Chester Not A Molester

Dear Dog Lady,

Since reading a newspaper story about emotional therapy dogs, I’m jealous because many other dogs provide much more psychological support than Chester, my Cairn terrier. Chester has always been aloof. He never kisses me. When I go to snuggle with him, he always plants himself at a distance so I have to crawl across the floor to rub his belly. He sits on the couch with me sometimes, but he usually likes to go off to his favorite closet alone. And he’s stubborn. There’s no way I can guilt-trip Chester into doing anything he doesn’t want to do. He only gets emotional around Beggin’ Strips, squirrels, and other dogs that perk his interest, such as Coletta, the greyhound who chases him on the beach. How can I get Chester to be more cuddly and expressive?

Barbara, New York, NY

Barbara, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world, but people who need dogs for emotional therapy are sad sacks. Adults who use their companion animals like baby binkies seem somehow woeful and disconnected. Dogs should provide comfort, joy, and a compelling reason to get out in the world instead of a flimsy rationale to hide behind furry behinds.

So treasure this fine romance, with no kisses. Chester seems well-balanced. He savors his alone-time. He enjoys things appropriate for his species – Beggin’ Strips, bushy tails, and the spry Coletta. You have your own tribe, the whole human race, to tap for emotional sustenance. If you really want your dog to kiss you, then smear your mouth with liverwurst and invite Chester to come hither. Dogs only lick lips to scrounge for stray scraps. Are you sure you want to encourage this? Somehow Dog Lady survives without pooch smooches.

Wise Chester, distinctly his own dog, has already provided you with a lot of healthy psychological support, but you’re just too stuck to see it.

Posted by Dog Lady at October 15, 2007 01:47 PM