[December 21, 2023] I’m convinced our human relationship with dogs is magical. Not magical like a flying dragon or the Loch Ness monster magical, but magical like extraordinary, irresistible, and amazing. We usually think of animals as social creatures, but within their own species and while that is undeniably true, dogs have a stronger social attraction to humans than perhaps to other dogs. Why? I like to look at dog nose smudges on the window.
Like many kids, I grew up with animals in our home. In my family, we had dogs, cats, rabbits, mice (yep, even mice), and an owl. But we were emotionally more attached to our dogs. Oh, we did love the others, but as pets. Our dogs were family, and their memories live on in our family. Photographs in family albums help refresh memories of our dogs but are no replacement for having the dog. If you have a soul, you will know what I mean.
All kids who ever had a dog will forever remember their relationship with their dogs. And, if their female dog gave birth, that occasion is still celebrated. I remember giving away puppies to other families and, as a child, crying for their loss to me. The bond was strong. Even stronger than some family and friends. And while the strength of those bonds may seem simplistic, only those with dogs can genuinely understand.
My wife and I have a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Bella, almost nine years old. When out visiting friends, we joke that we have more pictures of our dog, Bella, than of our grandkids. Not that we don’t love our grandkids, just that they don’t live with us. But when those little ones come over, they first see dog nose smudges on the windows.
A dog’s home is one with tiny nose prints on the window.
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BTW, Happy New Year. 3️⃣1️⃣🕛1️⃣ I am wishing all here to have the best new year possible. Also, I really did love this article because I’m a dog lover and, obviously, so is Gen. Satterfield. ❤ More dog articles are okay with me. 🐶
Another great blog post and I will say that I’m biased because I love dogs.
Don’t we all? 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Gen. Satterfield correctly wrote, “I’m convinced our human relationship with dogs is magical. Not magical like a flying dragon or the Loch Ness monster magical, but magical like extraordinary, irresistible, and amazing. We usually think of animals as social creatures, but within their own species and while that is undeniably true, dogs have a stronger social attraction to humans than perhaps to other dogs. Why? I like to look at dog nose smudges on the window.”
I love dogs, so it come as no surprise that articles like this are a must-read. Thanks, Gen. Satterfield for making my day.
🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄
Loved this article Gen. Satterfield. Funny and educational.
Thanks Willy. Merry Christmas to all. Also a special note of thanks to Gen. Satterfield for his continued entertaining and worthy articles each day. Please keep these coming and also your letters to your granddaughter. These are the best. For those new to this website, these letters can be found by clicking this link:
https://www.theleadermaker.com/?s=letters+to+my+granddaughter
Thanks Robo.
Dog nose smudges on the window. A graceful way of saying we love dogs.
I love this article because it goes right to the heart of one of the most important relationships between man and dogs. There are no other close relationships, except maybe with horses and cats. But dogs have a special place in our hearts and will always have that.
I admit that I’m a doggie lover. And for that reason alone, you got me to read and to enjoy your article.
An excellent article from Gen. Satterfield written back in 2020 about lessons from dog training.
“15 Life Lessons from Training Dogs”
https://www.theleadermaker.com/15-life-lessons-from-training-dogs/
For the past years since retirement from the U.S. Army, I’m blessed with my dog Bella. She is a beautiful 5-year old Yellow Labrador Retriever. I continue to learn from her that being humble is a worthy trait.
Excellent comment and thanks for the reminder of an older article on dogs. We can indeed learn from our dogs. They are known for their LOYALTY. 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕
The lessons came quickly. Of the 15 life lessons learned, they all were valuable later in my military career. Here is what I learned:
1. Like people, dogs are smarter than you think.
2. Every dog is different in intelligence and temperament.
3. Dogs can be pushed beyond their tolerance level and react poorly.
4. They are very accepting and tolerant of your behavior.
5. To successfully train a dog, the human also has to be taught.
6. Dogs can be confused by human behavior.
7. Abused and neglected dogs are unpredictable.
8. Love and loyalty are a dog’s main redeeming qualities.
9. Dogs are forgiving. They don’t hold grudges.
10. Dogs love to play, exercise, learn new things, and socialize with people.
11. Dogs like other dogs (mostly for play and sex) but the human is their primary focus.
12. Dogs are never underhanded, sneaky, or judgmental.
13. They can be easily shamed and humiliated.
14. Dogs can be protectors that stand at your side or rescuers when you are in danger, despite threats to their own lives.
15. And…. You can judge a person by the dog he keeps.
Beautiful list and remains relevant. Listen and learn.
I too love dog, and great list of dog lessons.
Tom
Excellent reply. Dog man best friend.
Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us, and make our lives a little brighter, and they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow. And it matters not how beautiful you are or brave or happy, they will love you.
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment to animals.” – Immanuel Kant, German philosopher
Gen. Satterfield has done it again by identifying something that we don’t necessarily think about. Dogs are our friends, so treat them right, treat them as part of your family because they are part of the family.
Good doggie …. 🐕 we all love dogs.
Yep, good doggie.
dogs dogs dogs dogs dogs …. mans’ best friend, indeed.
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.” – Roger A. Caras, author of A Dog Is Listening: The Way Some of Our Closest Friends View Us
Yes! Great quote. I love my pooch.
Ha Ha, good one Pooch T. Love your monkier too.
🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Yeah, me too.
We all loved our pets but our dogs were something special.
Hey, sir, thanks for bringing back my memories of my childhood.
Doggie
Doggie
Doggie
“Like many kids, I grew up with animals in our home. In my family, we had dogs, cats, rabbits, mice (yep, even mice), and an owl. But we were emotionally more attached to our dogs. Oh, we did love the others, but as pets. Our dogs were family, and their memories live on in our family. Photographs in family albums help refresh memories of our dogs but are no replacement for having the dog. If you have a soul, you will know what I mean.” —- Gen. Doug Satterfield does it again for us with an outstanding article that touches our emotions. 👍
Made me want to go hug my dog. Also made me remember all my dogs from my past and how wonderful we were together. 🐶
Yeah, thinking the same thing, Ken. Gen. Satterfield has awakened long buried memories.
Great one …… made me smile.