IS SHE TOO ATTACHED TO HER DOGS?

Dear Franz,

I am 69. I have four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Although I love them all, my first family is grown and moved on from my day-to-day life. My new life includes two “girls,” both yellow Labradors.

They each have a vocabulary of about 200 words. They know when I am happy, sad or mad. They learned to sneak up on the foot of my bed without disturbing me. It’s their home, too. Brandy and Duchess are part of my family; it is not a joke. Those who think it is have never known the unconditional love a canine can have for its owner, or the owner for his or her companion. I would suggest that doubters have a little more compassion for those who find comfort in a life form that, if treated with love and kindness, is incapable of betrayal, and is always at the door to meet you.


Ok. First of all, I have to say that this letter is about the saddest I've ever gotten! Wow!

You're not even asking me a question, just telling me that about your dogs! And I'm not pointing this out to be mean to you. I'm really not. Obviously I'm here to help.

And since I'm here to help you - then I need to bring you back to earth! Nobody is trying to take away Brandy and Duchess from you, OK? I know you're a little old, and you don't have much to think about. This means that your mind wanders and you come up with crazy scenarios that aren't true.

Am I right? What else do you have to do as the hours pass slowly by you?

Just know that most people just don't care about your relationship with Brandy and Duchess. It's not that they think it's a joke, or don't believe that these dogs talk to you (which they don't), it's just that they don't care.

You see?

I know this from experience, too - and I'm neither old, bored OR senile. I've come to terms with the fact that Lulu isn't automatically treated with the same respect as I am. But I just have to take extra steps to make that happen. I make sure that Lulu hosts a party once or twice a year, to ensure that she in turn gets invitations to parties herself. Little things like that. I just don't go writing to strangers and complaining about it.

And one more thing. I don't know how okay it is that you're soooo attached to Brandy and Duchess. The reason being, I'm not sure how loyal big dogs are. Little dogs are devoted and loyal and part of the family for life. Big dogs seem like they might run away if given the chance. So if that happens, I'm afraid you may be crushed - so be a little more guarded than you are, ok?

WHEN IS THE DOG THE SAME AS A BABY??

Dear Franz,

What should be done about someone who insists on referring to a dog as a person/child/baby when it is done without any indication that it’s a joke? This person is fully aware that other people are expecting actual, real children, and don’t like the equivalency the dog person is creating. Grin and bear it, or say, “Please stop equating your dog with this baby”?


I don't like your attitude.

But the answer is this: Yes.

You would think that it would depend on the dog. You would think that not everyone can claim "child status" for their pooch - but if they're anything like my little Lulu, then you wouldn't think twice.

You probably know this, but it bares repeating: Lulu is a direct descendant of King of Tangiers - Queen Margrethe of Denmark's champion miniature poodle. Lulu is the only surviving member of the family, and I haven't decided if I'm going to breed her or not - so yes. She's quite important! More important than many children - so one can definitely call her my baby! I would imagine that she's insured more than most children as well.

Can you imagine if something would happen to her?

I sure can't.

But I admit not everyone has a Lulu. Or access to such lineage.

What about people with mutts? Like from a pound. I would say - yes. Call them whatever you would like. Your babies, children - your poopoowiiwiimiimii...Whatever! They're yours.

People with ugly children still refer to THEIR children as "babies" or "kids." I've seen it plenty of times. I've been introduced to people's children and I've thought, "How on earth do you admit that!?" And they do!!! :).... Me personally, I would say that I'm doing charity work or something! Am I alone in that? (I doubt it.)

So let's celebrate our little babies! Be proud of them! Especially if they're of champion lineage. If not - be just a little more held back.