My Dobie Valentine: 14 Reasons Why I Love My Doberman

I am an animal person. I’ve had cats, horses, dogs, and even a few hamsters; I’ve loved them all. But there is something very special about my relationship with Missie, my Doberman. She is a character with a capital C. The first time I met her, she barked at me, and not in a happy way. When I got to interact with her a little bit she accepted me politely, but it wasn’t an instant connection. Someone assured me, “Don’t worry, she’ll soon be your girl.” And that was and still is the truth. Missie is my canine BFF whom I adore and vice versa. (In fact, I think she’s a bit co-dependent, but we’re working on that.)  There a million reasons I love my Doberman.

In the spirit of a day that purports to celebrate love, here are 14 reasons I gave my heart to my Doberman:

Honor student intelligence.

Short, shiny onyx coat (with minimal shedding).

Metronome stubby tail that keeps time when she sees me, is in the process of learning a new command, or treats are near.

Keeps tabs on all of the family members. She’s somewhat of a busy body, going periodically from room to room to say hi.

A personality as sweet as See’s milk chocolate.

Watchful demeanor, ever patrolling our house and yard.

Hilarious vocalizations when she is happy or play wrestling that sound like an operatic hyena mixed with an old-school karate movie.

Sense of humor as she will “go get him” on command and begin play wrestling with our Golden Retriever. She also wags her tail as she taunts me with a tennis ball clamped down in her jaws like a vise. I know she’s laughing at me when she turns her head just in time so i can’t grab the ball from her.

Listens attentively to all my secrets with a look that makes me think she really understands.

Closes drawers and cabinets on command with her pointy snout.

Jumps like a little horse: over our other dog, up the set of three stairs to the kitchen.

Trots like a Standardbred racehorse as I run alongside her on our walks. (She mercifully slows down and keeps pace with me when I run out of steam).

She cuddles and enjoys hugs, staying nestled in the crook of my neck for as long as I want to embrace her.

She has a silly smile, which makes me smile.

Missie delivers Valentine’s Day love to our home every day of the year, not just on February, 14th.

Do you have a human or animal Valentine this year? What endearing attributes does he or she possess?

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