Expectations ?

Here is another one of my Sunday morning thoughts when watching my dogs playing in the garden.
I think that the worsed thing dog owners can have, is an unrealistic expectation of their companions, future ones and already family members.
Looking at a breed, studying it in depth, reading all about it, trying to figure out if it  will be suitable to join the family unit, is comendable and it shows that taking a companion in to join the family has not been taken lightly.
First step well done !
So where does watching my dogs lazing in the sun come in to it all? The answer is quite simple really.
It tells me that it does not always do what it says on the tin.
I am looking at my five collies, well .. four and a half really, but Rocky does not know that he has Spaniel in him, and I am not about to tell him.  He thinks he is a Border Collie , and that is all that matters.
I know they are all unique, like chalk and cheese , none of them are what they call a typical Border Collie.
To me that is just the best of all, I like surprises, and my dogs surprise me again and again.
Dog owners are, and are suppose to be guardians of their companions, their role is to protect them, and enhance their lives physically, emotionally and mentally. Given them boundaries and at the same time encourage their individuality.
Is this not exactly what parents , well .. most parents do for their children. Would it not be sad, in fact in my mind unacceptable to have children simply to enhance ones ego. All parents know that children come in all shapes and sizes, and have different qualities, capabilities and emotions. They are not expected to fit into a specific mould.
​It is a bit like expecting me to be able to yodel , just because I am german. I can asure you .. I can not.
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