My pup is special to me because she gives unconditional love. Pets are so
aware of your moods. She loves to play and be outside with me in the summer chasing butterflys or whatever. Always makes me laugh, loves
to cuddle on my lap and knows when I am sad. Usually at these times, she
will lay beside me with a paw or her head on my lap. I would be lost without
her and honestly never realized how they do become family members
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my dogs are both special to me, because they let me know when somebody is visiting, if the chickens are out, when the weather is changing.....they protect my home from skunks, always want to keep me company, show me they love me by dropping heavy objects on my feet.............they enjoy playing with me, and try in their best doggie language to tell me they love me.
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Aww...great question! My doggy, Cookie, is special to me for so many reasons. I'm going to try my best to list as many as I can think of!

1. She was a surprise Christmas gift in 2005 and stole my heart from the first moment I saw her.
http://files.dogster.com/pix/dogs/79/340679/340679_1152234832.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2iqhdvc.jpg

2. There has never been a day when she hasn't made me smile. I don't think I can say that about anyone else.
http://files.dogster.com/pix/dogs/79/340679/340679_1229661448.jpg

3. She's special because she's so unique. I often say she acts more human than dog. I can't imagine her chewing on shoes or chasing cars like many dogs. She even is picky about what she'll eat, depending on what kind of mood she is in.
http://i40.tinypic.com/2wcl4j8.jpg

4. She has epilepsy, and I think that has made me hyper-protective of her. She follows me around everywhere and sleeps under the covers with me.
http://web5.twitpic.com/img/10031312-5a25d1cfa45c795feb02f3dd38f03ff5.4a1b5d98-scaled.jpg

5. She'll be 4 years old later this year, and she only weighs about 4lbs. Even people who say they don't like "little dogs" love Cookie. But look at this face, how could you not? :)
http://files.dogster.com/pix/dogs/79/340679/340679_1152233864.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVsgFMC3oGE
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I always had dogs growing up, but Kona is my first dog on my own, which makes it pretty special. No matter what time of day (or temperature), she always wants to play the minute she steps outdoors. And if she sees a squirrel at the bird feeder, she makes sure it doesn't come back again...
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Our dog is extremely special to us - he was a rescue through our local Humane Society. We were told that we'd need to work with him to help him overcome his shyness/fears. No one knows his story, just that he was found "wandering around the University (of Alabama)." He was extremely shy when we first got him and even now, he's very tentative when approached by strangers, especially males. He also has serious issues with running water and he does NOT like to have his front paws touched (needless to say, we are very strategic with our grooming techniques).

He is extremely bright and very, very sweet. Working with him over the years and seeing him become more and more outgoing has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Meet Chico Seymour Hoffman:
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I have two special friends, Machiavelli and Dante. While they haven't performed any phenomenal achievements, they are what keeps me sane.

Machiavelli, the lab, has an ability to know what I am thinking or feeling without words. No idea how he knows, but he always does. That's what dogs in general are the best at, being by my side no matter what, that unconditional love and loyalty that is unmatched by any human.

Dante, the boxer, is a handful as he is still very much a puppy, but simply watching his little nub of a tail wiggle, knowing that he is so excited and happy, makes me smile every time. It's the little head on my arm and the big eyes looking up, those little things that warm my heart. Those things I wouldn't trade for anything.
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Like me, he's a mutt - a doberman / rott. / german shepherd mix. He's got the coloring of a dobe, the size of a sherherd, and the temper of a rott.

This is actually my second dog. The first dog was a rescued German short-haired pointer who was totally a people dog who loved everyone unconditionally. I had to put him down when he got to the point he couldn't stand anymore and the vet said it was time. He earned his keep by attacking and wounding a burglar (we weren't home at the time), leaving a nice blood trail from the front door all the way to the kitchen.

The dog I currently have was also rescued at three, and he hates people - which makes for the perfect watchdog here. The area I live in has undergone change, it's now a lot of working people doing the best they can, but the "hoodlum" element needs to be kept at bay. The dog I have now is perfect for this area - quick, mean, and fearless.

I'd link pictures but he has this thing about flashes of light...and I value my arms. :)
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My dog is special to me because she provides me and my family with unconditional love. Also, she represents my personality and she shares my feelings. If anything can put a smile on me, that would be my dog. She is sweet and caring, and enjoys attention, yet she understands when I do need time on my own. She is very intelligent and understanding, and is my life's best friend.
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.... because she's so patient with my 3-year-old.
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