Winter 2009 Survey Results

Congratulations to Barbara Skaggs from Aptos for telling us about her dog and winning lunch for two at Bahama Billy's in Carmel!

Don't forget to fill out our latest survey before June 1 for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to LaLa Grill in Monterey.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our on line survey. Here are the results:

Where did you get your last dog?

Shelter or Rescue Group - 63% of readers surveyed
Breeder - 18% of readers surveyed
From someone giving dog away - 14% of readers surveyed
Found a Stray - 4% of readers surveyed
Other - 1% of readers surveyed

Where do you plan to get your next dog?

Shelter or Rescue Group - 85% of readers surveyed
Breeder - 6% of readers surveyed
Not Sure Yet - 9% of readers surveyed

Reader's shared with us what their favorite aspect of their relationship with their dog is:

Trust.
Pugsie is just about the most loving, affectionate animal on the planet. He just lives for belly rubs and cuddling. And he's a great little heating pad when it's cold (we call him thermo-nuke)!
My dog is my soul mate. He came along at a time in my life when I needed to be rescued and so we rescued each other.
Just being in each others company.
The unconditional love and companionship.
My dog is my shadow and best friend. My dog helps me feel safe while home alone. He follows me into every room and inspects every noise. I would not feel safe in my home without him.
He is a lot of fun and loves to sleep on his back with his arms straight up in the air!
True love!!!
We are soul mates. I can talk to him and he understands. He talks to me and I understand.
Our dog is a comforting presence, knowing she is there every day ready to go for a walk, a trip to the beach or for a trail ride with our horses.
The friendship and companionship she offers me makes me want to be better person. She brings out qualities in me I want grow: joy, playfullness, patience, sensitivity, caretaking, compassion. She teaches me, over and over, how sweet the simple pleasures in life can be: getting outside, exercise, good food, good sleep, and cuddling up!
We are both cuddlers and we sit together on the couch and watch movies.
I have 2 dogs and 6 cats, they are my family! I love having those moments of silent communication that passes from eye to eye looks.
Constant companionship and love.
Unconditional love between us, bonding, learning from him how to find the joy in life and the true meaning of love:)
Mutual admiration!
Every animal we have is a rescue...two cats and two dogs...they are fabulous..I brought home our most recent dog a doxie mix as a companion for our six year old chocolate lab...they bonded totally, adore each other...in fact, I suspect the younger dog thinks the big one is "mama", they love us and are great friends.
Bonnie is my happy dog. She was sent to me by my Aussie Angel, Sadie. Sadie knew I needed more joy in my life and arranged for my chance meeting with Bonnie. Bonnie's gift to me is her special way of making me laugh. Her silly antics keeps me in stiches. I am grateful for her joyful presence in my life.
Unconditional love.
The unconditional love we share -- all day every day.
Koko was very loyal and sweet...and goofy! We miss her every day.
The unconditional love both from dog and her people.
My dog Sprocket is my best running partner!!
I adopted Tillie with the knowledge that she might be my last pet, and with that in mind, wanted the the perfect dog! I will be able to pick her up when I am 80 years old (she only weighs 13#s and my other girl is 43); she has absolutely no attitude and in fact plays the role of "dog dog therapist" since she loves EVERY dog and is often used to bring the shy and timid dogs out of their shells. She loves cats and rabbits (which can't be said for her sister) and has brought out the best in her sister. So with all these and other wonderful qualities (she makes me laugh), she is the girl I will grow old with!.
Sharing the joie de vrie of a dog's outlook on life.
He is happiest when he is with both his mother and father. He seems to keep us together that way!!!!!
Unconditional love!
She is my best friend.
Love, love, love! My little Chihuahua makes me LAUGH out loud every day! I have been a pet owner my entire life and also have a parrot, cat, rabbit and four doves, but none are as affectionate nor as entertaining as my little dog! She is a joy!
I have 4 dogs...three were born DEAF and we have a special relationship as they look to me for *direction*...we use hand signals! They trust that the signals I give them are correct (ie: it's ok/safe to come to me from across the yard etc.
Unconditional love.
My mind is always fast-forwarding into the future or mulling over things I coulda-shoulda done in the past. My precious doggies INSIST on giving me the precious gift of NOW, as in RIGHT-THIS-MINUTE!!! And I am so grateful to them for that. Also, they don't let me take myself very seriously.
Unconditional love.
The love on her face and excitement in her step when she sees me, no matter what. I could be gone for an hour or all day, she's ALWAYS excited to see me and always wants to be with me. She motivates me to get out and walk and play. She keeps me warm when we sleep. She's always ready with a "smile" and a wag. There is no comparing the love of a dog.
