Dogs!

[Jonn]

10 Ultimate Dog Breeds Who Form the Strongest Bonds with Their Owners ©Shutterstock

In the fascinating world of dogs, some breeds stand out for their exceptional ability to form deep emotional bonds with their owners. These dogs possess a natural loyalty, affectionate demeanor, and an uncanny sensitivity to human emotions, making them more than just pets—they become integral parts of their families. Their devotion often extends beyond simple companionship, showcasing protective instincts, emotional support, and steadfast dedication. Whether it's through their gentle understanding or their playful companionship, these breeds are known for forging relationships that touch the heart. This article explores 10 dog breeds celebrated for their strong emotional connections with humans. From the loving Labrador Retriever to the steadfast Boxer, these breeds embody unique traits that enhance their bonds with their owners, bringing endless joy, comfort, and unwavering loyalty to their families.

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[Shevek]

My recent favourite Alsatian, Titan, died last week. He had had a terrible owner, but got lucky and was rescued by a neighbour. He had been trained to kill cats on sight, but the new home had a very entitled cat. The new owner took Titan around just showing him what furniture was off limits, and what was OK, and that the cat was untouchable. That seemed very strange to Titan, but before long they were good friends, and the cat was guarded voluntarily from foxes and coyotes. In response to the furniture lesson, Titan arranged a line of bones on the lawn, and his new owner respected that. When the old owner died, Titan woke up and howled.

 

[Boogs]

My hundred-pound German Shepherd loved the cats. He was a stray so I don't know where he formed his bond with cats but he was gentle, protective and playful with them. I miss him a lot, so much that I can't bear the pain of getting another dog and outliving it.

I can empathise with that so much. I've never been able to form the emotional bonds with humans which I've achieved with the cat's I've lived with. I couldn't even shed a tear for my sister when she died despite being the only family I was ever close to (and visa versa for her) and still struggle to morn her many years later, but on losing my last cat a few years back (and others in the past) I was absolutely devastated and was able to show it, and likewise with a few previous cat's (though not all, it's a personality thing, and some you click with and some you don't).

That emotional pain is quite something, and I guess all the more so for it's rarity, making me sensitised to it, and every time I've never wanted to go through such a thing again, but as the strongest emotional bonds I've knowingly experienced, it's also not something to want to consider ever experiencing again either.

After Alfie, our previous cat died (a couple years back I think) the thought was still too fresh to consider another, but a year ago a beautiful very long haired Ragdoll/Tabby found my ex (we still share a home) at her workplace in an awful state (the cat, not my ex or her workplace! ) of starvation and dehydration etc. The vet reckoned he'd not have survived another night or two - now, he's the picture of a fat contented cat (more just ruddy huge than obese, but certainly a picture of contentment.

Anyway, we lost him about a month or two back. He got into a fight with one of the locals and just vanished. After about 10 days we'd given up searching and started packing his stuff away, and feeling totally devastated, when the little swine just pops up out the blue looking a little under weight but otherwise fine.

Such strong emotions were so difficult to handle, but it's one of the rare occasions, now I think about it, that I can actually say I felt genuinely happy! And the really unusual thing about it was actually knowing so definitively that I was happy and exactly why I was happy. Interesting it takes such a highly polarised emotion to be able to appreciate it?

If only the nature of the beast wasn't that those intense highs are only relevant in respect to those most awful lows, but that personifies the whole paradox of loving and losing. I always thought of them as family, not pets really, but genuine members of the unit.

Dogs, cats, in fact just about any kind of pet can be as rewarding a relationship as with a human, and often better in some ways. All the BS is stripped away, and while they can be as badly behaved as we can, it's not with malice aforethought, they are just true to their own nature, almost like the opposite of masking?

 

[Jonn]

The 12 Most Heroic Dog Breeds On Earth

Dogs have long been regarded as man’s best friend, but beyond companionship, many breeds have proven themselves to be true heroes. Whether in search-and-rescue missions, protecting homes, or serving in the military and law enforcement, these dogs exhibit courage, loyalty, and selflessness. Their heroic deeds have saved countless lives, and they continue to demonstrate bravery in various situations. Some breeds are more naturally inclined to take on heroic roles due to their instincts, training capabilities, or physical traits, making them stand out for their courage and determination.

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