Marvin is a 6-year-old Goldendoodle with a very strong sense of self-importance and awareness.
When asked if he would like a dog brother or sister to join his family, he replied,
Marvin: Hmmm, like a playmate that lives here?
Frances: It could be a playmate.
Marvin: That would be ok if they knew I was the boss. They have to listen to everything I say, and I eat first, and I play first, and all the toys are mine.
Frances: Well, don’t you think that would be a bit unreasonable to ask? Sharing your home and life with another dog is a privilege. You make it sound like everything is me and mine. When another dog joins your family, a family shares what they have.
Marvin: Well, I don’t think I want one then. I don’t like sharing my stuff. Besides, then I won’t get all the attention.
Frances: Why do you put mom and dad’s socks on your favorite stuffed animals?
Marvin: I like the scent of mom and dad around when they are not here. I like to share them with my favorite stuffed friends. My stuffed friends don’t get the same kind of love I get from them.
So, he does think of others, just not in the way we might expect.
Marvin: I want to go on more walks and adventures to see new places and people. I like to see new people; they are friendly to me because I’m so cute and I like the attention.
Frances: Well, you do have a healthy opinion of yourself, you’re definitely not a wallflower.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances
