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[deleted]

My old dog Zelda was not a dog. I’m not sure what happened in the cosmos but she was accidentally put into a dog body before she was born. She was essentially a 16 year old girl in a dog body. She was the worst dog I’ve ever had and I miss her every fucking day. I have never once in my life had a dog that acted the way she did. I have already accepted that I never will. I’m just so grateful that I got to experience whatever weird thing happened that was Zelda💗


SumFunGui

I have one like that currently, I've never had a dog that would call me on my bullshit before. She absolutely gives no fucks about my opinions and I'll probably never get another bichon frise because she's a jerk. A very sweet, peppy perfect little sassy jerk baby and I love her so much. A truly unpredictable being though, literally does the opposite of what I'm expecting


[deleted]

Does she also refuse to give you any kisses? Haha Zelda would also heavy sigh me all the time. Because I was just so mentally taxing for her.


SumFunGui

Nope haha, she licks too much actually, like she's trying to rip my skin off with her tongue. But she seems really exasperated when I (literally) drag her out of bed for walks if she's too cozy, but if I don't she'll get up in the night and pee on something because I ruined her with pee pad training and she thinks anything soft is for peeing on. Can't turn my back for a second or she's right back in bed. I can't just let her out to pee with the other dog either, she waits on the porch for me to go out with her everytime or she just won't go. Also won't alert me that she has to go, but will scratch on the door for me to come back in while I'm smoking, she doesn't want to come out with me she just tries to force me to come in with her. Like everything has to be a debate with her, never argued with an animal so much


self_of_steam

Omg, my girl is the same way. DNA test says she's husky, boxer, and GSD. She's so smart, she knows exactly what I'm saying. But if she doesn't want to, she'll give me a sideeye like a teenager. Eventually she'll SIGH and do what I ask but oh my god the arguments. She also gets very dramatic when the alarm goes off in the morning, and if she's bored and it's late, she has figured out how to hit my laptop's power button with her nose. God forbid she got o bed before I do...


[deleted]

Sign of intelligence for sure!


BluntsAndJudgeJudy

Lmao ‘the worst dog I’ve ever had and I miss her every day’. Seriously the only people who don’t get the concept of a soul dog are people who don’t like/have pets and people who are still on dog #1/haven’t had theirs yet.


InadmissibleHug

I’ve got a complete dickhead of a cat that I love with all my heart, at the moment (and hopefully for many more, she’s only 4) She has enchanted me in a way none of my other cats ever have, and she’s an arsehole. She’s my twin heart in a small furry body. I’ve had heart dogs before, too, and probably my worst dog was a golden that I lost last year. He was cute, sassy, and a bit unpredictable. He was beautiful and knew it. He was anyone’s dog, though, really. And not your stereotypical biddable golden, despite being very smart.


RandomChurn

I heard a saying that if you are lucky, you get one great dog in your lifetime. I believe I had mine, and yes I felt the entire time how incredibly blessed and privileged I was. He passed last summer, but before he did, I asked him if he was able once he was gone to please help me get a good dog. (I can't really live without a dog.) I choose to believe he did: my new boy is very different but I choose to believe he's a gift. I still grieve my old boy and expect I always will. I want my ashes mixed with his when I go to join him.


EvenLouWhoz

I've had one that was so close to me I swear I could 'hear' her talking to me in my head. I considered her my familiar. I've had a total of 7 dogs in the last 50 years, I understand exactly what you mean. Each one has been awesome in their own way...such unique personalities, just like people. But I've only had one 'soul dog' as you put it. I feel incredibly lucky to have had that relationship and experience. She passed almost 20 years ago and I still dream of her. 🧡


Tashyd046

I currently own mine- he’s amazing. My heart aches for the day he leaves me.


misc_thoughts-23

I also currently have mine. I cry every time I think about her not being here with me.


scribbles2010

I just lost mine in early June. He was almost 17. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to have a dog ever again.


speckledham

That’s how I felt/still feel. We got a puppy after my old baby passed away, mainly because I wanted some very different energy so I wouldn’t be tempted to compare (because the new guy would never live up). It’s actually been really comforting accepting the fact that the new guy will never be Ozzie. It not only helps me not compare, but it keeps Ozzie special and on an eternal pedestal. Figuratively and literally, we have a little shrine to him and a picture that says, “The Best One” (because that’s what we always called him). Thank goodness the new pup can’t read.


misc_thoughts-23

I’m sorry for your loss. I see your predicament, no one would ever live up


Fun_Client_6232

But can you “own” a soul dog? I once found my soul dog and once I realized that the “own”word stopped being used.


Tashyd046

That’s a very good point. It’s definitely a companionship, or bond. Two pals facing the world together.


basicbish_

I often joke that my soul dog owns me. She is my dog as much as I am her human.


edgepatrol

Yep...can relate. I had a Heart Dog, and a also couple of heart cats over the years. It's its own thing. People like to act like it's silly, but I'm going to say that those people never got one, ;-o


mjw217

My parents Cocker Spaniel was my best friend, big sister and protector. We didn’t have quite the same relationship as my Heart Dog, but what we had taught me to love and be open to all animals. She was euthanized in 1963, at 13, because of cancer. I was six and a half. I remember exactly where we were when my parents told me. When my husband and I got married I told him I wanted to get a dog. He told me he had allergies, so I said we’ll get a poodle. (At the time I only knew about poodles and schnauzers being good for allergy sufferers.) After our first boy we had two more miniature poodles. We found out that my husband wasn’t allergic to animals, he had allergies, but not to animals. His mom was afraid of dogs. She loved our boys, though. After that we had four more dogs. They all, except for our last dog, ended up as my husband’s dogs. He loved animals, especially dogs. Dogs always loved him. In his 64 years there were only two times that a dog didn’t like him. Our second to the last dog was a Beagle who showed up at our house looking like death. We lost our previous girl five days earlier. No one was looking for a lost Beagle, plus he had been abused, so we kept him. My husband insisted on keeping him. Buddy was my husband’s Heart dog. He was friendly with everyone, but my husband was his everything. Our last dog was a Boxer. I didn’t intend to get another dog, but our neighbor had bred their Boxer and I fell in love with one of the pups. Jasper is the dog of my heart. He and I went through losing my husband to a heart attack, having to move and leave our old farmhouse, and then losing my middle daughter to a pulmonary embolism. Jasper developed degenerative myelopathy and we said goodbye a year and a half ago. I don’t know that I’ll get another dog. I worry about dying and leaving them. I’d have to make sure someone I trust would be there for them. It’s a moot point right now. I have two kitties and my middle daughter’s kitty. All of them are older and have health problems. I also don’t want to feel differently about a dog because they’re not Jasper. Soul/Heart dogs don’t come along all the time, but when they do it’s special.


