Three family dogs — Norman, Squid and Velour — take center stage in a light-hearted Q&A that asks what most people wonder about but rarely hear answered: what do dogs actually like?

The piece, published on VUMC News, frames the answers as the dogs’ own and focuses on everyday details: favorite treats, toys, sleeping habits and how they feel about water. According to the American Kennel Club, popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and playful personalities, which resonate through the responses of these three canines. The approach highlights personality through small routines and preferences, offering a domestic portrait rather than a clinical profile.

Norman opens with food: “I’ve never had a treat I don’t like, but right now my parents and doctors have me on a special diet to help with my blood protein, whatever that means.” This remark highlights the importance of a balanced diet, which pet owners can achieve by providing high-quality dog food complemented by limited treats. The article records Norman’s ability to find rewards at the family table despite dietary limits.

Squid keeps it simple about motivation: “My favorite treat is kibble. I get kibble treats when I train for new skills or need extra motivation.” This commitment to training aligns with survey findings that a large majority of dog owners consider their pets to be family members, fostering a nurturing environment for learning and bonding. That training-oriented detail pairs with a description of Squid’s sleeping habits: he naps in a crate or soft bed and sometimes curls up on the edge of his handler’s bed.

Velour, meanwhile, answers with single-minded enthusiasm: “Peanut butter!” The Q&A adds texture to that preference, noting Velour’s affection for big fluffy toys she can carry and chew, and that she sleeps in a comfortable kennel with a soft bed and blanket, mirroring the responsive care provided by devoted pet owners.

Play and companionship thread through the responses. Norman says, “Yes, absolutely! My favorite things are collecting toys and being chased,” while Squid reports he loves zoomies and playing chase with his dog sister, Sasha. Velour describes wrestling with her dog brother, Ranger, and an appetite for fetch: “Definitely! I love to wrestle with my dog brother, Ranger, and I would play fetch all day long if I could.” These answers sketch the dogs’ social lives inside their households, reminiscent of the joyful interactions seen in many family-oriented pet settings.

Water preferences vary among the three. Norman explains his caution around pools: “Swimming pools make me nervous. I’m an excellent swimmer but need to keep a close eye on anyone in a pool.” This notion of safety is crucial, especially as owners assess their pets’ comfort levels in water, emphasizing the responsibility of pet ownership. Squid prefers shallow water, saying, “I love everyone! I don’t like to swim, but I love to sit in a shallow pool of water.” Velour describes gradual acclimation: “I’m not very fond of water, but I’m getting more comfortable around it. I apparently didn’t get the memo that Labs are supposed to love swimming!”

Vivid small details punctuate the Q&A. Norman naps in many places: in laps, the car, the couch, the floor, chairs — sometimes standing or sitting. Velour carries and chews the ears of large plush toys. Those images aim to make the dogs’ home routines concrete for readers, while offering a glimpse into how their lives unfold alongside the families they cherish.

The three dogs live among seven people in their households, and the article names two humans connected to their day-to-day care: Danny, identified as an owner, and Aunt Meredith, identified as a secondary handler. Their roles provide a home context for the dogs’ responses without shifting focus away from the animals’ perspectives. In a world where dogs are deeply woven into family life, their voices give insight into the joys and nuances of pet ownership.

The Q&A appears alongside other material hosted by the same outlet; readers can find a related feature on the site that gives additional context about the dogs and where they fit into family life and shared routines at home on the VUMC News website.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.