I get asked this question fairly often, and it seems most other multi-dog households get asked this question too. I remember asking my mother the same question, only it was did she have a favorite child (I was hoping she'd say it was me). But my mom, ever so wise and I believe honestly, answered the question with "I love you both the same."
I only have one child so she is easily my favorite. But when it comes to that question with my dogs, I don't answer the question the way my mother did, as I do not love them all the same: I love them all, but in so many different ways. Each personality is so distinct there simply is no way I could love them all the same.
Take Dusty for instance. He's my first Sheltie, my first performance dog. I believe the soul of my childhood dog occasionally pays visit upon him. Dusty has helped shape the person I am today, and he's the one who started me on this crazy, dog-filled journey. He's my Heart Dog, the one who cuddled with me in bed when I was single, has seen my daughter grow up and me become a grandmother. At almost sixteen years he still rules the pack as a benevolent dictator. Dusty's soul shines through his eyes and I know now that I was the luckiest person in the world to have him as a Novice A dog. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Now Shiloh....oh, Shiloh. He's the polar opposite of Dusty. Shiloh loves himself first and foremost, and his ego surpasses the size of any room he enters. Strong-willed and spirited, Shiloh has more of a Border Collie work ethic, which means his reward is letting him work. Shiloh loved Agility best and should have had a MACH, if not a world team representative, except for the fact that I just can't seem to remember the agility course. Because he loves me he did Obedience and handed me a life-long dream of attaining the OTCH. Not only that, he was the #3 Sheltie in 2006 and we got invited to compete at the Eukanuba Obedience Invitational in Long Beach, CA that year. Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Blitz's illness was discovered when I only had him for two weeks. I could have returned him but I decided that even though he would never be able to show to his full potential, I would keep him. I've never regretted that decision. He'll be four years old this coming February, two years longer than they said he would survive. The disease is beginning to take its toll and I believe his story will be coming to a close soon. What amazes me is that in spite of this awful disease and all its afflictions, his zest for life has never waned. In fact he seems to be more joyful than ever as his body wastes away. Blitz has taught me to find joy in this remarkable gift of life we've been handed. He greets every new day as a thrilling adventure; how could I not do the same? Because of this he holds a special place in my heart.
Shiloh was bred to a lovely working bitch and my pick was Moto. I knew he'd be over size but not to the proportions he is today: 50 lbs and 20 inches at the shoulder! But I actually enjoy having a larger dog. People take his bark seriously and I feel safe when I walk with him at night. He's been a bit of a training challenge as, unlike his dad, Moto will work but it's just because he's a good boy. Work of any sort - obedience, tracking, herding, agility - are OK but he is happiest just giving and receiving love. And that is where he excels. I scoff at anyone who says dogs do not have empathy. I saw it first-hand when I returned home from the hospital to recover from my car accident. I saw it again as he took puppy Pinch under his wing, teaching him Boy Dog stuff and gently playing with him. I am in awe of Moto and he will take on the role of Heart Dog when Dusty goes to the Bridge. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
Enter baby Pinch. He's still a blank slate. I'm thrilled with his training and he has the drive and focus of Shiloh. His ego is almost as big as well. I'm thrilled with his temperament in that when the house is quiet, he is quiet, but if I want to train he's up and ready to go! We have so much fun together and I have high hopes for an exciting obedience career with him. Plus, he has this adorable way of jumping into my arms and delivering a quick round of kisses. Because of that he holds a special place in my heart.
John Edward, a psychic who "talks to those who have crossed over" once was able to feel the energy of a former dog-owning relative. John told the grieving family that it was her beloved dogs to greeted her first, and whose barking she followed to get to the Other Side. Along with my other loved ones who I miss now, I know it will be a joyous reunion to see them again and be joined with all my beloved pets. That, for me, will be Heaven.
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