Many people believe that Shetland Sheepdogs (aka the Sheltie) and all other breed of dog love unconditionally. They certainly do show us that they have the capacity to forgive and forget. Our canine companions do not judge and love us whether we are rich or poor, fat or thin, lovable or downright cranky. We can leave them hours at a time, neglect them when we have things to do and still they are there, waiting and appreciating our attention.
But do dogs really love us unconditionally? Some people would argue that the things that dogs do are more based on behavioral conditioning. For dogs to actually express unconditional love would mean that they would respond to us no matter how they are treated. Sadly, we all know of the stories of abused animals. Some dogs have been known to stop being loving and sometimes even attack those who abuse them.
Message from a Sheltie mom – In my opinion I basically think dogs DO love unconditionally. I think they love with all their heart. They give it their all but sometimes there are situations when you can only take so much!
Abusers often break a dogs spirit, making it hard for them to trust and love again. I admire those who take the time to invite an abused dog into their home in hopes of teaching it what love really is.
Have you adopted a dog from an abused environment?
Click Here To Like Misty Blue – Shetland Sheepdog on Facebook
Shetland Sheepdog ~ A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020 Posts
A Is For Active
B Is For Barking
C Is For Characteristics
D Is For Dental Care
E Is For Ear Tipping
F Is For Famous Shetland Sheepdogs
G Is For Grooming
H Is For Health Conditions
I Is For Ivermectin
J Is For Jumping
K Is For Kisses
L Is For Lilies and Other Poisonous Flowers
M Is For MDR1
N Is For Nose Work
O Is For Origin
P Is For Phenol
Q Is For Quarantine
R Is For Rainbow Bridge
S Is For Shedding
T Is For Traits
U Is For Unconditional Love
V Is For Veterinarian
W Is For Working Ability
X Is For Xylitol
Y Is For Yelling and Other Noises
Z Is For Zoomies
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~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
Hi Cheryl, I am just beginning to try to keep a blog myself. I believe that the internet is the true democracy. I visited your WP and like your blog. I don’t have a face book, but checked out Misty Blue’s. Maybe my Toutoune (my cat may have her own as well). She is my loyal companion these days. My neighbour is also thinking of getting a Sheltie Shetland Sheep dog, he likes chopping wood in the forest, probably a good match from what I have read on your site. Like the alphabet as well. Thank you and all the best to you and yours, Misty too. During these new and strange Coronavirus-19 times.
If you decide to make a facebook page for your cat let me know and I will follow. The best you to as well. Stay safe and well.
I do believe dogs love unconditionally and are the most forgiving of all creatures. I have never adopted an animal from a shelter but the people upstairs have, and I can see how neurotic that dog has become. It will take a long time for her to forget her bad days.
I feel so bad for dogs and cats in shelters. It’s nice to know that there are good people who adopt.
Hi Cheryl. The tag “abused animals” was what drew my attention to this post. I grew up in a house with eight dogs – most of them were adopted or “hand me downs” from friends/family who moved away. Each with their own character, they brought us so much joy and stories to tell when friends come to visit. MY very own first dog who I got when I was 13, was a little different. A mix between a Chihuahua and something. She had these nervous ticks, her one leg would bounce up every few steps, she could not jump or bark. We think her mother might have been abused during pregnancy. Anyway, she was with us for 13 years and she still comes up in conversations on face time when I say hi to the other seven furries. I’m glad she could live a long happy life with us and for this very reason I will ALWAYS adopt, even if some dogs are a little more “damaged” than others.
Growing up with all those dogs must have been awesome! It’s sad, but often times a dog will be overlooked for adoption based on circumstances of abuse. Sometimes they are overlooked because they are not “perfect.” So glad that you gave that dog a wonderful life. In return she gave you lots of love and memories that will last a lifetime!