When we take in new stray dogs, one of the first things we ask our new dogs is, “Who’s your Daddy?” Of course, in this hood, that mystery is NEVER solved. Unless we’re counting their sheer reproductive ability, dogs aren’t really good examples of what we consider good fathers. Thank goodness we have the ability to place our dogs into human homes with good families and loving, nurturing fathers.
What we have learned adopting out dogs is that being a good father and being a family is not about genetics. Family is where you are. Some of our adopted dogs’ Daddies are the most caring, committed Dads out there, and today we honor them.
There is probably a reason dogs are called Man’s best friend. The bond between a dog and his adoptive Dad is a complicated, loving relationship deepened by many shared passions. For example, they both obsessively love any kind of ball. They will both scratch, chase, or watch any kind of ball for hours on end.
Most man/ dog bonds are also cemented by the love of a good couch. Other than a teenaged boy, there are no two individuals that sneak couch time more than a dog and his doggie Dad. Couch time with football and a nap – and you’ve hit best friend nirvana.
A good doggie father leads by example. They are supportive and loyal. When Mom asks “Who got dirt on the couch?” “Who left underwear on the floor?” or “Who farted?” Of course, a good Dad’s response is, “it was the dog.” This ability to pass the buck will be learned and proudly patterned by your dog. When you hold up a roll of shredded toilet paper and ask your dog, “Who did this?” He will look directly and convincingly at the cat.
Dog Dads also accept that mistakes are part of growing up. With that acceptance Dads teach us patience, selflessness, and the importance of commitment. Like with kids, dog parents have a responsibility to a dog’s behavior and upbringing. Sometimes you gotta lose a favorite shoe or the backseat of your truck (you know who you are) before understanding all the rules and responsibilities of being the man in Man’s Best Friend. But a good Dad will stick with it and because of that vulnerability, forgiveness, and unconditional love, his bond with his dog is legendary.
The Dad dog relationship teaches us to embrace life with reckless abandon. Against the advice of Mom’s everywhere and with great joy, Dads and dogs: abuse the 2 second rule, nap whenever possible, take joy rides in cars, scratch anywhere that itches, and avoid the vacuum cleaner at all costs. But mostly they both teach us to protect family with fierce loyalty and unconditional love.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and all the doggie Dads out there and thanks for adopting.