Reader's Ink discussion

Did this book change the way you perceive animals? In what ways?

In my own religious beliefs, I believe that there is life after death, for both people and animals. I'm not so sure about reincarnation, but why not. I really liked the idea that Bailey could learn from his puppy experiences when they were in the ditch and culvert to the farm, and up to his various adult years, and his love for his owners continued, but the boy was always the one that had the most meaning to him. I've thought a lot about the mother (dog). She created and taught her pups by her example, and taught them to be quite independent very young. Each time Bailey was a pup, he was able to draw on his experiences before and learned more and valuable behaviors and through the various characters made him a finer animal with each progression. The Author's take on this was fantastic. I really like it, and I don't think we are that far off in real life either. Great book.

No it did not change my perception....due to the fact that my perception of animals is already very "human" like. My dogs are like my children, and have distinct personalities and moods and needs and wants. I wish they could talk sometimes because some of the "looks" i get when I ask one of my dogs to do something is priceless. I think this book simply reinforced my views on animals, especialy dogs. They are loyal to a fault, commited, do show genuine concern for their "people"...this book just illustrates my perception eloquently.

I can’t say that the book reinforced my view of animals, as I already loved dogs and feel they’re morally superior to humans. I already disliked cats, so Bailey totally reflected my views on those creatures. I did like the “purpose” aspect of Bailey—that he’s here (again and again) to serve a particular purpose. Dogs are amazing—from search and rescue, to guiding the blind, to predicting medical flare-ups in humans so said human can prepare, to plain old companionship for lonely people or not-so-lonely people.

I also like Emily’s comment about keeping a dog from his or her purpose—how cruel that is. How unnatural. I think that can also be applied to humans to a degree. Some people are born with a particular purpose—maybe more than one purpose. I think it’s heartbreaking when they are stymied from reaching that purpose for whatever reason: lack of nerve, lack of opportunity, crappy parents, religious dictates, etc.

My father-in-law is very devoted to his dog (a black lab/greyhound mix), so I mentioned to him that I was reading the book, and how the main dog matches what the general consensus is about dog personality (loyal to their owners, obedient, etc). He countered by saying that dogs are actually selfish, and that anything they do for their owners is for personal gain.

I haven't had dogs, but I am disinclined to agree with him. Do any of the dog owners see any truth to that statement?

I think part of it depends on the breed and the personality of the dog. We had two golden retrievers when I was growing up, and they were both good dogs but very, very different. The first was independent and more aloof. He didn't mind being alone and doing his own thing. The second was attached the family and, by his first birthday, had acquired the nickname shadow because he was always with at least one member of the family.

Living in tornado alley, we had a handful of massive storms every year where it was usually a smart idea to go down to the basement as a precaution. Up to an hour or two before one of these storms would come through the area, our second golden would get antsy and often went down to the basement until the storm was over. However, he wouldn't calm down until anyone who was home would also go down to the basement - otherwise he would bark, whine, and pretty much do anything to get our attention. Once everyone was in the basement, he would lie down, relax, and go back to being a low-key dog. Maybe he was afraid of basements and didn't like being alone, but it always seemed like he was more concerned about everyone's safety (in his older years, there were also two cats, and they were exempted from the basement quota ... ).

That said, he loved Christmas and made an absolute nuisance of himself until he could open his presents on Christmas morning. And that most definitely somewhat single minded and selfish.

Although I adore my kitties, I've always felt if any animal is selfish, it would be a cat. Dogs seem to try to please their owners, tend to want the attention, to be around them, etc. Cats want things only on their terms. For instance, if I'm sitting on the couch, one of mg cats may come sit in my lap and nudge my hand to be pet. But were I to try to pick him up to sit with me, he'd jump off as soon as he got the chance. When they feel like it, they'll come around.

Alisha - you are spot on at least at my house. The kitties often seem to think (at least from my perspective), that they are doing us a favor by letting us pet them, sit on laps etc. However, there are days when my kitty genuinely wants and needs to be around me. I can go into another room and he follows me. Just has a need to be social. Others he couldn't care, but he is a wonderful little companion for me. I agree by Julie's and Lauren's posts too. Been a long time since I've had a doggie, but my friends have dogs, and they are very social, lovable "friends" that become such an important part of the family.