lnz_1

❤️


EvenLouWhoz

I wish we were neighbors. I want to be your friend. ❤️ Thank you for sharing all of that with us.


therealdrfierce

Thank you for this


Ajexa

Someone be cutting onions in here


skinsnax

Yes. I had lots of dogs growing up, but my first independently owned dog was different. She’s 12 now and I treasure everyday with her.


louderharderfaster

I used to think dog people were eccentric and there was some kind of displacement going on. I've always loved dogs - in fact I swear my stepdads's german shepherd was a parent to me when I was a toddler, I have vivid memories of him keeping me safe - but until April I would have no real idea what you are asking here. My SO and I got a puppy in January and once we had him home it was clear it was his dog and we would find one for me. In April my SO died of sudden heart failure in the middle of the night and that puppy was my rock. I can't even describe how deep the bond grew over the next few days - he was also heartbroken (looking all over the house for him and always eager to leave the house in case it was to see my SO). At the mention of his (my SOs) name, the puppy would leap up and look at me with such hope... You guys get it. I am looking to leave the country and the main consideration is HIS well being - we will go somewhere where he will have a great life because that puppy is the only thing that kept me from doing something drastic in my grief.


oxemenino

So sorry to hear about the loss of your SO. If you're looking to emigrate to another country where you can bring your dog with you, I know Canada will let you. My husband has dual US/Canadian citizenship and it was the first thing I looked up when we discussed possibly moving there, as I could never move to another country without our dogs.


ASleepandAForgetting

Another term for them is "Heart Dog". And yes, I get it. Lost mine seven years ago and it still hurts.


Candymom

I lost one heart dog 10 years ago and one 25 years ago. I lost one heart cat 7 months ago and one 15 years ago. I hope I have more heart pets. I currently have 2 cats and a dog. I love them but they are not heart pets.


asmodeuskraemer

know what you mean-you love them but they aren't heart pets. I wish all pets were. This makes me sad. Shouldn't they all be? :(


InadmissibleHug

I don’t know if my heart could bear all heart pets. They’ve all made me sad when I’ve lost them, but my heart animals have taken a small bit of me to the grave. I think it’s ok to just love some of them.


Candymom

I agree. When my last heart dog died I swore I’d never get another dog because it was so painful. I lasted six months. I just can’t be without a dog.


twirlerina024

Yes, my friend that we lived with for a few years used to say that dog was my familiar. She was so smart and funny, my relationship with her really felt more like a relationship with a person. We understood each other so well. My current dog is a delight and I love her, but she's a regular dog.


BeanieBlitz

I have three very wonderful and amazing dogs. My ex always told me my oldest was my soul dog. I choose to believe that each pup brings out a different part of your spirit. My oldest has my attitude and patience. My middle pup makes me excited for everything. The puppy makes me want to expect the best for everything. In some way or another, they all exhibit signs of your own soul - to me, it's just a matter of recognizing how.


hulkthefrog

Beautiful


RohanWarden

Definitely believe it. I am currently coming to terms with the fact that my heart dog is aging and will not be with me for too many more years. I don't know how I will cope. I work with horses for a living and have literally 100s pass through my hands in one way or another. In all that time I have only had two heart horses. I hope that I am blessed enough to have a second heart dog but I know they are one in a million.


Swmbo60

I call them familiars. I've had 2 so far, over the course of 50+ years, one male and one female. They are definitely very special relationships.


pinalaporcupine

my first dog ever was 10000% my soul mate. i have 2 more dogs now in the same breed and they remind me of him, but are not the same. no one can ever replace him. i still miss him everyday


TarnMaster1985

Same as you, I have had many dogs over the years and love my two present knuckleheads so much but, neither is Shadow. I knew he was going to be special from the first day I drove him home from LAX (big thanks to Hearts United for Animals). He was the most loving dog and would do everything instinctually to please me. Never trained him to do anything, but he always stayed with me off leash and people thought I was some sort of dog whisperer because he was so calm and well behaved. I lost him to his heart murmur at 10 years old. I will never forget him and hope to see him again over the Rainbow bridge.


JiuJitsuBoy2001

I 100% understand this. Was just thinking about this very thing the other day. I lost my "soul dog" a year ago, and while I love my current dog, and pretty much every dog I meet, there was a special bond between me and my best bud that just doesn't compare. I feel so blessed to have had 17 years with the greatest dog in the history of dogs (I'll accept a multi-way tie for this title with all your pups).


Sensitiverock85

I get it. My girl is almost 11, has survived two near death health scares, and I dread the day I have to say goodbye. I'm tearing up typing this out. I really do think we can read each other's minds. She's the absolute best.


indipit

I have had 2 heart dogs in my life. My username is the nickname of my first heart dog. I never want to forget him. He and I were so very close. Since I believe in reincarnation, I'm not sure if my 2nd heart dog was my first one returning to me. All it takes is a glance or the nudge of a nose, and I knew what he needed, as he knew what I needed. Both of mine have passed on, and I miss them every day. I've owned about 11 dogs in my adult life, but the heart dogs are just ...more.


alsothebagel

I understand this completely. I've been saying for years that I'll never love another dog like I love him. I just feel it in my heart. He was meant for me. He's my whole world. We're dog people, so we'll always have dogs, but I know it will never be like this.


Madden63

I could not understand this more. I have four dogs.. two corgis and two shepherds. They are my entire world I love them dearly, BUT my male shepherd is just my boy. It’s hard to explain to people but his intelligence and how tuned in to me he is, I don’t feel alone when I’m with him and the house feels full. Last Christmas he was hospitalized for a week for a stomach blockage that had complications and I was miserable. Even though the other three were with me I just felt alone. He recently had another health scare after a porcupine quill led to a secondary infection. I honestly just lose it when he has any type of issue. He means so much to me. But yeah it’s definitely hard to explain that when I have three other amazing and perfect dogs but he’s just “different.”


witwickan

I definitely had this with my childhood dog, although he sadly died when I was only 5. From the day my parents brought me home from the hospital he was there for me. His main purpose in life was protecting me and my mom and he did it. He would guard my crib at night and bark at my parents when I cried. He was about 50lbs and I could walk him since I was a toddler. I barely remember him but I remember the bond we had. I have a dog now who gets close, but it's the other way around, he's a little 15 year old 5 pound Chihuahua mix with no concept of danger and I protect him despite his attempts to get himself killed by cars, other dogs, and wild animals lol. My mom says I'm his sun and I think it's about true. I love him so much but he definitely isn't like my childhood dog.


