Do you ever wonder how your animals see themselves? When people look in the mirror there is a tendency towards noticing all the flaws, or perceived flaws. I think when animals look in the mirror they seem an imagine that matches their personality despite what they actually look like.
Ares is a 25 lb Boston Terrier. We used to think Ares had little dog syndrome. He's always gravitated towards dogs much larger than him with no fear, not even a moment's hesitation. Often at daycare or the dog park he would be the leader of several large dogs as they ran around playing. But then we realized that Ares doesn't have little dog syndrome because he does not even see himself as a little dog. When Ares looks in the mirror he sees a Great Dane looking back at him.
Little O is very confident and fearless. He's social and friendly with both animals and people and often hangs with the dogs like he is one. We find him drinking from the water bowl, right in the middle of Ares and Chaos. He chases toys right along with the dogs, running back to drop it at our feet. And he will beg for any kind of food he can smell. Little O sees his reflection as a dog.
Piper is the reigning ruler of the house. She's the oldest and smallest but she can certainly hold her own. Feisty is her middle name and she's not afraid to tell anyone when they are out of line. Sometimes she asserts her alpha female presence just to remind all the other guys not to cross her. Piper sees herself as a proud lioness.
Chaos is a 55 lb American Pit Bull Terrier but he is positive that he is a lap dog. He's afraid of all kinds of things from spatulas to garbage bags. Chaos is the opposite of Ares. He's not a leader, he's a follower and always defers to his older yet smaller brother. There is a teacup Chihuahua staring back in the mirror at Chaos.
How do you think your pets view themselves?
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