A dog is a dog!
Thankfully ...34 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
Since your asked an opinion, here goes: Enjoy being who you are and allow Sunny to be who he is. I've never met any one or any dog who was truly happy trying to be something they weren't. We're all unique and one of kind --how awesome is that! ann
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Since your asked an opinion, here goes: Enjoy being who you are and allow Sunny to be who he is. I've never met any one or any dog who was truly happy trying to be something they weren't. We're all unique and one of kind --how awesome is that! ann
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Exactly!!! What a perfect summary of how I feel. It should be that each one of us and each dog is accepted, with no questions asked. To me it is respecting a dog as a dog, with the qualities of dogs enriching people?s lives. Many thanks for such a succinct and thoughtful review. Wendy
Comment from Teri7
Wendy, I am proud of you and Sunny. My husband and I have cats. We do not dress them up. We love them, play with them and take care of them. It is great to be yourself in a world that wants to change us all. May God bless you and Sunny! The picture you posted was cute, but looked uncomfortable for the little dog. Thank you for sharing! love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Wendy, I am proud of you and Sunny. My husband and I have cats. We do not dress them up. We love them, play with them and take care of them. It is great to be yourself in a world that wants to change us all. May God bless you and Sunny! The picture you posted was cute, but looked uncomfortable for the little dog. Thank you for sharing! love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Thank you very much, Teri. I feel exactly like you. There?s too much focus on these ideas of constant photos everywhere, and of accepting "difference". I am the one who is different now because I am so "ordinary", and Sunny too. We?ll continue to do things our own way.
Many thanks for your thoughtful review.
Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I agree with you. I love Harley, but he is my fur baby. He's not a child. When he gets his bath and toenails cut, they put a scarf around his neck. He wears it for a few minutes and then struggles to get it off. LOL He knows he's a dog and is proud of it. You are correct in your thinking.
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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I agree with you. I love Harley, but he is my fur baby. He's not a child. When he gets his bath and toenails cut, they put a scarf around his neck. He wears it for a few minutes and then struggles to get it off. LOL He knows he's a dog and is proud of it. You are correct in your thinking.
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Yes, that?s like Sunny. He knows he?s a dog and is proud of it and we won?t be changing to fit in with dress-ups and constant photos. Thanks so much for your support. I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from Nicole Schmidt
Not only so, but he is unique in his strange heritage. He looks quite unlike any other dog. Most people think there is some Dachshund and some Papillon in him, including the veterinarian and my Therapy Dogs supervisor.
I absolutely love this how awesome is that?!
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Not only so, but he is unique in his strange heritage. He looks quite unlike any other dog. Most people think there is some Dachshund and some Papillon in him, including the veterinarian and my Therapy Dogs supervisor.
I absolutely love this how awesome is that?!
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Thank you Nicole. Great review. Yes, he is different - and he?s happy being himself. Me too.
Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from juliaSjames
To answer the question in your author notes - no on both counts. Continue to be yourself. You are valued, you are loved, you are you.
As for Sunny, he is as you say, a dog and as such totally unaffected by the whims and photo ops of human culture. In fact, Finny is eagerly awaiting a comment from Sunny on this situation. He would like Sunny to know that he Finny is a mutt, part border collie, part bulldog, part dalmation. And that he Finny sometimes wears a Halloween costume. And that when he goes walkies in the winter he wears a dog jacket if it's really cold.
Dear Wendy, it's not easy to be perceived as different because it's stamped in our DNA that fitting in equals survival. But I ask the question, are different approaches to dog handling and different ideas about gender, bloodlines etc enough to override the primary objective of the Therapy Dog team which is to bring succour to suffering souls? Surely not. IMO, however bizarre their actions and however confused their motives, the dog dressers on your team have good and loving hearts.
Actually there may be something in human DNA that delights in dressing up in costume. Maybe a play acting gene? My son who lives in Swansea tells me that people are always walking around in costume for no apparent reason. And from way back in the past people have decorated their bodies. And just look at the way we delight in watching parades and pageantry. Not to mention sports fans. And the list goes on!
Kudos to you and Sunny for hanging in there dressed up as yourselves.
Blessings, Julia
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
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To answer the question in your author notes - no on both counts. Continue to be yourself. You are valued, you are loved, you are you.