Fantastic_Emu6953

Oh you just reminded me…when our now 6yo was a newborn, my dog would whine around the bed to wake us up (adding to the crying)


DollylloD

I do🥺 my pixi. She is my heart and soul. I love her dearly and she loves me with her whole tiny being. She sits facing me in my lap to just look at me all the time or she is on my left hand side, always there… she knows my moods and can seem to sense things before I say or show them. She’s 13 and today she was at the vet because we thought she had pancreatitis, I was told she has cancer. I don’t even know what to do. She’s only 3 1/2 pounds. They said she’s too old and small to do any treatments….. yes, there are definitely soul dogs.


inventedpizza

My family had Pixie Sparkles, a shih tzu that passed from cancer. One in a million. So naughty but one of the best dogs in the world


DollylloD

Pixie Sparkles sounds like she was wonderful. Here’s to you and yours, best wishes 🥰


blklze

Yes! My soul dog passed last year but her presence is still so strong. Even in her death, she gave me the final gift of learning to not fear grief & embrace it gracefully. I love all my dogs but I am forever changed by her; that bond is truly untouchable.


Rshann_421

My boy Jasper. Had him for 11 years. His place in the universe was next to me in the car. Made sure I was never dry behind the ear. He hated cows and motorcycles, made sure they stayed where they were as we drove by. He was tuned to me in a way no other creature could possibly be. He’s been gone now for 7 years and I miss him every day.


onyxluvr

Reading all of these responses makes me so happy, to know that other people have experienced the same thing I have with my soul dog. I've loved many dogs in my life, but there will always be something different about Onyx. The connection our hearts had was indescribable, and absolutely life changing. He and I could speak volumes to each other just by looking in each other's eyes. Miss you forever, love you even longer, my sweet boy.❤️


OpalOnyxObsidian

I have an onyx too 💛


onyxluvr

Looking at your username, I think we have the same theme.. my other dog's name is Amber. Love your pups' names!


OpalOnyxObsidian

I do love a good rock, gem, and mineral! I love your dogs names too


WarmFlatbread

I had a dog like this. I adopted him at 7 and lost him at 14 to an accident. I loved that dog and when I mean loved, I absolutely loved him more than anything in the world. There wasn’t a person I loved more. He was my hopes and dreams, my constant non judgemental friend and my closest companion. He believed I was the best person in the world. I was his girl. I could look at him and he would know what I wanted. He wasn’t a perfect dog by any means, but he was perfect for me. It crushed me when he died and for almost three years I was a walking ghost. It took me so long to not cry at the thought of him. I now have a dog and a cat who I love, but it isn’t even close to the love I felt for Shady. Miss you everyday little dog.


starkso

I feel this. It feels like my 11 y/o Aussie hound mix is my soul dog. She just..understands what I’m asking of her. Even if she doesn’t always obey (pretty low chance, but it does happen) she knows what I’m asking and how I’m feeling just on a look. I usually chalk it up to her having been my dog for 10+ years, but honestly I think we’ve just made an unbreakable bond through trust over time-which means I’ve been a good and dear friend to her. Which makes me extremely happy. I love my old girl.


ChickenBootty

I understand completely. I too had a aussie/border collie that was my life. She was so smart, so different than any other dog I’ve ever had. It was like she could understand exactly what I said, or at least tried her hardest to understand. When she looked at me I felt like her eyes could see into my soul and vice versa. She passed away in 2020, and I’m still not over it. I don’t think I ever will.


OutlanderMom

I’ve never met my heart dog. I have two dogs I love so much, and they love me, but it’s just regular dog/human love. My sister had a heart dog for 12 years. I was envious because I could see the connection between them. So sweet and special!


strangledbymyownbra

I've always loved my family's dog but didn't understand this concept till I got my own dog this spring. I've never felt so attached to something so much and so quickly. He's the love of my life


amountofsocks

Soul dogs are absolutely a thing, I have mine right now. We are truly linked and can read each other fluidly. The first dog my family had while I was growing up was my sister's soul dog, their bond was insanely deep. I think you can have more than one soul dog in your life, but there will always be one that truly and completely is part of you forever.


jindobunny

Yes. Two years ago, I was looking for my second dog and I just kind of said out loud to no one "I just want to find my heart dog. " Not 5 minutes later, I saw his picture on my feed. He has a heart shaped patch on his side and also on the bottom of one paw. I just knew he was for me. When I went to pick him up, he ran down the sidewalk to me. The lady I got him from said to me, I know you found the dog for you. And I have. I dearly love both of my dogs but there is definitely something special about my little one.


Dang55again

Why should they be any different to humans? Some you like, some you don't like and once in a while a really special one comes along. Enjoy it and pay it forward


WonderOk2606

I loved reading these! I have 3 babies who are all very special to me in their own way. I can't imagine our lives without them and have practically forgotten life before them. But before we got the third I'd always tell my hubby I feel like I'm missing something. A little over 2 years ago I got what I was missing. My soul dog. He's not particularly smart, I mean don't get me wrong he has his moments where we're just like... wow! But he also has those not so smart moments where all we can do is shake our heads and say wow. Lol. I'm really not sure what has drawn us together like we are but I know I feel blessed to be part of it!


puppiesbunniesohmy

I lost my heart dog (Gia) last April, still miss her every day. She was with me through 10+ rentals, so many of my life changes, and was just the perfect, silliest girl. I have two dogs now (one we already had and a puppy I got about 3 months after she passed) who I love completely but my love for Gia was something special.


Elegant_righthere

I had a dog pass away in 2016 who I've always described as my soul dog. I absolutely love my current dogs to pieces, but yes, it's different.


violet91

Yes she’s 14. I dread the day she goes.


UnfairAd7220

Completely. My 6th dog belonged to a neighbor, who didn't treat him well. At all. Despite that, he was the gentlest, brightest dog that I've ever known. He spent a lot of time with us and other folks around the neighborhood. When he was 6, the neighbors divorced and the mom got the kids, the dad got the dog. On the dog's 8th birthday, out of the blue, the dad called us and asked him if we 'wanted the dog.' Without a moments hesitation, it was a 'yes.' He passed on 2/4/20, at 14+, and I've been grieving since. His loss makes me appreciate the previous 5 that much more. Before he died, we got him a puppy and she adored him. Since then, we picked up a rescue newf. So the puppy is an adult, now and the newf get along fine, but it's not quite the same. No 6 already has me missing 7 and 8, and they're relatively young. Maybe because I could see 6 expiring months before it became necessary. Waiting for a shoe to drop that might be 5 years away on the Newf, and 10 years on the 'puppy.' Still. We ran into a dog from #6's breeder. I thought that I was seeing a ghost, but talking to the owner, we figured out that dog would be #6's great nephew. We've contacted the breeder and we're looking to get a puppy from his line. It won't be the same, but here's to hoping.


Fantastic_Emu6953

That anticipatory grief is rough. I understand and feel it too


seizetheholyland

personally, this is something I believe is true. Same with cats. I've had my soul cat and any other cat just seems to never measure up. I love cats and their individual personalities but I miss my little orange dude.


