-16 19:25:52

smile Nina luckily they weren't picky unlike our current little chap !

I agree Tizliz I understand why some people are but they are missing unconditional love dogs can bring .

ninathenana Fri 24-Jun-16 18:29:02

N&G I'm envy they're such beautiful friendly dogs. I wouldn't want the food bill though for two of them grin
Nonnie I love staffies too. I love the way the chunter as if they're talking to you.

Tizliz Fri 24-Jun-16 18:22:56

I feel it is such a shame when people don't like dogs, they are missing out on so much.

millymouge Fri 24-Jun-16 17:34:52

Your little chap sounds a lot like mine. We have two rescued ex racing greyhounds, and anyone that so much as looks at them is greeted with a waggy tail and a poke with the nose to be petted. People want to talk to you when they see you if you have a dog, they really break the ice, and we have made many friends over the years because of our dogs. Some people don't seem too happy just now so it's nice to be able to cheer them up a bit.

NanaandGrampy Fri 24-Jun-16 17:22:31

That's really lovely ! Before Elf and Safety we had 2 10 stone Bernese that I would take into the local infant school for story time.

The dogs would lay down surrounded by tinies who wanted to join in and I'd tell the tale of how Bernese got their distinctive markings. Once story time was done we'd harness the dogs to their carts and take the little ones for a ride round the playground.

We worked with many little ones who had a fear of dogs getting good results. The dogs are so big and so gentle they made wonderful ambassadors.

Of course non of this would be allowed now smile . Not my dog in the picture but you get the idea.

Your little chap sounds a very similar natured dog Nonnie I hope he'll be around for a good long while yet, making friends .

tanith Fri 24-Jun-16 14:52:54

Nonnie1 my OH would be one of the ones who walks past or avoids you , he's a lovely friendly chap but he's scared of dogs sadly, he just can't get over it and they always know. So don't think too badly of those who avoid you.

breeze Fri 24-Jun-16 14:47:13

Hear hear! How beautifully said. flowers

rosesarered Fri 24-Jun-16 14:44:42

I love those sort of dogs Nonnie and always give them a pat.smile

Nonnie1 Fri 24-Jun-16 14:41:48

When I take my dogs for a walk, one of them is so friendly, walking up to other people as if she knows them, and demands to be stroked. She's a Staffordshire Bull terrier, and she's getting on a bit.

When she sees somebody - anybody - she approaches them wagging her tail and wiggling her body and I watch the body language of those people. Nine out of ten times they smile and stroke her and we start up a conversation, all because of her.

I find that people tell me all sorts of things, especially much older people sitting on benches who now suddenly have someone to talk to, and they tell me where they have been and what they had for lunch, how many grandchildren they have, what dogs they used to have. My little dog is like an ambassador for goodwill.

Because of her breed the odd person won't have anything to do with us and that is fine, but as for the rest, well my walk ends up lasting for a whole lot longer, and I have found myself really looking forward to our daily get togethers.

Yesterday our walk took over an hour. It was lovely. Some people stopped and showed me the birds they had spotted on their camera, and I spoke to a very elderly couple about Acer trees and where we have them in our gardens.
Life is a privilege. Sometimes we forget that.