My dog River and I have been together for 16 years. As he has aged, he never lost his spirit. River is my role model on how to grow old with grace.
Both of my dogs are family. They think the sun rises and sets in me and my husband. Our schedules are really worked around their needs. Every day is a walk in the forest at noon so they can meet their friends, both 2 and 4 legged. I could not imagine not having Luci & Howie to come home to. They light up our home.
Companionship :) He's a good buddy.
They are my family, my children, and bring a quality of love to my life on earth that is immeasurable and more precious to me than anything else about being on the earth.
She is the best little dog ever. She is smart and loving. She always happy.
I think it's mutual beneficial with a healthy topping of affection.
Unconditional love.
Loyalty, affection.
Both my dogs, Chavy & Simon bring joy and smiles to my face with their personalities! Chavy a Borador and Simon a Mini Schnauzer are brothers and love running laps, chasing each other in the backyard. Both are gentle and full of love! I cannot imagine life without my boys!
He always makes us laugh and gives us unconditional love every day!! He has been through a lot but still trusts and gives of himself without hesitation!! He is my canine hero!
She has the amazing ability to instantly make me smile and feel at peace. Watching her run and play in the yard makes me so happy. Having her snuggle and softly snore at my side is the perfect way to end my day.
The unconditional love that is given and received mutually.
Sophie is always in a good mood and ever ready to be my upbeat buddy. She loves everyone and has an eager wagging tail and big kiss to greet a friend or stranger alike - 2 or 4 legged. She brings a big smile to all the folks at the Villa Serra assisted living community - especially my 95 & 96 year old parents. I recently got her a kitty to keep her company on the rare occasion when she must stay home alone. They are quite the pair! Adorable.
I ADORE this dog...she's my child. She gives me unconditional love, encourages exercise, initiates laughs and provides companionship. We take her everywhere we can and worry about her when she is not with us.
I have had the good fortune to be able to bring my fuzzy, little bear of an Aussie, Tasha, to work with me everyday since I met her 12 1/2 years ago. I worked at the SPCA at the time, and my dear collie, Brandy, had recently passed away. A call came to me in my office from my friend working at the front counter, saying "Kathy, your next dog is here." When I into walked to the front lobby and laid eyes on her, there was no doubt. The adorable, little tri-color of Aussie fur has been my constant comrade since, and her companionship means to world to me. At my job at Monterey County Animal Services, she is my unofficial "confidential secretary". In private, she is my kindred spirit.
Ranger is my canine Zen Master! He has taught me patience, perserverance and loyalty...we have survived much together!
Laughter...she makes me laugh and somehow Im sure I do the same for her.
Forgive me for saying it but my first childhood dog was a neurotic yappy ankle biting maniac Chihuahua. I was hesitant about getting another dog (it only took thirty years) but my family and I found our perfect canine match. Zeus, the God of dogs! Zeus understands the art of play and has taught me how to lighten up and he absolutely 100% adores me which scores a lot of points! When we first got Zeus we were a little hestitant. Originally I was looking for a dog that I could take on long walks. Somehow, we ended up with a half shaved dog with a good twenty stiches where a leg belonged. He was shy and sad. I realized the long walks wouldn't be happening for awhile and wasn't sure if he was the right dog. Within a few days, the real Zeus emerged and I realized he was an amazing animal. The missing leg doesn't hold him back at all and he has learned to use it to perfect his begging skills. My kids and my husband all love Zeus as much as I do. Just as I can't imagine my life without my family, I can't imagine my family without Zeus.
My closest companion. He is my third Corgi. I love the breed. I am a member of the Golden Gate Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fanciers and we have a thriving corgi rescue group. I have helped place three rescue corgis.
My puppy and I have an understood affection for each other. She is my first pet and has introduced me to a calm that I never realized lived inside of me.
Well at the moment, hot dog breath actually smells kinda good! Weird!
He keeps us healthy, physically and emotionally.
Mutual understanding and friendship.
The relaxing bond and joy we share with walks in nature -on the beach and snuggling time.
My busy human mind drags me back into the past and fast forwards me into the future. Were it not for my wonderful dogs, whom I love insanely, I woudn't spend much time in the present. Thank you, Corky and Foxy, for the priceless gift of now.
Dogs are a gift from God to humans. They are a gift!
We love each other unconditionally.
The mutual love and respect.
The companionship.
Grandpa's ability to express joy is limitless. The simplest things, like when I come home, or when it is time to eat, send him into rapture. No one is ever as glad to see you as your dog is...and even though he is blind, he has no trouble conveying his emotions through his eyes. He is a wonderful little man and I can't picture life without him.
