Although looking at the title one may think: what is the difference between having a personal dog or a family dog? that difference exists.

The circumstances in the life of humans vary from one person to another and also continuously. We have read many times that the only constant in life is change, so the reason or reasons that one may have today for wanting a dog may not be the same ones that will be considered tomorrow.

Let’s take, for example, a person who has always lived within a family nucleus: spouse, children, the whole enchilada. Due to sad life circumstances, the spouse is no longer present because death has struck, the children are grown and live far away, and the person in question finds himself alone for the first time. What usually hits you? The feeling of loneliness, of course. If that person still works, probably some of his hours are spent with the company of others, but when he gets home, the same feeling is there.

If, on the other hand, you have retired, those hours must be occupied with something else. Television and computers can occupy certain moments of the day but they can never replace the company of a living being. This is when, as often happens, the person in question may begin to consider having a dog to keep them company.

Now let’s think about a young man who was used to having a dog around when he lived with his family and now finds himself again with the empty space in his life.

Some people suffer from some kind of physical limitation and know that there are dogs specially trained to help people like him.

Others fear living alone and like to have a watchdog around to make them feel a bit more secure. Others see the dog as a means of business or to make money by selling the puppies and earning extra money that way.

All of the above, and there are other examples, look at dogs for personal reasons or purposes and those dogs will be there to meet their master’s needs.

If we imagine, on the other hand, bringing a dog home because we live in a family and we consider dogs as part of that family and not something to satisfy our personal needs, then we should be thinking of a family dog. That dog is there to give but also to receive everything its members can offer in exchange for their company, loyalty and love.

Bringing a dog into the family also requires analysis before making that decision. I have spoken before about the composition of that core. Are there only adults, or are there also children or adolescents? What are their ages, obligations, needs and interests? Those questions need to be answered thoroughly before bringing the dog in because depending on those answers, we can determine not only what type of dog to bring home, but also which family members are willing to give the animal. This reciprocal relationship has to be there. The dog is a living being that needs attention, care and love and is not just another decoration in the house.

Personal or family dogs, these wonderful animals are sure to fill anyone’s life in so many fantastic ways.