Portuguese Water Dog Rescue
Portuguese water dog rescue i’ve been fortunate to share my life with a Portuguese Water Dog. For those unfamiliar with the breed, they’re not typical dogs you “own.” What does that mean? Owning a dog usually implies obedience, lack of creativity, listening most of the time, and living peacefully in a home. Living with a Portuguese Water Dog is more like having a toddler dressed as a dog sharing your home.
I’ve had dogs before. I adored my girl like she was my child, but looking back, I realize I “owned” a dog in the traditional sense. That perspective changed when I got a Portuguese Water Dog.
Now, as a PWD owner, I understand that I don’t “own” Miss Millie in the conventional sense. Miss Millie can problem solve despite not having thumbs, which is both eerie and amazing. She expresses opinions and vocalizes her desires and needs, even if they aren’t always feasible.
Brief History of the Portuguese Water Dog
Before diving into what it’s like to live with her, let’s explore a bit of history about these incredible dogs. Some of this is factual, while some is pieced together from stories I’ve heard, but it should paint a vivid picture of their lives.
The Portuguese Water Dog traces its origins back to around the 1300s. These dogs were originally found on wooden boats in Portugal, accompanying fishermen. As societal changes occurred, their role diminished, and by the 1930s, they were on the brink of extinction. During their heyday as working dogs, they spent up to eight to ten hours daily in the water. After their workday, they often guarded fishermen’s supplies on the beach.
Their tasks included diving, freeing nets from coral, ferrying messages between boats, hauling nets in and out of the water, and much more.
Life with Miss Millie
Today, Portuguese Water Dogs are recognized as household pets in the Working Class by the AKC. While they retain the drive of their predecessors, they typically don’t require the intense 15-hour workdays of the past. However, some individuals, like Miss Millie, may still crave direction throughout the day.
Miss Millie falls towards the higher end of drive but not to an extreme. She enjoys staying close while I work. This blog could easily focus on the many rules Miss Millie sets, though I’m often unsure of half of them, as she frequently changes them.
Living with Miss Millie is an adventure in itself. She possesses full control of her toes in each front paw, capable of grasping objects firmly like a fist. She can assess something she desires and devise ways to reach it, whether it’s on a counter, in a cabinet, or on a shelf.
Miss Millie communicates her emotions clearly—she shows happiness, displeasure, and her needs, which often lean towards wants, but she ensures you understand them.
The Naughty Side
PWDs don’t thrive when left alone for extended periods. Working from home is ideal for Miss Millie, and I greatly appreciate it. For those who work outside the home, I believe they deserve a medal.
Portuguese Water Dogs love to be around their humans all the time, even when you seek privacy, like in the bathroom. Their cleverness means they can open nearly any door, except when it’s locked, and even that’s not always a guarantee.
If left alone too long, Miss Millie has no qualms about devouring a loaf of bread, tearing into a garbage bag, or hosting a toilet paper party. The definition of “too long” varies—30 minutes or 8 hours—depending on her mood.
Mia, Miss Millie’s half-sister, finds joy in knocking over kids and stealing their shoes, just for fun portuguese water dog rescue.
The Loving Side
Despite her faults, Miss Millie is the best dog I could have ever hoped for. When I’m feeling unwell or down, she’s right there by my side. She loves sitting on my lap, cuddling on my chest, and sleeping in the crook of my legs every night.
Miss Millie possesses remarkable empathy, understanding human emotions better than most people. Portuguese Water Dogs have a unique ability to connect with human feelings, likely stemming from their history of working closely with individuals rather than with other dogs.
Owning a Portuguese Water Dog requires dedication and attention; they thrive on companionship and may seek attention in ways you might not expect if they feel neglected. Having Miss Millie in my life has truly enriched it—I cherish her playful antics and her eagerness to collaborate with me.
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