phobia

So for my whole life I have had a phobia of dogs. I was surrounded in my childhood sandbox by 2 large, scary dogs. That was enough to set me up with a fear of dogs for life.

Ah hah--- life?!
so I started years ago watching the Dog Whisperer. It really opened my eyes to see that dogs have illness, faults and good nature deep down they don't want to hurt any human. The more I watched the more I got better being around them.

I have been able within the last 2 year to actually pet dogs. They can smell fear so I try to be brave when close by.
So I decided recently that I want a dog at home as a companion. everyone is shocked especially my husband and mom.
I have one major concern... how does one train a dog?? especially to go to the bathroom?
I'd get one in a heart beat if it weren't for that issue.

ruben found some beagles and puggles for sale. but they are baby baby age. so that's going to be very hard.

oh well. I guess there's no rush.

fear of dogs

So anyone who knows me well, knows that I am afraid of dogs or should I say WAS afraid of dogs. I use to run away from them. When going to a home where they own a dog I'd request that they hold the dog somewhere.
I'm afraid of them in general.  Afraid they will jump on me and bite me. I have a dog in my neighborhood.. looks like a Doberman. He can jump the fence so... I don't go that direction when I take walks.

I'm also grossed out by them. I find them smelly, dirty and altogether nasty. I tend to find short hair dogs less dirty. Explain that one to me?! If a dog ever licked my I would die. So gross !

I have cats. They are my babies. I don't have children but say my cats are my children. They are not gross to me. They are not dirty to me. I let them lick me and don't get grossed out???!!It makes no sense. they are similar so why cats are fine and dogs aren't.

Well, good news is...my phobia is gone. With they help of Caesar Milan the Dog Whisperer. Watching that show made me realize that dogs have people-like qualities. They have emotions and are trainable. I got use to them watching that show. I wanted to be on that show myself. See if Caesar could 'fix' me of my fears.

My friend /co-worker years ago wrote a children's book: Not Afraid Of Dogs!! I bought it and she signed it for me: You are braver than you think!

I have recently pet several dogs at my family's lake house. There were about 5 dogs roaming around the property where we were all sitting and eating. The old me would've stayed in the car or hid somewhere. Instead this time I sit calmly on a bench with the dogs roaming around me. 1 had an issue with being friendly and biting history and still I sat by him. I was petting some of them.

I am so proud of myself for how far I've come in regards to dogs. I think I would still die if a dog licked me. But at least I can be around them calmly!!

Oh I forgot to say why I was afraid of dogs in the first place. Some of you may be wondering.
When I was 3 I was playing in my sandbox in the back yard. My mom went inside to answer a phone call (I think) and 3 big dogs probably german sheps or Rottweiler. came ad surrounded me. They didn't bite but I was terrified. and that did it for me.

People in general sure do love dogs. My husband is always saying dogs would do anything to protect their owner. And they are genuinely happy when you get home. And they  make great companions. I'm not quite there yet but maybe one day we will own an dog ??!!

Today's drink: Teavana: Mango black lemonade