33 Comments
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KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

Watching dogs interact informs our own behavior and teaches us to appreciate other sensibilities. Their play is often not as direct and outcome-focused as we humans expect. And their creative abilities exceed ours in many ways. My Irish setter (another red!) has found a dozen different ways to enjoy her ball. And her "brother" (another poodle!) loves to alternately fight and cuddle with her.

Thanks to April for this window into your world. This says so much about you and your openness to more than what we humans find in front of us. Woof.

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Karen Epstein's avatar

Beautiful pups!

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Carl S's avatar

Sporting puppy cuts!

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Mary T. Pytelewski's avatar

Stunning babies! Dog people get other dog people.

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Therese Chan's avatar

They are just beautiful. I can't share a photo here of my black standard poodle Mazikeen, but they've been my favorite breed since senior year of veterinary school way back in 1992.

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Georgie's avatar

Aw, so adorable. 😀

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Francesca Reitano's avatar

What can I say; I love dogs and pets and look for the Contrarian pet in every issue! Your dogs are beautiful!

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Ann Martin's avatar

Ditto to Francesca! I look forward to the Contrarian Pet every week ❤️

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Noorillah's avatar

No, no! Our BEST moments are when we see the deer and chase after them so very fast! We love our humans, but beneath our stylish haircuts and warm fuzzy coats, we are hunting dogs. Poodles are serious hunting dogs, deep in our genes.

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Lynn Preis's avatar

I love, love, love poodles! Yours are so beautiful, April - thanks for sharing them with us. 🥰

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patricia's avatar

beautiful dogs ! train them to sit on either side of the front door....would be very elegant !!

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julie's avatar

What a beautiful color these darlings have!

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Michelle Jordan's avatar

So cute 🥰 and probably smart too!

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Linden Higgins's avatar

My silver standard says hi!

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ROSE B RINDER's avatar

I can't get over those smooth little paws coming out of the curly coat. You must have so much fun with these beauties, and this breed is well known for their intelligence. Thank you for sharing them with us.

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Leah's avatar

Adorable!

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Suze's avatar

April Ryan, Please ask trump why he is so dog averse (also cat averse). Yours look gorgeous, + also cuddly.

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ROSE B RINDER's avatar

Can you not deduce why t***p is pet averse? It takes empathy to love a pet. Guess who is lacking in that department?

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Suze's avatar

Don't you want to hear his explanation, in his own words?!!

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ROSE B RINDER's avatar

I can't stand listening to him. I think it was Jon Stewart who said, when asked if he didn't want to have t***p on his show, "No. You don't want to have a guest on who has nothing new to say. He just keeps saying the same s***t over and over again." I thought that was succinct.

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Robot Bender's avatar

"Whaaaagrrrrblll!"

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Noorillah's avatar

Stump does not deserve a dog, a cat, a squirrel, a hamster, a goldfish, or any living animal. Thank heaven he has none!

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MJ Koerper Ph.D.'s avatar

Humans learn to love. DT has never been loved and cannot engage in the behavior or even imagine it. Money, lies, and aggression are what he was taught. It's not just that he doesn't deserve a loving animal, he has no idea how to learn from them, and would abuse them as he does all other life forms he encounters. I could go on, but won't.

Worked with abused children for many many years, in the field, in hospitals, as a Detective, etc. Former licensed psychotherapist for 29 years in addition to other endeavors. Overall, our is not a loving society. "Spare the rod, spoil the child" is not a maxim that nurtures non-aggression and love. On my first day in first grade, the teacher lined us up, had us hold our hands out, palms out, and beat each of us with a ruler. Will never forget it. Not how I was taught at home even though I grew up in a time when women and children were property of men.

Best book ever on this is Ashley Montegue's Learning Non-Aggression exploring it from a multi-cultural perspective. I used it as a text when I taught.

All that is happening now in the U.S. models such abusive thought and behaviors it is beyond tragic.

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Noorillah's avatar

I understand, and agree that this is beyond tragic. It is especially tragic that our nation is now dominated by this toxic, anti-life behavior. Compassion is rightly due, but wisdom requires that we respond to the behaviors in front of us now, regardless of their origin, to protect whoever and whatever we can. No animals for Stump! You were able to transform your experience into a life's work dedicated to healing and freedom: thank you for your service! It gives all of us hope.

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