As for Sunny, he is as you say, a dog and as such totally unaffected by the whims and photo ops of human culture. In fact, Finny is eagerly awaiting a comment from Sunny on this situation. He would like Sunny to know that he Finny is a mutt, part border collie, part bulldog, part dalmation. And that he Finny sometimes wears a Halloween costume. And that when he goes walkies in the winter he wears a dog jacket if it's really cold.
Dear Wendy, it's not easy to be perceived as different because it's stamped in our DNA that fitting in equals survival. But I ask the question, are different approaches to dog handling and different ideas about gender, bloodlines etc enough to override the primary objective of the Therapy Dog team which is to bring succour to suffering souls? Surely not. IMO, however bizarre their actions and however confused their motives, the dog dressers on your team have good and loving hearts.
Actually there may be something in human DNA that delights in dressing up in costume. Maybe a play acting gene? My son who lives in Swansea tells me that people are always walking around in costume for no apparent reason. And from way back in the past people have decorated their bodies. And just look at the way we delight in watching parades and pageantry. Not to mention sports fans. And the list goes on!
Kudos to you and Sunny for hanging in there dressed up as yourselves.
Blessings, Julia
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
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Thank you Julia for this lovely, and very thoughtful review. You are right. They all love their dogs very much, and just think it?s fun to dress them up, with the goal of making people smile.
I think it?s fine for humans to dress up if they wish and do what they like with their own bodies, and some of the dogs have been accustomed to being dressed up from puppyhood so they are quite used to it. I think the main thing is to respect the dog?s preferences and comfort. Thank you again. I appreciate your interesting and thoughtful review. Sunny would love to see a photo of Finny!
Wendy
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
I can see both sides of this arguement. He is a percious dog just as he is and he doesn't need dressing up to improve himself. However, I have known many dogs who literally beg for their clothes. So, i don't think you are being too conservative but maybe try taking cues from him if he is giving any. Perhaps dressing up like the girls when he goes for Therapy makes him feel special and adds to the enjoyment the people get from him. Just a thought. He is wonderful either way and you do a great job with him
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
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I can see both sides of this arguement. He is a percious dog just as he is and he doesn't need dressing up to improve himself. However, I have known many dogs who literally beg for their clothes. So, i don't think you are being too conservative but maybe try taking cues from him if he is giving any. Perhaps dressing up like the girls when he goes for Therapy makes him feel special and adds to the enjoyment the people get from him. Just a thought. He is wonderful either way and you do a great job with him
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
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Thank you. Marilyn for your thoughtful review. Some of the dogs have been dressed up since puppyhood, so they are quite used to it. Not Sunny, who clearly shows his discomfort and desire to escape from the clothing. All the owners love their dogs and just want to bring a smile to people?s faces.
The main thing is that we all focus on the people who need our encouragement, whatever we look like. Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
I'm sorry but dragging a dog into this whole gender thing is the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. Stand your ground. Maybe next time politely say, "Oh, I thought we were doing this for people. I didn't realize there was politics involved." I know you're not a pushover, so you don't need my advice. Most dogs hate being dressed up. I think it's stupid. My girls used to buy Halloween costumes for our dogs. The dogs were miserable and usually destroyed the costume within the first hour. Sunny and you, seem focused on your calling. They others seem to be swaying. Grammatically, they and them are plural. We, Sunny and I, are a team. I am his human owner and he is my dog. Thanks for understanding. End scene. I love hearing the Sunny therapy dog stories, this one made me a little sad. Gretchen
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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I'm sorry but dragging a dog into this whole gender thing is the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. Stand your ground. Maybe next time politely say, "Oh, I thought we were doing this for people. I didn't realize there was politics involved." I know you're not a pushover, so you don't need my advice. Most dogs hate being dressed up. I think it's stupid. My girls used to buy Halloween costumes for our dogs. The dogs were miserable and usually destroyed the costume within the first hour. Sunny and you, seem focused on your calling. They others seem to be swaying. Grammatically, they and them are plural. We, Sunny and I, are a team. I am his human owner and he is my dog. Thanks for understanding. End scene. I love hearing the Sunny therapy dog stories, this one made me a little sad. Gretchen
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Yes. Sunny and I are focused on this calling. Not so much on the attention-seeking behaviour which sometimes accompanies it. The dogs look cute sometimes but I don?t think it is respecting the fact that being a dog is sufficient in itself. And yes, it irritates me no end to hear "they" and "them" used as singular words. They are not "gender neutral", they are plural. Sunny will always be a he, I will always be a she. We?ll continue to do things our own way, and I believe we will be effective. I like your brief summary - just perfect. Not that I should have to justify myself or my attitudes. But I will if I need to. Yes, I understand your being saddened by this post. Why should offering a simple service be made complicated? Thanks for your very thoughtful review and also for the lovely sixth star. Greatly valued.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I'm afraid I fall down the middle here because I have allowed our dogs to be dressed up, but only in the privacy of their own home. Quite clearly, they hated it though and desperately tried to remove it. It's quite evident from your story that you're deeply uncomfortable with the fact that this dressing-up has now become the norm. And I don't blame you at all! Because the dog is not at its best and the focus is immediately switched to the handler for praise and compliments. Personally, I wouldn't want to be involved with them because my irritation might well boil over. And if you're feeling that much of an outsider and it's all becoming a circus, I'd leave them to it. As for the pronoun bit, it's simply beyond belief!