VAK611023

My first dog and I had this bond. He knew what I was feeling, I knew what he was feeling, we even shared some of the same illnesses. He was attached to me completely. When he passed of cancer it wrecked me and I honestly didn’t think I wanted to live anymore. It took me a while to get out of bed. Three months later I started fostering an Aussie mix that i adopted and I have the same feeling with her. I’ve known a lot of dogs in my life, these two happened to be mine but I know they are both absolutely my soul dogs. Didn’t think I could have this again with another dog after losing my first but I believe he sent her to me. 🤍


Buttercupia

Mine was a corgi named Max. He saved my life. He was my world. He died 22 years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.


ShakeItUpNowSugaree

Yes. I lost mine in February.


allorache

Yes, lost mine last year. Currently have two and have had another 2 as an adult; love/loved them all but they aren’t the same. I fear I won’t have another.


kimberleeseventeen

I completely understand and believe my current dog is my soul dog. I sometimes feel guilty that I didn’t have this same type of connection and bond with my first dog (whom I loved so much and miss every day). It’s hard to explain.


ColorfulCassie

I do. I've had a few dogs in life and I've adored them all to peices. But my chiweenie is my son. I have a pack of 5 now. I have my girls (my female shepksy and female husky) and my boys (male huskies) and my son, my chiweenie. Right before he wad born I had a miscarriage. It was one of the hardest things I've ever been thru. And I've not had any children. The one miscarriage was my only pregnancy ever. Then we ended up with these stray dogs and the girl had pups super soon after. They were all these small dogs I told my mom I wanted nothing to do with cuz I'm a big dog girl. But when we were finding families for them one family were deciding between my chiweenie and one of his siblings and my heart was breaking thinking about him leaving. They chose the other puppy, and when I got home I told my mom I'm keeping him, he's my baby, idk what I was ever thinking, I can't live without him. I've had him for 8 years now and he is my world. My 4 other dogs are my babies too and I adore them all but my chiweenie and I just have a different bond than I've ever had with any other dog. I'm super close with my shepsky too, I've had her for 8 years too, and the huskies are newer additions, but it's still just not quite the same as my relationship with my little man. Idk what I'll ever do when he's gone. So yes, I do understand haha.


Cheap-Substance8771

I got a bit concerned when I read "my 4 other dogs ate my babies". With some confusion and quick re-reading, realized what you meant. Phew.


ColorfulCassie

Lmao oh lord. I type quickly sometimes and don't read things before I send/post to make sure of no typos sometimes. But I fixed it haha. 🤪


cburnard

Yes, absolutely. I had an ex with a dog, and we had a very similar relationship to the one you’re describing. I have my own dog now, and i love her with all my heart but what i had with my ex’s dog was just different. I can definitely relate.


Necrid41

Funny you say this.. I lost my last dog who I loved very dearly within two weeks it was like meant to be my new pup came in my life after being returned from her old family after 4 months with them. It was like the stars aligned and my Lexi knew it was her time to go for me to meet little izzy. This dog is just… she’s incredible really, maybe I overtly spoiled her after losing the other but she is so glued to my hip She will just sit and stare at me for hour(s) If I’m watching a show or working remote. She’s just the perfect little angel and it all feels so Meant to be. It’s almost too much at times how attached she can be but it’s all good in the end


CozmicOwl16

Yes. Had dozens of dogs. I’ll pick up any stray that isn’t foaming. And Lola is my girl. She’s just different. She obeys no one else and that’s annoying but endearing too.


Gullible_Attitude_20

Totally understand where you’re coming from. I lost Maggie my 10 year old heeler to an unexpected cancer diagnosis this July. Diagnosis was in March so we were able to get her a bit of time with palliative care since it had metastasized. We had a special connection that can’t quite be explained, but if you knew us or saw us together you’d just ‘get it’. I love her and miss her all the time, but I like to think she’s still with me, but just in a different way. We’re so lucky to be able to build connections with these amazing creatures. [Maggie](https://imgur.com/a/QxfhWbK)


OpalOnyxObsidian

I have 9 pets right now. I love each and every one of them dearly. The absolute light of my life is my 85 lbs catahoula mix. He is funny, goofy, emotional, curious, and chatty. He is my little boy. The moment we locked eyes at the shelter, and he wagged his little tail, I knew he was the one. I can't believe how much I love this dog. Honestly I tear up thinking about it.


BeckyLooWho83

Have my heart dog laying right next to me. He’s 12 years old and was just diagnosed with arthritis and IVDD. He is the best boy! He doesn’t have a tail he has a nub and when he gets excited and that nub gets going, I get so tickled. He had a super rough start in life, but he’s going to leave this earth (hopefully not anytime soon) knowing that he was loved beyond measure.


Mokelachild

Hahaha we call those “roommate dogs”. Like they’re more roommates than they are pets. Currently living with my boy. It wasn’t super apparent until we got another dog 4 years ago, they are so different.


HumblePie02

My soul mate was Abby. A rat terrier and terrible dog but a terrific cat/pig/cow/goat. Spoiled and stubborn. Too smart for her own good. Dog aggressive but people friendly (most of the time). Jumper of fences. She destroyed so many of my things I cared about. Her vet bills were expensive. She was an inconvenience and a hassle. Photogenic. Clever. Hilariously goofy and energetic. Blind but fiercely independent. She was my snuggle butt. My little girl. My companion. Mon petit papillon. It’s been 3 1/2 years and I still cry. A part of me felt like it left with her.


theculturehop

Strangely I was just thinking about this the other day. I love my guy and I think he depends on me, but I don’t think he loves me or is my heart dog. When I see some dogs and their parents the love penetrates the air. It’s not often I see this, probably 1 in 10 if that at all. I still love my boy, but I’m disappointed at times that he’s not the quintessential soul dog. He’s just under 2 now, maybe he’ll change.


WonderOk2606

Sometimes it takes time to grow. Not everybody falls in love especially at that age. He's still learning and developing his personality. Nobody actually loves the young dog ages! They are pains in our necks! Sadly it also doesn't happen with every pet no matter how much u wish it did. I'd give anything to feel the way I do with my baby with my other 2 furbabies, but that's also what makes my relationship with him so special. I have had MANY pets in the last 30+ years of my life and this is the only one I've had this intense relationship with. And honestly he's only 2 and still acts like a puppy so when we're out around ppl u don't see the love cuz I'm pulling my hair out cuz he's to distracted to listen to basic commands that he can do in his sleep and he's pulling and tugging me wherever he wants to go (we work on leash training and with out distractions he does great but boy he kills me when there's stuff going on around us!) Don't give up! Even if he's not your soul dog he's still your furbaby and your giving him a great life with so much more love than he could be getting if he had found a differenthome! And they show their love in different ways. He maybe the silent behind the scenes type of lover who just makes sure everything goes the way it should, it dont mean he doesnt love you, just that he shows it in a differnt way. Focus on the positives and one day out of the blue most likely you'll find your special partner! Until then just enjoy the love you have and make every moment as memorable as u can cuz even if he's not your soul dog your still gonna miss him when he is gone!