Companionship and trust between us.
"Grandpa" is 14 years old, and has had his share of travels and cultural experiences and is therefore set in his ways and sure about himself. We adopted him when he was 12 years old, and he is still weaving these tall tales about his past...back in the day.
He is so happy and so fun to hang out with. He gets us out of the house everyday to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Bandit is a typical German Shepherd who can escape from any enclosure, open any door, find a way around any lock. He lives with me out of his own free will. He stays with me because he loves me. I call him "the dog of all dogs", which is the dog to which no future dog will ever be able to measure up.
Our absolute and total devotion to each other. Neither one of us likes to be away from the other; I guess you could say we are both spoiled!
We trust him 100% with our 5 month old son. He's a big lover!
He's my Bed Buddy. She's my First Responder.
The company she provides me.
A loving and fun relationship. He also gets me out to walk every day.
Our dogs bring us joy. They are wonderful, fun, and loyal companions. Our pups make us laugh with their antics and we love to snuggle with them.They just make life better.
Unconditional love -- dogs live in the moment and it reminds me to as well and to not hold onto resentments.
Companionship and entertainment. Gives me a reason to get out and exercise.
The joy and energy she exhibits and her gift of friendship and trust.
That we love each other.
Giving to each other and having someone I know I'll always have a good time with, no matter where we are or what we're doing!
Companionship.
Happy love.
Communication with a non-verbal being that does not struggle with the past nor stress with the future.
We have two boxers and they are loving, kind and devoted. I love that they are so wonderful with our five children, and bring many laughs to our household.
Roma is unconditionally loving. She is so happy all the time which warms my heart and feeds my soul. She reminds me to enjoy the little things. It's no coincidence that "Dog" spelled backward is "God!"
Unconditional love.
Unconditional love. He's always there when you need him.
The unconditional love thing...who doesn't want that in their life?
The unconditional love and joy that she brings to our entire family.
Love! He is a good family member and is committed to me. He loves to go with me. He sleeps with our family and gets along with our 3 other dogs.He seems to be right in his right place and he was born here and got to stay. I had not plan on keeping a pup but he won his way. He is easier than my 4 kids when they were teenagers to live with (hee hee).
Unconditional love. Always happy to see me, even if I'm just gone from the room for a few minutes.
The gift of joy.
Unconditional love and constant companionship.
She is very sweet and patient with us, my husband winds down after a hard day at work with her in his lap while he gives her a 1/2 hr. tummy rub.
Very good friend and companion, loving and always fun to be with. A lot of playing time.
The loving companionship she provides.
Companionship.
Companionship and activity.
Companonship ... being in tune with each other.
She is my business partner, traveling companion, my bed partner (haha). She goes everywhere with me - Work, horse shows, out to eat, EVERYWHERE.
The fun and companionship she gives us on a daily basis.
Spiritually attuned.
I found my dog running down a busy street, and took her to the local shelter. After a waiting period I adopted her. Our best aspect is that she has become a part of the family, is wanted and considered by all of us, and in return she gives us unconditional love.
I love how she makes me get out in the world even if I don't feel like it that day. She is always full of love even when the rest of the world feels like it's not. Most of all she is the best greeter upon my arrival home.
Mutual love.
Too many to single out just one... but if I had to choose one, I'd have to say pure LOVE!
An always loyal and loving friend. She's a mirror that keeps me honest about myself.
The constant companionship and unwaivering love.
Companionship.
Loyal companion. Funny, she makes me laugh.
Having her next to me when I'm reading, watching TV, etc.
They are always up for anything and always happy!
Complete and constant unconditional love.
Rosie is a large American Stafforshire Terrier; and a drama queen, and loves to cuddle. The best times are at night when she's next to me (on the couch of course!) and we just enjoy the quiet time (until she starts snoring...) Just having that physical contact is so reassuring, I get the sense she knows I need it. A good way to end a hectic day.
Affection.
My Boxer is the best dog I have ever had. She is unbelieveably loving and even hugs us. She has helped me transition into an empty nest due to deployment to Iraq. She has even started jumping up in my lap as if she knows I miss my Grandaughter doing that. She is this woman's best friend.
She is a cuddler - warm and smooth and silky to cuddle up with in bed, on the couch, on the floor, anywhere. She just loves to be close to a human.
My dog makes sure i get outdoors everyday no matter what!
They bring me so much happiness and contentment.....I think I do the same for them!
She is the child I never had.