Who Picked Who?

Recently, several photos from 2022 have popped up in my “memoires”. The photos are all when I was picking out the puppy that would be become known as Fleetwood💕

I remember that day and it was clear that Fleetwood was not going to let me leave without him. He was determined. If I looked or petted one of the other puppies, Fleetwood would jump in front and try to give me kisses.

One Look and I was Hooked

When I looked into those eyes and saw the “Fleety” spark, I was hooked.

I knew he was my dog, but he may have picked me first. 🐶

The photos were a fun reminder but there was something that stuck with me…did I pick Fleetwood or did he pick me?

I started to think about the “when you know” moment with my other dogs and wonder who really picks who…

The Science Behind the Connection

There is science behind this connection between humans and dogs. Scientists say that something does happen in that first moment of connection.

When dogs and humans make eye contact, both experience a release of oxytocin, which is called the “bonding hormone.” It’s the same hormone involved in the bond between mothers and babies.

Maybe it wasn’t my imagination? 😂

This got me thinking about my other kids….

Here are our “Who Picked Who First Experiences:

Hudson:

Hudson was supposed to be a girl. Please don’t tell him 😆. There was a female available that I was going to meet. While I was there, this boy puppy who kept coming over to me and hanging out. He was very calm and sweet. I knew he was supposed to be mine. After some negotiating. Hudson came home with me.

Erwitt:

Erwitt was different. He was from a new breeder, and I was on the waitlist. (Starting to see how I got to 5? 😀)

When the breeder called me about a boy puppy being available, I said I wasn’t sure. They asked if I wanted to see photos. Of course, I said yes! I was hooked. I flew out to meet Erwitt. Our connection was instant. Those brown eyes even in a photo. It was those eyes.

Prayerie:

She has a lot in common with Fleetwood. Prayerie was determined to come home with me and I knew it. I felt the same way. Prayerie came from a litter that had a lot of show dog potential. I wasn’t looking for a show dog, but I open to the idea.

It came down to just 2 females – green girl and orange girl (that’s just color-coding puppies). It was a tight race, but regardless green girl was my girl, and she turned out to be a very nice show girl too.

Daisy:

Daisy was completely different because I bred Daisy. As you may know, Daisy is a Prayerie puppy. She was the second puppy born. I knew instantly that if I was going to keep a puppy this was going to be the one. I knew and her eyes weren’t even open yet.

As Daisy grew, she became pack approved. All my dogs loved the puppies, but Daisy just fit. We all knew it.

Back to Science

The science does say dogs are incredibly skilled at reading humans. They pick up on:

• posture

• eye contact

• voice

• social engagement

• emotional cues such as stress

Ironically, it is very similar to what we pick up on. 😀

The Moment

I always could feel that moment. I can’t say for sure who picked who…but I know we picked each other. ❤️

I’d love to hear your story … did you pick your dog… or did they pick you?