Multi-dog people... do you ever feel guilty?

Do you ever feel guilty for having a "favorite" dog?

I often feel guilty because I love Tucker more than Zoey. It's not intentional, but when given the chance, I'd rather take him with me or what not. For one, I've had him longer. But mostly, I think it's because we've had to work SO hard to get to where we are now with his fearfulness and behavioral issues. I've only had Zoey about 9 months, but she was basically a "ready-made" family pet when I adopted her. She is easy going, loves everyone, and just wants to please. A great dog, right? Tucker is the opposite-- high strung, only does want to do what he wants to do, and likes almost no one. Why I like him, who knows. I guess I feel more like Tucker is family and Zoey is a pet.

Don't get me wrong, they both get the same quality of care and she lives a great life with me. I just struggle with it-- I feel like it's morally wrong or something.

Does anyone else have this issue?

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Permalink Reply by Cindi & Twinkie on March 30, 2012 at 3:45pm

See, I just thought it was that Logan was a touble-making puppy. He loves US so much but I still make a special effort to spend time with Twinkie. She is our princess and always will be.

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Permalink Reply by Melvin Brock on March 30, 2012 at 5:31pm

Every Pup I've ever had decides who they want as their best friend. My two girls are 17 months apart in age. The older one Belle (4) was just a basic part of the family till our daughter had to return to the nest because of MS. We already had a male westie and a older female basset. Belle went to her and hung on. When we got Winnie, she loved me and the two corgi's become almost inseperatable. Our daughter got better and moved out again after 2 years. Belle went to pieces, still played with Winnie but now no best human. We tried to show her more lovin and now she stays with me all the time and Winnie goes to my wife.

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Permalink Reply by Judith Andre on March 31, 2012 at 1:03am

It seems to me that it is easier to bond with an only dog. When you add a second, they form a pack that in some ways doesn't include you.

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Permalink Reply by Yuki & Ellie on March 31, 2012 at 9:07am

Whether it's with pets, children, family or friends, there's always one in each group that you will be able to bond with more closely than others in that same group. That's why there are favorite aunts/uncles and best friends. :) I do struggle with the feeling that I'm favoring one over the other in some situations, but I try to remind myself that it's natural. There are just some people, and pets, that you can bond with on a deeper level (whether the reason for that is apparent or not) and that bond makes it easier to interact with one over the other. It doesn't mean you really love one more than the other, in my opinion. ;)