I expect most of us had a childhood dog. If you're like me, this dog was - and forever will be - THE dog. The childhood dog, the special one you remember as your first. First real connection with another living being other than family & friends. First lessons in how to share in a responsibility (feed/walk/pick up poop). First loss. My childhood dog was called Sally Ann. Just Sally for short. She was a Shelty, one of the 'blue' varieties. Short but fast. Being a Shelty, Sally would 'herd' us kids as we ran around the back yard, but she never hurt us. It was about the chase for her. She was also rock solid in being there for me. I didn't have many friends. I don't have many 'moment' memories because I was so young, but the few I have are so visual. I remember I would get on my back, and work on fixing her belly like she was a car. She'd just stand there, patiently. Her favorite thing was the beach, we found out later. We lived in North Dakota, so by 'beach' I mean lake with tiny waves. The way she would attack those waves with her snappy jaws... she just had the biggest smile on her face. When she passed, I remember the phone call I got during class. I was in high school, and for some reason my parents thought I should know right then and there. I was confused, I didn't realize that she was so unwell, and I was so caught up in my teenage angst I lost out on those last months with her. We had her cremated. We'd always meant to bring her back to those lakes, to her happiest moments. But time passed, we had moved away, and I don't think we ever did that. And then...she just became a lovely memory. Her final lesson being that if we let other species into our lives, they can bring tremendous joy. Sally Anne. The Special One. Who was YOUR first dog, your Special one? (pictures would be amazing)

Thanks @Amy Gallagher for this post - that actually looks super good, like what I aspire to do to my breakfast! 🤭 (dog-safe) peanut butter / (Greek) yogurt / blueberries + shaved carrot YASS

Something I LOVE about living here in the UK is the dog life. It's everywhere. I live in the countryside, a farmy-area called the Cotswolds. Downsides here are the lack of the great things offered in cities: diversity, international food, bands and live music, things always going on... But the trade-off is worth it for us right now. And part of the trade-off is the dog culture. They're just a part of what we do when we go out & about. In the summertime we make sure we bring their water bowl so they have a drink while we have a coffee. In the wintertime we wipe their feet before they saddle up to the open fire in the corner of the pub. I love it. I also get why people wouldn't want dogs around. The wrong dog in the wrong place is a bad combo. So I'm wondering, where you're from... are dogs allowed in restaurants, bars and shops? Would you like that, or does that make you feel uneasy?

New here? Start here 👇 Welcome to Dogtopia. This is the space for people who love dogs as family. First thing to do - Say g'day - your name - maybe your dog’s name and a photo if you have one handy We’d love to meet your dog. Next - Check out the Easy Peanut Butter Bake. That’s the guide that brought most people here. Seems like as good place as any to start. Then - Dip into the community whenever you feel like it. Dog care, treat baking, and tips from a vet and vet nurse. Want more? Premium is where we go deeper with: - Ask a Vet - Dog Care with vet nurse Amy - Bake-a-longs - Real-world animal and conservation stories Thassit. Dr Paul Ramos Vet and Founder of Dogtopia & BarkyBakey