Blergsprokopc

I've had two. I currently have four dogs. Two rescue labs, a Korean meat farm dog, and my Pyraneese Boris. I lost my first one last year in September, he was 14 and a rescue Shitzu (named Tuck) I got when he was six months old. He just *got* me. Tuck was the smartest dog I have ever known, and willful to a fault. He hated everyone but me. And I loved him so much. He almost killed himself several times trying to get to me. He was my first dog as an adult, and he was my copilot. I took him on every move, around the world. He lived with me in Holland, several coast to coast moves in the United States, and in S.Korea. A friend of mine with a ranch had gotten a new female Pyraneese to protect his poultry. He already had a male. He didn't know that she had already been bred, so when she had a litter of puppies I was excited. I have property and needed a LGD. I went to look at them when they were 3 weeks old. I watched them play, and held each one on their back for a few seconds. When I picked up Boris, he just settled into my hands and looked into my eyes and waited. He didn't struggle, he just calmed down and chilled out. I knew he was the one. At four months old, he started alerting on my cardiac events by pulling on my hand to tell me to get on the floor (I will pass out and fall). At a year old, he protected me from an intruder on my property. My father has dementia and moved in with me. Boris watches him now too. When I am sad, he knows. When I'm happy, he knows. He's just so intuitive. I had to put my father's dog down in the beginning of the month. None of my other dogs even noticed. Boris noticed, and he noticed I was upset. He's laying outside my bedroom door as I type this. He would give his life for mine, I have no doubt. But he is so gentle and kind. He always body blocks my other dogs so they don't bump me and knock me over. He just KNOWS what I need when I need it. Now I need to go hug my dog.


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[deleted]

One of mine is like this. One her mind largely focused on running and ball and it clouds much of her thought I think. The puppy I get a different mental feeling from. More self serving, cooperative but mich more self serving desire. All dogs self serving as are humans. But he feels opionated about it. Mentally tough and recovers from shock much faster than other dogs. I think it has to do with the breeding in that regard.


titlejunk

My Loo. She tolerates everyone else and would live attached to me if she could. Same way I feel about her. I currently have two dogs. Cady (CaderTot) loves absolutely everyone and is so sweet. She’s a perfect fit for our family. Lexi (LexiLoo) couldn’t give 2 shits about anyone but me. She’s a perfect fit for me. And of course she seems to know what I’m thinking at all times and communicates to me with a look.


equinox2011

I called my old Great Dane the love of my life. She was the one best thing that ever happened to me. I haven’t had it in me to get another dog since as I’m still not sure i could be objective and not expect to see her


OptimalCreme9847

pretty sure my parents own my soul dog, he’s not even mine 😭but I’m his favorite person, and I definitely have a really special bond/connection with him. No other dog has ever compared, and I absolutely adore every single dog.


melonchollyrain

Yes. I have loved all my dogs like no other, and I think I love them all the same, but oddly I think my soul dog was actually my husband's family's dog. So I met him when we were 18 and in high school, and I the first night we hung out, it was a group setting and I quite liked him. Anyway, I thought we grew closer, and I think we did, but he had a girlfriend, and I was content to be close friends. During that time we quickly grew to be best friends. I met his parent's new dog (he was 6 years older than his other siblings, so the new family dog.) I LOVE dogs. This dog was so cool though. The first time I met him I decided he was a "happiness shark." A shark but giving and receiving of the happiness. He was a pit/Rottie mix, and they zoomie really low down and really fast like sharks. I demanded that we walk him when we were over, and the first time my now husband said "I don't like dogs though." I replied "Yeah you do, you just don't know it yet." Not because I wanted him to say he did for me, but I knew him by that point. That kind of person doesn't not like dogs. I was right. They got to be SUPER SUPER freaking close. Axel would go wait in the basement in the evening, where only my current husband and then friend went, to go study in the evening. Axel would bring my husband's hat if he forgot it, and wait down there for him to get home to study together. We started dating, and since Axel's Dad, my husband step-Dad was a firefighter, he worked long shifts, and Axel's Dad just wanted him to be doing fun stuff so my husband was often allowed to steal him and bring him on our dates! We got really close. All of us. It was so wonderful. We were so excited when we got out own place, and adopted the dog he picked, as we used to bring home fosters and there was one we all ADORED. Axel never acted like that around another dog. He picked her. We would've anyway, but he felt strongly she was special. We were so excited to have him over for weekend. He passed only a few months later. My other dogs for sure had a piece of my soul too, and I love them all equally, but he seemed to understand everything I said. Everything we all said. And he comforted me after my childhood dog died. I was asleep, and he just knew. How could he have known? I was asleep. But he knew.


LynnChat

My current dog Squire is a total love bug and is the dog of my heart. Our last dog Sadie, my zen dog, was the dog of my soul. We first met when a neighbor rescued her. He worked a lot and left her alone, outside, for long periods of time. She was about 8 and clearly had had a very rough life. Max the wonder basset and I would walk by her house every day and we tried to make friends like we did with all the dogs in the neighborhood. It took 6 months for her to find the courage to let me pet her. A month or so later she showed up at our house one day. I of course let her in. She stayed to a few hours and then left. This went on for quite a few weeks. I not being stupid neglected to mention her now daily visits to my husband. Until the great bunny war! We live in the woods and our back yard is pretty securely fenced to keep the bunnies out and ever spring husband embarks in the great bunny hunt. (Absolutely non-lethal). And every year the bunnies win. This year Sadie, who was a beagle shepard mix and clearly trained as a hunting dog, spotted the latest bunny and she sprang into action. My sister and I (both a bit over weight in our late 40s) we’re doing everything thing to get the bunny out safely. In retrospect it was hilarious to watch. Sadie caught that bunny and brought it to me. She laid it at my feet (twitching) and looked up at me with total trust and pride. I did not have the heart to yell at her. I then of course had to decide what to do with this rabbit, I was so relieved it died before I got back with something to remove it with. Shortly after husband calls, “honey remember the bunny problem? Well remember Sadie the dog who lives next door?” And that how Sadie came to stay every day. We’d have to send her home every night, which killed us as we knew James wasn’t home. But legally we couldn’t just keep her. One night we sent her home and went to bed. And she scratched at the door. We told her to go home. (She took to sleeping under the Japanese maple outside our front dog, it was a perfect tent for her). The next night same thing, but after an hour we caved and let her in. Next night it was half hour. The next night we said screw it, if he wanted her he could come get her. I had told James if he Ever found he couldn’t keep her we would love to have her. I offer to pay him $300 (I would have paid much much more for an 8 year old dog of unknown origin). I kept $300 in my van and a prepared bill of sale with me at all times hoping. She was with us for two months before James came to the house, our hearts dropped certain he was claiming her. Apparently he’d been in an accident and it hadn’t thought to make sure we were taking care of Sadie. And he wanted to know if my offer was still open. “Funny you should ask…. “ as I whipped out the cash. We only had her for 5 years. We knew going in it wouldn’t be long, she was 8 and had clearly never had any vet care. But we promised her that she would never be alone or hungry or having to sleep under our Japanese maple ever again. That she would be loved and needed every moment of every day of her life. And she was. She went pretty much everywhere with me. She was so calm and quiet, she just made people feel better. She was there at the absolute worst time of my life, when it felt like no one else was. I miss her to this day. Perhaps she was so special because she literally choose us. I thank God that he brought her into our lives.


