Doggie Kisses

Tonight, I was outside playing football with the kids and hubby while waiting for Fuzzy's friend to be picked up from his playdate.

One of my former teachers, and now a neighbor, walked up with her beautiful German Shepherd.  Much to my neighbor's dismay, he immediately jumped up to kiss me, and much to her dismay again, I laughed and let him, all the while rubbing the scruff of his neck.

He just passed his training as a therapy dog yesterday and definitely knows better, but as my former teacher said, "He knew you would let him and like it!"  Guilty as charged, yes, I would, and yes, I do!

My dog, Libby, has the same desire.  She loves to kiss, particularly on the face, but unfortunately, she thinks everyone will like it!  The truth is that it is about 50-50, or less.  Poor Libby, she really refuses to accept it. 

It is so funny, the differences.  Some people love nothing more than getting a big wet doggie kiss, wherever the doggie wants to kiss, and the face is just fine.  You can always spot them right away, they kneel for the dog usually, without fear, without hesitation.  They are the Pro-Doggie Kissers.

Many people have restrictions, like it is okay to have a doggie kiss on the hand, but that is it, no legs, and absolutely, no face.  I call them the Restricted Doggie Kissers.  They are usually the type to approach the dog more cautiously, I assume that most people fall into this category and try to keep Libby from getting them, and I warn them she likes to kiss and is completely harmless.

The Anti-Doggie Kisser is someone who has fear all over their face, and is very hesitant to come near you and your dog at all.  I find that they have usually been bit or just are not animal people at all.  They just have that stricken look, and then I know.

My mom is a completely Anti-Doggie kisser.  She does not like to be kissed or licked at all, ever.  My mom was bit on the face when she was a child.  Libby still tries to kiss her everyday.  Nothing like determination in a dog, huh?  She will be 4 years old in November and came to us the following February, and she still will not give up on the one person in the house that keeps dodging them.

By the way, my mom will probably leave a comment about the pictures, stating how she cannot believe I put a "gross" picture of the dog licking my leg online.  Different strokes, as the saying goes!

I have a cousin who loves dogs and animals of all types.  She will accept a lick on the hand, but that is it.  Strange for someone who has had many dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and more, at least I think it strange.  She also is absolutely grossed out by a dog licking a plate before it goes in the dishwasher.  Doesn't having a dog mean that no pre-wash is required for your dishwasher dishes?  Huh, I thought so.  I don't let her see it anymore, so far, so good.

I have no problem sharing my ice cream spoon with my cat or dog.  I have no problem with doggie kisses or kitty kisses any time, any where, anyone's pet!!

That is why they have soap and Purell for you to wash up with before you eat, right?

I was recently at my book club and the host had two adorable Boston Terriers.  One insisted on jumping into everyone's lap, at least once, and trying to kiss their face after they sat down.  There was about 12 of us that night, and I really found it hilarious watching all the various reactions, from shock to dismay to disgust to eating it right up!!!  Only about 3 of us really loved the dog and the kisses, the rest were varying stages of put-off and ready to run!!  I can't help but laugh at that... I know, not nice. LOL

I hope you enjoy the pictures above of my baby, Libby.  She is looking out the front window, scouring the neighborhood for squirrels, stray cats, and landscapers.  She rarely barks, if she does, I know that someone who does not belong, not one of our neighbors, is nearby.

She performs her watch standing on the bay window ledge as in the first picture, or as in the second picture, resting her chin on the ledge.  I love that.  She looks so cute!

Picture 3 is Libby in her usual position at my feet while I am online, given that the neighborhood is quiet and the kids are not home.  Except for Hammer, since I homeschool him, she is used to him working at the dining room table.

Pictures 4 and 5 are of my sweet girl giving me precious Doggy Kisses while I was reading journals earlier today.  Isn't she so cute!

I hope you enjoy my pictures and my entry, and I can't wait to hear in comments if you like Doggie Kisses or not!

Be well,
Dawn