For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for November 15, 2009

You have got to love a dog.

Animals do put up with a lot from us humans, and yet they are always there when we need reminding of what unconditional love is.

Amen, Ji2m and Cleo.

this is how dogs are, loving and forgiveing.

I love the saying:

“I wish I was the sort of person my dog thinks I am.”

ejcapulet: a wise observation! Me too!

He’s sorry.

Ah!!! the guilt! The GUILT!!!

My cat is like this too, but only after a time out.

Farley reminds me of several ex co-workers.

My dog wouldn’t be stupid enough to lick my feet.

I sometimes think God created dogs in His image, rather than man. Dogs will forgive you for anything. Man, not so much.

Poor little fellow! How was he to know that wasn’t his own personal chew toy?? At least he can’t repeat the curse words when company comes over. I’m going down to give my dog a hug right now…just for the heck of it!! Oh…and thank goodness it was not an actual frog. Been there. Done that. Ugh!!

“Lord, help me to become a good a person as my dog thinks I am.”

It’s true, animals, not matter what they do, are really innocent at heart. I just want to give Farley a hug (even though I probably would have yelled at him too). Granted, I’m upset at my 4 year old today for writing on furniture and shoes (with marker!), and I’m not sure what to do about that. She’s been told many times not to do this.

Wow, Susan001, that’s pretty harsh. I think Elly’s only “human”.

Where’s the animal abuse here? Elly doesn’t touch the dog, she even gives him a substitute toy. Sure she yelled at him, but he needed to know he had done something wrong. Her actions (remove unsuitable toy, substitute with dog toy, use a tone of voice that clearly indicates displeasure) were entirely appropriate. Whatever words she used don’t matter, he doesn’t understand them. He was reacting to her anger and tone of voice. When she finally did give him a command he understood he did as he was told. Farley (like most dogs) loves his family and above all wants to please them. He expresses his remorse in licking her feet, but I’ve seen dogs lay their head in a lap or use those oh-so-soulful eyes to beg forgiveness. So what’s the problem here?

If you leave it where he’ll get it, he usually will get it, which is to say, put Lizs bath toy near the sink, or in a cabinet in the bathroom.

I agree with what ji2m said.

JanCinVV: Just because she didn’t physically strike Farley doesn’t mean she isn’t still abusing him. All that yelling and cursing she’s doing is verbal and emotional abuse. Do that to a child and someone’s going to call Children and Family Services on you!

And poor Farley! That sad “hang-dog” (please excuse the pun!) look makes me feel so SORRY for him! I wish I could give him a great big HUG right now!!!!!

I say: if you’re dumb enough to leave something laying around that a dog can get a hold of to chew on, then you deserve what happens! Keep things off the floor and out of reach if you don’t want them destroyed. WE know the difference between what is proper for them to chew on and what isn’t - dogs don’t.

Yes, dogs can be very forgiving of our human foibles … much more so than people are towards other people and they very rarely hold grudges … also unlike people. That’s what makes them so special and they should be treated with love and respect. Just because they’re not human doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings and don’t feel pain.

Remember: “dog” is “God” spelled backwards!!!!!

That was a whole lot of yelling for one lousy bath toy. I watch the Dog Whisperer too much, screaming at them doesn’t really help anything.

Just took my dog for a walk. He is part beagle, always sniffing, going the wrong way. I jerked him and yelled at him, and was just plain mean to him. When we get home he wants to sit at my feet and just way his tail! Exactly just like Farley is!!!!!

He’s not kissing. he’s tasting the salt from sweat..

Good grief Susan – lighten up!!!!! a. It’s a comic. b. Animals don’t understand unless you drive the point home. c. It’s a comic. d. So, Elly loses her temper occasionally, I suppose you never do. e. It’s a comic.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww discoEd: the difference is this is heartfelt, and he’s not doing it to remain employed/ support a family. it’s cuz the doggie’s an angel.

Quit yelling at the dog. He looks scared