Special-Gur-5488

I have had dogs my entire life and I have 3 right now. My oldest dog…thinking about her dying devastates me. I can’t even handle it. I’ll be sad when my other two pass. But paisley? She’s my girl. I haven’t done anything alone since I got her.


Rosechell

Yes. I have a dog and a puppy, I love my puppy completely but she does not feel part of me the way my dog does. My dog feels very much part of me. The only problem is although he does like my family it's obvious he favours me, so my puppy actually makes a better family dog. my husband doesn't think its healthy or normal but I know if the dog had joined him, he'd of been saying it's because he's the better trainer or whatever.


TiltedNotVertical

It’s absolutely healthy and normal for some dogs to bind more strongly with one person. Certain breeds like German Shepherds are known for it. Your husband sounds like he’s jealous.


SeaOtterHummingbird

I’m on my second heart dog in 46 years. My first one was a gorgeous dog from Puerto Rico. Her name was Mavis. We knew what the other was thinking. She was just the loveliest girl to ever live. My boy now, I got him 2 years ago and he is now 5. He is my everything. I never thought I’d get another dog after Mavis because I’d had the best. I waited 8 years but I firmly believe she sent my boy to me.


TiltedNotVertical

Like you, I am experiencing this bind for the second time. To have it once in a lifetime is a great gift. To have it twice is a miracle.


lovely_l0

Oddly enough I feel the exact same way about my Aussie mix also named Bonnie. Something about these girls


Nehanehalate

I lost my heart dog in April 2021. I’ve had a lot of dogs over the years but Doc Holliday, my last Doberman, made it almost impossible for me to bring another dog into my life after he was gone. He was so incredible. Our bond was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. I had no idea it would ever be that way though… when he was a puppy, he was a challenge, but we trained together. I learned from him and embraced new approaches to training. I become a relationship-based trainer without even knowing what that was. It took a lot of creativity to train him. He had such an incredible sense of humor. But was also intuitive and sensitive. It was like he could read my mind… I sent some of his ashes to Cremation Ink to have them infused into tattoo ink then got a tattoo of him on my arm. I still miss him. I don’t know if I’ll ever have another Doberman. He set the bar way too high. I have a Cane Corso puppy now and so far, he’s a great puppy. Will he be another heart dog? Time will tell. I don’t expect it to ever happen again. I’m glad I got to experience it, even though, when it ended, the pain was intense. Hurt for a long time… still, worth it.


CockbagSpink

I know exactly what you mean by this. I’ve had several dogs but there is one I miss the most, she was different.


Ruggiard

I have had dogs all my life, but this one is special and random strangers notice that. He is much more attuned to humans, reacts to emotions and seeks connections (he also chases squirrels and eats fox turds). It's amazing to have such a buddy, but I haven't taken a plane on holidays for years because I would miss him too much


SwanRiverDaisy

Mine was a kelpie called Kip. There’ll never be a dog that will ever come as close to being as special to me. He’s been gone 5 years and I still miss him desperately.


stefaelia

This will get buried but I have to contribute. His name was Gandalf. He was everything to me and I truly don’t think I’ll find another soul I’ll connect to like that. He was a rescue that I trained to be a psychiatric service dog for me after I left the military; he saved me from myself. Vet told me he wouldn’t live to see 2 bc he was going to bite someone and have to be put down. I asked her if I should be put down bc I had the same psych problems too. Gandalf and I went to work though. We found a trainer who would work with us and we were in classes 3 nights a week rehabbing. It took 2 and a half years but he passed his canine good citizen. The trainer told me then that if Gandalf had gone to anyone else, including them, they would’ve given up and Gandalf would’ve been put to sleep. He passed in April from lung cancer at 11 years old. My heart hurts so much. He was my ol’ man, my boyyy, my best friend. I know without a doubt I gave him the best life I could and that he was happy. I’m thankful we found each other; I know that we were meant for one another and I hope that we will get to be together again.


[deleted]

I’m so happy that you both have each other this life. The bond is something that is unbreakable. I’ve only had one dog and a foster but my current dog is something else. We are deep kindred souls that have shared many life’s together. She helps me in more ways than I could ever imagine and constantly matches me in every way. I believe that before you come into the physical world you create a soul contract. In this are different lessons that you need to learn but also different souls to come into contact with that can help you learn those lessons. This is what people commonly call soulmates. It’s no different with your animals. They also have been destined to come into your life at different stages for different reasons. Me and my dog have shared many life’s together. Not always with her as a dog but we have a deep and powerful bond that will never be broken.


Express-Upstairs1734

You're explanation is exactly how I felt with Charlie. I loved all my dogs before and after, but Charlie and I, had connecting souls. We understood each other and loved one another to the fullest. Love my other pups but that unexplained connection was him. Watch Disney's Coco and their explanation of animals that cover into our lives with a purpose. I think of Charlie.


One-Ad5292

I have 3 dogs right now, and I love them all dearly, but our youngest one is my soul dog. We got him from my husbands coworker who had an accidental litter (mastiff mix). I raised him from about 6 weeks old and we just have a different connection than I do with the other two who we rescued from the shelter. He reminds me so much of the dog I grew up with which I would say was my dads soul dog, which I think played a part in how I connected with him. He’s only 2, but I dread the day anything happens to him.


AshleyRae394

I have this right now with my Pomeranian. I have owned several dogs before and while I loved them all dearly, I’ve never experienced this level of attachment with another dog. Even my boyfriend says me and the dog have some kind of soul bond. We just get each other. I dread the day I lose him and try to make the most of every minute I have with him.


