Have You Gone to the Dogs???

There are many "author unknown" lists much like this one around the internet. I've combined a few of them and added some of my own "symptoms".

You know you're a dog lover if.... You might be a dog-a-holic if.... You know you've gone to the dogs when.....

You want your dog to think of you as "Mommy" or "Daddy".

You refer to your son's dog as your "Grand Dog". Your mother calls your dog her "Grand Dog".

You frequently talk "baby talk" to your dogs... whatever their age.

You talk to your dog on the phone... You hold the phone to your dog's ear so he or she can "talk" to Daddy... or Grammy.

You've bought a house (or you plan to) with a big yard or lots of land so your dogs can happily run and play.

The welcome sign or door mat at your front door has a dog's picture on it .

At least one of these signs, with the name of your dog's breed, can seen outside your home - "Caution - Premises Guarded by a Cocker Spaniel" - "German Shepard Crossing" - "A Spoiled Rotten Dachshund Lives Here".

Guests feel guilty because your dog stands in front of them, looking sad because they're sitting in his, or her, favorite chair.

Your dog sleeps in your bed.

Your dog shares your pillow.

You've bought a larger bed so there's enough room for everyone...dog/dogs included.

You sleep with your arm around your dog (instead of around your spouse?)

The most frequently watched channel on your TV is The Pet channel.

Dog toys can always be found in nearly every room of your house... plush toys, rope toys, chew toys, balls, Kong toys, squeaky toys......

There's a variety of doggy coats and jackets hanging next your own coats and jackets.

You sometimes put a sweater on your dog when you're cold.

There's usually a bigger and better variety of doggy snacks in your kitchen, than there are people snacks.

When your family finds you in the kitchen making homemade goodies, they routinely ask if you're baking something for them or for the dog.

Your steam carpet cleaner is always handy and ready to use.

Your car windows and patio doors are covered with "nosey" marks.

You buy paper towels by the case.

You carry dog treats in your purse.

You keep a box of dog biscuits in your car.

You bought your van or SUV with comfortable transportation for your dog in mind.

You don't go on a vacation because you can't find anyone to take care of your dog as good as you do.

You spend many hours finding dog friendly accommodations and so your dog can travel with you.

You bought a motor home so your dog can travel in comfort with you.

When you must travel without your dogs, boarding at the pet spa costs about as much as your own vacation.

You brush your dog's teeth regularly.

You're upset by an increase in the co-pay on your dental bill, but you understand that paying $275 for your dog's annual dental cleaning is money well-spent.

You clip coupons and buy your toothpaste on sale, then head to the pet store and spend $8.39 for a tube of your dog's favorite chicken flavored toothpaste (even though fresh-mint canine dental formula was on sale for $6.99).

Your spend almost as much for premium dog food and pet treats as you do for your groceries each week.

You spend more $$ at the pet salon than at the hair salon.

You can't remember when you or your spouse had annual physicals but your dogs are always up-to-date with their vet exams and immunizations.

Even if your bank account is small and you may not be able to afford many of the things you want, when it comes to your dog's health, money is not an issue... even if it means another credit card bill.

You celebrate your dog's birthday.

You make a special doggy birthday cake and have a doggy birthday party.

You buy birthday presents and Christmas presents for your dog.... of course!

Your dog has a personalized Christmas Stocking.

You bought a Halloween costume for your dog. You take your dog trick or treating to friends and relatives homes.

You make sure that you have extra doggy treats on hand for canine trick or treaters who might come to your house.

You include your dog's name when you sign Christmas cards and gift tags.

You send custom made holiday cards featuring your dogs's picture.

Your address labels have a picture of a dog on them? Maybe your checks do too??

You anxiously await the arrival of several pet supply catalogs each month.

Your magazine subscriptions are mostly publications about dogs.

Your telephone speed dial list includes at least one of the following phone numbers - your veterinarian's office - your favorite pet-sitter - the grooming salon.

You take as many, perhaps more, pictures of your dogs than of the rest of your family.

You carry a picture of your dog in your wallet.

There are portraits of canine family members, past and present, on display in your home and in your office.

You PC's desktop wallpaper and/or your mousepad has your dogs' picture on it.

The majority of the sites in your "Favorites" are dog-related.

You spend most of your computer time in dog websites, or in chat rooms or forums about dogs.

Your member name in at least one of those groups and/or your email address is "SpotsMom", "BarneysDad", "PugLover" or something that signifies your relationship with a special dog.

Your email is packed with dog newsletters, notices of updates to dog websites, and announcements about pet supply discounts.

You frequently shop at online pet stores.

You've entered your dog's picture in one or more online pet photo galleries or contests.

Your dog has it's own website.

Your 70 lb. dog still thinks he's a lap dog. You don't want to hurt his feelings by telling him that he is not.

You see nothing wrong with "Kissy Face". You don't understand why anyone would.

No one ever has a problem buying a gift for you. If it's dog-related... they know you'll love it!

When someone you know loses a beloved canine family member, you send a sympathy card or call to let them know that you understand how they feel and share their grief... as only a fellow dog lover could.

Your favorite charities are animal organizations.

When you need someone to talk to, you know that your dog will listen... and care.

If this brings a smile to your face because some of it sounds familiar, you're obviously a genuine dog lover. If many of these things could have been written about you and life at your house, you just might be a dog-a-holic. You might even have "gone to the dogs". But that's okay! You're committed to giving your dogs the best of care and a happy life. You're devoted to them and they're devoted to you. And... You know you can always count on your dog when you need a warm and loving touch, someone to hold, someone to cuddle with, and someone to love, who will always love you back... unconditionally.

	Sandy Moyer BellaOnline's Dogs Editor