Nutty Nurturing?

Dear Dog Lady,

This summer I am sharing a beach house with my friend and her dog. Initially, I was peeved when she asked to bring Joe because I didn’t want a dog underfoot. But Joe, some sort of terrier, is very well behaved and doesn't mess around at all. Actually, I have become quite fond of him but I don't understand my friend’s total adoration of this dog.

She’s newly divorced and childless so I guess she’s a little needy. But my lordy, she babies the creature to an extraordinary degree. When we go to the beach, she brings along an extra chair for Joe to sit under. He has his own towel. She also puts icepacks on him to keep him cool and stows bottles of water and bags of treats in the cooler for whenever Joe is thirsty or hungry. I want to shriek at her, “C’mon, he’s a dog for heavenssakes,” but I bite my tongue.

Does this sort of coddling behavior seem strange to you?

Myrna, Bellmore, NY

Myrna, life's a beach for Joe.

Is it strange to overprotect a dog? Paris Hilton might think so, as well as all those people who don’t understand how important and enriching an animal can be in one’s life. If your friend neglected any humans in her care in order to put cold packs on her hot dog, then your query would bring out the beast in Dog Lady. However, nothing of what you describe sounds untoward.

Your recently divorced friend is lucky to have Joe. Her dog fills a hole in her soul and satisfies a nurturing need in a time of emotional distress. Her companion animal is obviously well grounded and very loved. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with any of that.

By the way, Dog Lady has also been known to spoil her pet, although my dog usually digs his own chair whenever we go to the beach. It’s so funny to watch him frantically claw through the sand as he carves out his cool place to settle.

Myrna, your friend at the beach shows great example of being a responsible animal owner. After all, dogs can’t wander up to the concession stand and order a cool one. When they are outdoors in the hot sun, dogs need fresh water to keep them hydrated -- the same as humans. Joe’s keeper does the right thing to protect him.

Your divorced friend has kindly instincts. Be glad there’s a warm cup of Joe in her life.

Posted by Dog Lady at August 1, 2005 08:15 PM