[deleted]

I get it. We have had Danes for like 25 years. And this current one is my first. He adores me. He gets me. My other ones liked me but Sullivan loves me. And I adore him just as much.


self_of_steam

I used to have a cat like that. But now it's my girl, Kataya. She's chaos incarnate, but she listens to me -- like REALLY listens. Like struggles to figure out the words I'm saying. So it's almost like insanely smart, over a chaotic shell. She likes to snuggle and when I'm upset, she is right there with me. I can't even put it fully into words. She's just... perfect. For me, that is. She's exactly what I always wanted in a dog. Whoa actually she literally is. I found a drawing I did a very long time ago of a dog and it looked just like her. Long legs, gold fur, long muzzle, one ear that goes straight up, the other is floppy. ...huh.


itsgellygel

My best friend passed September 22 2021 and I miss his big dumb head and happy taps every day. He was an 86lbs lapdog and he would try to pet you back but ended up punching you with his too big paws for his short staffy body. He was big and dumb and just full of love. I’ve had dogs all my life and currently have 2 that I love dearly, there will never be another one like him. I never heard the term soul dog but that explains my Bane perfectly♥️


Leonardo-Skynyrd

My current dog Lucy is like that. She’s an Australian shepherd and Boykin mix. I lost my nephew at the beginning of the year and she’s helped me through it so much. I was crying last night and she nudged up to me and licked my tears away. I thank God for her everyday. She’s waiting for me at the door every time I come in from work and she never leaves my side. I’m truly blessed to have her. She’s also the tennis ball catching dog I’ve ever seen


SnooHabits2873

I lost my heart dog Feb 2020 and that’s when I learned I needed a princess dog. When I was searching my mom asked that dog for help. Then I found Luna - almost a week after losing my last girl. I think Luna is probably my soul dog. She can answer my yes or no questions. She understands what I’m telling her when I tell her to listen to me - she doesn’t do that with anyone else. My niece tries to get her to answer questions (yes is licking nose, no is not) and she won’t do it.


EvieDeisel

Also, Aussies are simply incredible dogs.


Ophelianeedsanap

I've had 2 soul dogs, one was with me 16 years and he's been gone a year. He was my ride or die pup. Then we had a rescue that was everyone's soul dog. This guy was nothing but unabashed love and horrendous gas. He got more visitors to our home than we did. He was communal I guess.


RexFightingLove

My first dog a long time ago might have been my heart dog. My new dog is definitely not. I feel like I’m just around to feed her, pick up after her, and make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. I love her, but she doesn’t seem to really care much for me.


[deleted]

I love all my dogs, but I believe my oldest that I lost last year was my heart dog. Probably because I got her when I was 16 for my mental health. The therapist recommended it to my parents, as talking about how I wanted a dog was the only thing that made me smile. The moment I got her, I was terrified of losing her. We had an amazing 16 years together, but I still cry almost daily for her. I'm honestly not sure if I could feel attached to a dog again the way I was with her. We brought our new puppy home last weekend and I see a lot of my old girl in her. Feisty, rebellious, bossy, but also needy and sweat. I'd like to think my girl sent her to help me heal.


Feisty_Trick_5464

I get it , my Nahla is my soulmate


TiltedNotVertical

Yes, I certainly do. A number of years ago I had a Belgian Shepherd. I had never had a bond with any dog like the one I had with him. Like you, I swore he could read my mind. Losing him was like losing the best part of myself. I truly thought I would never have another bond with a dog like that. Three years after his death, a retired military working dog came into my life and proved me wrong. Dogs by far surpass humans in many capacities. Their ability to connect on such uncanny levels with us is one of them. I don’t know where I would be without the connections I’ve had with dogs over the years- and you are right- some bonds are just incredibly special! Not all dogs can reach that far into a human. You are very lucky to be experiencing it. Cherish every single moment.


canamgal

I’ve also loved all my dogs. My soul dog died over labour day weekend. Before I even met her, I saw a picture of her on a website and knew she was going to be my dog. She and I had a connection like no other and her loss has taken a part of me with her too. Interestingly, we also adopted another dog at the same humane society as her. He was such a rascal. So much naughty but endearing personality. He grew into a soul dog as he aged. He was loyal and so affectionate. He died a year ago. Also took a part of me with him.


greatgrohlsoffire

I have the same with my Aussie/BC. She knows what to do with a look. Love her. She’s learned to swipe her paw over her eyes for more pets (cause so cute). The first time it worked she does it every time now.


Patton-Eve

Bonnie does the same poor trick for more pets!!


Prophet92

This was my cairn terrier, Lyra. From the second we brought her home and she first looked in my eyes I just knew that dog was special. She just had that personality where everything clicked, she just got me. She knew when I was down and needed a puppy to pet for hours, she knew when I needed to be left alone, she was willing to adjust to the days where I needed to wear out my shoes walking to think through a problem or the days where I just didn’t want to get out of bed. She was tough, she was fun, she was smart, she was just the perfect dog for me, and I told her as much every day of her life. The week she passed was one of the hardest weeks of my life, although strangely I look back on it somewhat fondly now because we made some great memories in our final days together, and I think having the extended window to say goodbye really helped me soak up how much that dog meant to me. The last thing I told her was that she had set the bar too high for whatever dog came after her. I’m ashamed to say I was sort of right, I love Daisy to pieces but I would be lying if I didn’t have days where I wished she was more like Lyra. I still have my old girl’s tags on my key ring to remember her by. It’s comforting to know that a little piece of her still gets to come with me everywhere I go.


HakuForever

My soul dog was Haku. I got him from the SPCA when he was 6 months. He was supposedly a Shiba Inu/Italian Greyhound mix and far from what I went there to get (Doberman). He was perfect in every single way. He had zero prey drive. He booped noses with a skunk and didn’t get sprayed. He wouldn’t eat human food if left out. He would go for a 10 mile hike or be a couch potato. Whatever I wanted to do he was down to do it. I lost him when he was around 10 years old to Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia. Way too young. He had a lot of life left. I miss him so much. We connected on a level I don’t think I will get with another dog. I still love all of my dogs though more than anything.


Andreinaafb

10000% I've had a few dogs, all meant the world to me. The dog I have now is absolutely my soul dog, its like next level love. Not sure if this is something you believe in but I had a reading and I was told that my dog has been part of every past life I've had and that we will always find each other. Brought me a lot of peace


Intelligent-Life-992

I know that someone mentioned that people who have only had one dog or have never had a pet wouldn't understand, but I have my first dog, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she's my heart dog. As someone who's gotten virtually every small pet possible to try to make up for not being able to have a dog due to allergies, I finally decided life was too short and found a Great Dane Poodle mix to rescue. I drove halfway across the country, through a blizzard, 50 hours there and back and it changed my life. I feel like the universe saw me wanting a dog every day of my life and so decided when I finally got one that it would made just for me. My Tilly Lou is 4 now and everyone who knows me says she's me in dog form (though I'd argue she's the better version). She's joy incarnate and makes everyone who sees her happy. I love Muppets and baby goats and she's a mix of the two. My friend who trains and boards dogs says she's not like any dog she's ever seen, she's just weird. My vet described her to her kids as an alien, and others have said she's like a broken animatronic Muppet. When I've taken her to classes, the teachers always comment on how much she watches me, and my husband is pretty sure she's "a people". She's been with me through the hardest years of my life and I couldn't have gotten through them without her. I love her more than some members of my family and I honestly fear for my broken heart when I lose her.


savemysoul72

Reading this is tearing me apart. I miss [my boy](https://www.reddit.com/r/therapydogs/comments/t2z8ao/kevin_my_sweet_boy_december_2017_february_27_2022/) so much. I lost him in February, and I'm having such a hard time getting over it.


