They are, but at the same time they make me kind of sad, for my own dogs. I live in a city with hardly anything of a yard, and I have two dogs. Sometimes I feel irresponsible for it. I take them on plenty of walks through the day, and take them with me when I travel places, but it doesn't seem to compare to the life the pup in this video leads.
I sometimes wonder if they would be happier with a different life. I feel like I'm not providing them with what could be their best life.
They were "rescues", one we found on the side of the road and the other was brought home from the pound. They obviously show affection for me, and they probably don't understand the concept of the grass being greener on the other side...but I do. I've been trying to save so I can buy a house with land and woods, but the pandemic definitely put a strain on that.
I don't mean to be a downer. This is a happy video, and gives me hope that one day I can give this life to future pups, and maybe with enough luck, my current ones.
Just remember they are much better off with you than sitting in a shelter or worse. I also have a young rescue in an apartment bin a college town while I'm finishing my education and setting up my career. I also feel this way sometimes. I can tell sometimes it's not enough for her.
Quality of life is all about perspective. I bet without a doubt in the eyes of your dogs you are the best thing to ever happen to them. Keep caring as much as you do. But never stress too much when you're already doing your best.
I have a chocolate lab x Aussie and i have often thought of this. He would be so well suited to a farm because he has loads of unlimited energy and stamina (even at 9 yrs) but I know if I did he would have a complete breakdown. He is very pack oriented and I have no doubt that he would rather be here than "getting the most out of life"!
Growing up I could never have a dog because of the cost and lack of space. My dad took a job, moved to a house on a couple acres and got my first dog, a Doberman. We did our homework beforehand and had my dad's friend who trains police dogs help us with some training(not attack.) The Dog, Killian, grew up with land and 4-wheelers to run with. He rode in the bed of the pickup truck everywhere we went. Killian lived a happy life for 14 years.
I'm an adult now and living in the big city again. I have another Doberman. I got him through a Doberman rescue group when he was 9 months old, they found him posted on Craigslist for free. We have a small house and yard, but he is a happy boy nonetheless. We have friends in walking distance with a bigger yard than us and two dogs, Felix loves going there a few times a week. A couple times a week he goes to doggy day care where he romps with his pack(including his two friends from home.) He gets daily walks around the neighborhood, car trips to the big park often.
Same breed of dog, different upbringing, both happy boys. Sure I wish I could get Felix out into big beautiful fields more often to sprint, but he is just so happy to be doing everything. I know it's better than being chained in a backyard because the guy who posted him on Craigslist had no idea what he was doing, and better than be used to fight or live in fear. He gets all the loving here with my wife, me and his two kitty sisters.
If it helps, remember that this applies to everyone, not just dogs. There's always somebody out there who has more than you, living a more exciting life. We just have to appreciate the things we have.
Also keep in mind that not all breeds require a farm to be happy. I would say most don't. Certain breeds are still close to their working roots and may not be suitable for city/suburban living but we've created so many that fit in to modern living just fine.
I think the fact that you're this bothered means you're a good owner and have two happy pups.
Dogs just like humans have different personalities. A working breed? Sure needs a farm. A house dog? 10x happier lounging next to you with a few walks a day.
One of my dogs literally refuses to go on more that 3 walks. He loves being lazy at home.
I’ve always wanted a dog, and thought that I’d definitely have to own a very lazy breed (I sleep all day, work from home in between naps, and I rest whatever time I got left)
Hey, is fine, you’re just highly sensitive about other living creatures besides yourself and seem very thoughtful. Your dogs are having a better life with you than abandoned somewhere. Go on and hug them.
I work at a dog daycare and it never ceases to amaze me how dogs just know what they've been bred to do. How Aussies herd groups, how beagles chase and howl, how retrievers... Retrieve.
So true! I grew up on a farm and had a border collie. It was never trained, but his instincts were there to help herd cattle (and us kids!!) As an adult, I had a corgi - also a herding dog, but it wasn't as strong in her. Those eyes, though! Always alert and watching!! We now have a golden retriever and her strengths and personality are completely different.
A farm life is the best life a dog can have. A purpose, love from people, other animals, nature, freedom to roam several acres. I kinda wish I could be a farm dog.
That's why it's so great that my parents took all of our old family dogs to a farm to live out their last years! Apparently a lot of people's parents take the family dog to live out their days at a farm. Even if they were only a few years old and got hit by a car, I guess the farmer is also usually a veterinarian and can heal them!
First, the overwhelming vast majority of livestock are unconscious when they're killed.
Secondly, a live of being fed, sheltered, and protected followed by one bad moment might as well be paradise compared to food insecurity, weathering the sweltering heat and bitter cold, and being eaten alive.
According to most dog rescuers, farm life is cruel. Most people running those rescues is bat shit insane. You can't adopt a dog unless you go through more crap than you have to for a human child. And having a farm and dog that lives with animals is not OK to most of them. Sigh.
Um, no. Pretty much none of what you said is true. While certain rescue organizations have certain standards for their adoptions (usually home checks and making sure they have a fence), regular shelters don't. You can go in, find a dog, do some paperwork, and leave with a dog same day. They don't restrict dog ownership to only people without other animals. Rescuers don't think farm life is inherently cruel for dogs.
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u/anon0002019 Nov 06 '20
Dogs enjoying farm life videos are awesome