An excellent, faultless and thought-provoking post, Wendy! And a virtual six from me. Debbie x
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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I'm afraid I fall down the middle here because I have allowed our dogs to be dressed up, but only in the privacy of their own home. Quite clearly, they hated it though and desperately tried to remove it. It's quite evident from your story that you're deeply uncomfortable with the fact that this dressing-up has now become the norm. And I don't blame you at all! Because the dog is not at its best and the focus is immediately switched to the handler for praise and compliments. Personally, I wouldn't want to be involved with them because my irritation might well boil over. And if you're feeling that much of an outsider and it's all becoming a circus, I'd leave them to it. As for the pronoun bit, it's simply beyond belief!
An excellent, faultless and thought-provoking post, Wendy! And a virtual six from me. Debbie x
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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So long as they continue to accept Sunny and myself and the way we do things I?ll keep doing it because we both enjoy it. I don?t think all the photo shoots and publicity are necessary - we already are flat out keeping up with regular commitments. I think some of the dogs are so used to being dressed up that it doesn?t bother them. And that?s fine. I know if I was in hospital I?d love a visit from a dog but not really a dog dressed like a unicorn.
Thanks so much for reviewing and for the virtual six. That means a lot.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
I see no purposes of dressing dogs for their job, especially if dog are uncomfortable. I've never seen an animal who likes anything extra on their body until they get used to it and are forced to accept it.. Your dog is beautiful just the way he is. I can see chihuahua and terrier in Sunny. The idea of pronoun for a dog other male of female is ridiculous. Actually for people to. I think if I was a patient and an animal was there to comfort me, I'd like him to look as normal as possible.
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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I see no purposes of dressing dogs for their job, especially if dog are uncomfortable. I've never seen an animal who likes anything extra on their body until they get used to it and are forced to accept it.. Your dog is beautiful just the way he is. I can see chihuahua and terrier in Sunny. The idea of pronoun for a dog other male of female is ridiculous. Actually for people to. I think if I was a patient and an animal was there to comfort me, I'd like him to look as normal as possible.
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Thank you Beth. I am so glad you feel the same way. We aren?t going to change. If I was a patient I would love a visit by a dog, not by a dog dressed as a unicorn! I appreciate your supportive review.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
I would like to say I don't feel that you are being too conservatives. You are actually just being very truthful. So many times people get so involved with their animals that they treat them better than they treat their children or their grandchildren. That is a shame. As long as sunny is doing the job of working With people and encouraging them you should take very much comfort in that. I find your stories about sunny to be very well written and I always enjoyed listening to them. I wish you a very good day and I also want you to know that I consider you to be one very caring person. Patricia
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reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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I would like to say I don't feel that you are being too conservatives. You are actually just being very truthful. So many times people get so involved with their animals that they treat them better than they treat their children or their grandchildren. That is a shame. As long as sunny is doing the job of working With people and encouraging them you should take very much comfort in that. I find your stories about sunny to be very well written and I always enjoyed listening to them. I wish you a very good day and I also want you to know that I consider you to be one very caring person. Patricia
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 05-Jun-2024
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
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Thank you very much for your lovely support Patricia, and for a great review. I am glad you enjoy his stories. And u too think it?s important that we remain true to ourselves.
Wendy