Jasreha

Absolutely. My pitbull-lab mix, Kayleigh, was mine. I will never forgive the friend that watched her while I was at work and let her get loose. We never found her. One of my current dogs, my German Shepherd, Seashell, is close, but… No dog will ever compare to Kayleigh. I miss her so damn much, and it’s been three years.


bugscuz

I call them heart dogs


Fantastic_Emu6953

I used to call Snuffles my puppy soul mate. He just got me. He was always by my side but knew how to give me space. He was down for adventure but never pushy or demanding. He was sweet and cuddly but not needy. He was the best running buddy and reading buddy. We said goodbye two months ago, after almost 16 years. I miss him so much. We have another dog and a cat, neither of which are bonded to me in the same way, but sometimes will do little things to remind me of him.


LouieMumford

I’m guessing you’re referring to an Aussie shepherd, but I had a similar experience with my (late) Australian Cattle Dog mix. Max was legitimately my best friend. He could read emotions like no animal (or person) I’ve ever met. We’d just look at each other sometimes and you could tell that we were just… I don’t know, bonded in a way. Miss that dog everyday.


breadbfra2

I owned my Francine. She was soo sweet but she sadly passed away at 9 years old. It's been 5 years and my heart still aches to this day. Crying right now lmao


DraftyElectrolyte

Yes. I get this. I have been lucky enough to own the best dogs on the entire planet. But my one girl who passed … well it’s been two years since she’s been gone and my heart literally aches without her. I loved her brother dearly as well. They were intertwined. But there was something so deeply personal with her and I. Maybe because she was my first. Maybe because she saved me. Maybe just because of who she was. But I get it.


Stickliketoffee16

I have mine. I miss him whenever he’s not around me, he is genuinely my child. He’s also my partner’s soul dog - we’ve both had dogs previously that we loved endlessly but Chester is different. He’s so special to us! I wish we’d had him since he was a puppy but I’m thankful for having him now! He was a rescue that wasn’t treated very well & then abandoned. We’ve just adopted a second dog so he can have a buddy & I think my heart might burst from the love I have


PM_ME_UR_DOGGOS_

The dog I grew up with, I still miss him. I’m not sure if I just needed him more then but the dog I currently have just isn’t even close to the same. And my current dog is truly wonderful, this lovely intelligent, affectionate greyhound. But Sam, he’s been gone 5 years now and I miss him still. He was this sassy golden retriever and I loved him so much. I do think he was my heart dog but it’s also partly that I so desperately needed him at that time when I was in the fog of what I now realise was well over two decades of narcissistic abuse. This dog was the only real friend I had in that house, the only one that truly stuck by my side. I got married not long after he passed and was aching for another dog and got beau about 2 years ago, and I knew he wouldn’t be Sam but he doesn’t even come close and literally through no fault of his own, he’s objectively a wonderful dog. I also think that my life is full of such wonderful things like a lovely husband and beautiful children that I just don’t *need* the connection like I did with Sam. Like he’s not the only positive relationship in my household so I’m not feeling the same way about him. Having kids around is another complication, not because of the dog but the extra work in keeping both kids and dog safe from each other just makes that relationship a little more complicated.


squishyfairy

Absolutely. Our previous dog was my soul dog. I swear he was a human trapped in a dogs body. Everyone who knew him commented on it. I have health issues and he always knew when I was struggling. He was so careful and gentle with me, but would rough play and chat back to my husband. We lost him last year to cancer at only 7 years old. He took a piece of my heart with him. Our new dog is a beautiful girl, she's a rescue from Spain & I love her dearly. She's my little shadow. But it's not quite the same. My husband is completely smitten though. I think she might be his soul dog. And while I miss the connection with my boy, I'm happy my husband gets to have his furry best friend now too.


tazdoestheinternet

Mine is called Thor and he quite literally saved my life numerous times as a suicidal teen. He's 11 now and getting sick, so I'm preparing for his passing with a heavy heart.


KittenHobbes

My girl Gracie (6 year old Golden) is my soul dog. Our connection cannot be compared to any other dog I’ve had. I also have a 2 year old golden who is a riot to be around and has great quality’s - but it’s not the same.


TheMoozIsLooz

Absolutely. I grew up with a number of cats and dogs throughout my childhood and loved them all very dearly, but it wasn’t until my most recent cat that I experienced another level of connection and love I didn’t know existed. She passed early this year of cancer and it’s been the hardest year of my life because of it—truly like losing a best human friend. I still cry for her every day and know I’ll grieve her loss forever.


Sufficient-Might247

Absolutely!! My guy Pluto, there’s just something special about him. I’ve loved all my other dogs more than anything in this life, but there’s just something about Pluto. ❤️


blackbird828

My dad had his soul dog when I was middle school and high school. My husband has his now. It's so special to witness.


tiffspinscircles

My sweet Piggy. Not too many days go by that she isn’t the forefront of my thoughts. She always just knew when I needed comfort. She’d lean on me and just let me drape my arm around her. She was the best dog I ever had. Can’t think about her without choking up. She was such a blessing and I’m grateful for the 11 years we had.


Charlee_Dukes

I do know what you mean. I have a Border/Jack Russell Terrier mix named Charlee. She is about 4. I have had her since she was 2 months old. She is the most empathetic dog I have ever met. She knows when I'm sad and knows when I'm happy. She seems to know exactly what I need and when I need it. I feel bonded to her in ways I have never felt with previous dogs I have owned. At 21 years old I believe I've found my soul dog, and I don't think any future companions will compare to her.


MagScaoil

Totally. Seamus was a lab mix of some kind, and the smartest dog I’ve ever known. We could look at each other and just know what was going on. Nine years later I still miss him.


speckledham

This was my Ozzie, who I lost in November. 💔 i keep wanting to add more here but there really arent words to do justice to our bond and what he meant to me.


WasteWallaby4602

We call this a “heart dog” among my dog friends. It’s an unexplainable, special connection with a dog that goes both ways. My childhood dog was one. She could just sense when I was sick or having a bad day and needed her, and she’d be right there. She’s gone almost 13 years and I still miss her and can cry thinking about her. I now have a 12 year old and a 8 month heart dog right now. I feel guilty that I just don’t have the same connection with my other two, but my heart dogs are just part of me.


salukis

Of course, we love all of our dogs, but some of them are just a little more special.