Dogs are well loved in Holland, maybe even as much as bikes. They are welcome most everywhere and usually quite well behaved.
Today I took Christian to get his hair cut after school to a new barber, since the one I normally take him to was overbooked and we couldn’t wait. When we walked into the barber shop that Bob recommended, this friendly dog greeted us in a gentle way. I actually didn’t mind him at all because he wasn’t overly aggressive getting to know his “new customers.” I am not a dog lover, yet I’m trying to be more tolerant as my husband and daughter keep bringing up the idea of adding one to our family. I even overlooked his wet nose rubbing on my bare leg, which I noticed but didn’t jump in disgust. Could I actually like dogs? Jury is still out…
When I snapped the above picture of Charlie sitting in the old fashioned barber chair in the window, I didn’t even notice the dog sitting near him until I looked at my photos from the day. How cute is he? When Juliana got up from the couch I was sitting on, the dog came up and curled up next to me on the opposite corner. Again, I noticed but wasn’t bothered when I typically don’t like dogs acting like humans. I know, this is one of my “special” quirks, that I’m trying to lose. I’m writing a post about dogs, which is really weird for me… I wonder what this means…Juliana, don’t get your hopes up just yet.
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Jen brought her dog over the other day when she came to pick up a bike. Both Jeff and I were admiring the dog’s coloring, her fur and her size. She was a miniature, golden doodle and definitely caught our attention. She had a great demeanor, was happy and friendly and obeyed nicely. I caught myself thinking… If we ever get a dog, maybe a golden doodle could be an option. What is this crazy thinking??
And my last dog connection came from Rob and Wendy. They brought their beautiful Dutch shepherds with us to Keukenhof. They were well behaved and brought love to so many people that stopped to take pictures of the dogs. I was fascinated by this. Like they say, babies and dogs are a good way to make friends. Rob was making friends at every bench he stopped at. One couple even invited him to contact them when he goes to China next year, saying its nice to have a friend in the local country and they exchanged numbers. How cool is that?? The other cool thing that Rob did was to help Christian overcome his fear of dogs. Christian was bit (nipped) in the face when he was a young boy and has been tense around dogs ever since. Rob joked with and played with Christian and made him feel comfortable around his dogs. He taught him how to hold the leash, give commands, and to walk and actually enjoy the dogs. Christian followed Rob’s lead and walked them around the gardens all day and loved it. I was very proud of him overcoming his fear and enjoying the outcome. He really liked the dogs and I’m thankful that Rob gave him the opportunity to get to know and like dogs again, and to feel safe. I also admired how much Rob and Wendy loved their four legged babies.
I actually learned a new perspective about dogs this week. Who would have thought it could be possible? Maybe this old dog might be able to learn new tricks after all.
Namaste.
here i am 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, feelings and experiences about dogs. I don’t consider myself a dog person either, but 4 years ago, for the sake of the rest of my family, I agreed to getting a puppy. A funny thing happens when you bring a dog into the family–almost the same as bringing home a new baby. Suddenly, you are much more tolerant of the the things that dogs (or babies) do because it is a member of your family. And, as you point out, you meet so many new people when you’re out with a dog or baby stroller. I might note, however, (and my friends warned me ahead of time), once the family gets a dog–no matter how the other family members promise to pitch in and help, the majority of the daily responsibilities will fall on your shoulders. The trade-off is that when the whole family comes home together, the dog will greet and show more affection toward the primary care-giver (you!). You will develop a wonderful new relationship with another being who unconditionally adores you every minute of the day. My feedback is that the whole family will benefit by the experience of having a dog–especially the “non-dog person” in the family. Woof!
So, I was especially happy and delighted with your post today my friend. Thankyou for putting your feelings out there! I have always been a lover of dogs and have had a dog in my family since I was 10 months old. One of my favorite baby pictures is of me sitting on the grass hugging our black Cocker Spanial named Sparkle. I try believe that having a dog in the family gives everyone a sense of responsibility, a new friend, and an unconditional furry family member. When I am sad, had an off day, or just feeling low, our dog Mocha greets me with love.:) I am proud that you are opening your heart to the idea of possibly owning a dog..:) and just like kids, dogs get sick, need loving places to stay when you go on a trip, and many hugs…:) the love in return is priceless❤ So glad your day was full of furry love!
I love how people love dogs, and I’m just not one of those people yet. I see the joy they bring but I’m also quite aware of the work and energy and time they take. For me, I’m not yet willing to do the work to enjoy the experience of being a dog owner. Maybe one day….I’ll be ready. 🙂 keep sharing your dog lovin’ stories! They might rub off on me! Or maybe I can dig sit for you again!
Can’t wait for you to meet my new dog, Selma. I started out by fostering her because the shelter was going to put her down because of her age. She is at least 10,maybe older, who knows. She can’t hear anything but she is the sweetest thing ever. She looks a lot like Gisele, she is part shepard,the face is another breed. I decided just to go ahead and adopt her because most people don’t want an older dog. She and the cat have a comfortable relationship, occasionally he hisses at her but she can’t hear it anyway. Looking forward to your return to Sunnyvale
I’m do glad you have another dog to be your companion. I love seeing you out for your walks and Selma is lucky to have you. See you soon, my friend.
One big vote here for the golden doodles – amazing personalities, great with the family, and just big, furry balls of love. (Toby is a bit larger than Jen’s Bella, but similar otherwise.) What’s been amazing for us with Toby is that he’s grown up with the girls now for 4 years and he’s truly a part of the family – providing unconditional love to them during the crazy teen years. I know there are days when they “need” him to just love them and he does. Not everyone should have a dog, not everyone is cracked up to own pets…but if you do chose to have one…be sure to find the one that matches your family’s personality. It makes a huge difference. Best of luck in your journey…
Awesome advice, Inga! Thanks for sharing, especially the part about the dog’s personality fitting the family. I wouldn’t have thought of that.