[jlm]

So somehow I made it to age 40 without ever having owned a dog. I've always loved dog personalities, but never took that next step. Well, until last week.

We adopted a shepherd/boxer mix. She's lovely - or will be when the poor thing's puppy mange resolves. The children are thrilled and we've had a pretty easy first few days together.

But real life is still waiting on the other side of all this excitement. My question is: what do dogs do all day?

As cute as she is, I'm now a little tired of sitting and staring at her. We take her out (a lot.) She eats, plays a little with her toys and the girls fuss over her, but I don't know what I should be expecting her to do. There's a lot of following me from room to room and not a lot else. Lol!

[cigwyllt]

I've got three dogs and aside from the odd rumble between the two little ones they do nothing - just watch everyone around them or sleep. They are not puppies of course - Toffee is around 12, Ojo is 7 and Manny is 3 - but they just spend their time being dogs. Having said that they will all enjoy a game if we encourage them to play and they like to curl up and have a tickle or a scratch when we watch tv but they do not require or expect attention most of the time.

[jlm]

I like the sound of that. Her sappy eyes are brewing guilt in me, like I should be doing something. I think I'm going to teach my dog to read though. That way I know she won't be bored.

I think this addition to the family is making me neurotic, yeah?

[cigwyllt]

Teach her to read???? Are you mad?? Teach her to do the laundry, hoover the floor and tidy the kids rooms. That way she stays busy and you get to sit and read. Much better time management!

[jlm]

Yeah, but then all her conversations are going to be very housewifey and boring. I already get enough of that!