I grew up with multiple large dogs (mutts, rescues, German shepherds, golden retrievers, great danes) at any one time. They were a part of the family, so that's how I have learned to treat dogs -- as part of my family. I talk to them, I give belly-rubs, I scratch behind the ears, all the things that make dogs so happy. I'm a grad student, so my schedule is fairly flexible, especially on weekends. Favorite dog memory: My family's dog, Bilbo, loves people. One day, I had a migraine, and was lying on the floor with an ice mask on. Bilbo, a rather large mixed dog, came and started rubbing his face all over my head, ultimately ending up partially laying on my head and body, relaxing. He does this anytime someone lays on the floor with him. It's just one of his hilarious quirks that makes me happy he is my dog! And it actually helped my migraine! Something about pressure, I'm guessing...