What do you think?

Question

My dog is 7 years old. I got her at 4 months, she had obviously been abused. I have given her so much love and tried to give her a good life, but she always looks sad, except when we are playing or she is getting a treat.

Do you think she is really sad or is it just the way her face looks? She is a wonderful sweet dog with plenty of spunk and I love her so much i just wish i knew if she was happy.

Answer 1

She's a happy dog. its just about the looks that makes her look sad. Dont worry about it.

Answer 2

Tail wagging is a sign the dog is confused. Some dogs will wag their tail and bit. So that is not always a good sign that the dog is well adjusted. They will wag their tail and growl at you. I'm sure if the dog loves you, it is happy. You feed the animal on time. Give it fresh water and it has a nice place to sleep at night, it is happy. As long as the dogs needs are met and you are not abusing the dog I'm sure the dog is happy. The fact the dog is responsive and will become playful with you is another good sign.

Answer 3

You've given her a wonderful life with lots of love. I'm sure she's happy, and very, very grateful! Some dogs just have a sad look, it's just the way they are. My friend has two Basset hounds and they look sad even when they play, it's just their look. My little Pomeranian, on the other hand, always looked like a happy little clown (which she was). That's her picture on my avitar spot. She died 3 months ago. She was 13, and we really miss her. So just keep giving your dog lots of love and cherish her, I know she's happy! :)

Answer 4

She Probably Just Looks Sad....I think after 7 years she would be over any abuse that happened in the first 4 months of life..Dogs get over it unless they have years of abuse..Or arent socialized at a certain time in their development!

Answer 5

What breed is she? I have a St. Bernard and mastiffs and some people say they always look sad with the saints droopy eyes and the mastiffs wrinkled faces. But my dogs are very happy animals. If you have raised her with love and affection chances are she is happy.

Answer 6

She probably isn't sad, some dogs have sad faces. However dogs have a lot more than we give them credit for. That reminds me of a story I got off of the LRC website. I'll post it below because it tells the story so much better than I can.


SHE'S LOOKING FOR SOMEONE
by Carol Heidl
Our guest columnist is Carol Heidl, who has been breeding dogs for 35 years and is a member of The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. In addition to Carol's accomplishments as a top breeder, she is also active in rescue work.
She stood at the end of her four-foot lead, searching the faces of the many people who walked by. Her advancing age was clearly evident from the white muzzle and eyebrows, the white feet, and a generous sprinkling of gray throughout her glistening black coat. Her expression was one of profound gentleness, kindness, and patience. Her participation in the rescue parade, hosted by Lab Rescue of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac at their annual specialty show, was the sole reason for her being there.
I first noticed her when I was hurrying by with my own entry in the next class. As we pressed through the throng of spectators and exhibitors from around the world, I stopped to give her a gentle scratch under the chin, a little something that I reserve exclusively for the aged. Her response wasn't the typical Labrador reaction: She didn't drape herself against my leg, or shower me with loving licks. Instead, she simply looked up into my face through slightly cloudy eyes, acknowledged my attention with a sweep of her tail, and moved stiffly on. I gave her a pat and hurried toward the ring. But because of her rather strange reaction, I went back to her. Again those beautiful eyes searched mine. And once again, with a gentle wag of her tail, she stepped past me. Wordlessly, I looked to her companion. She smiled and said, "She's looking for someone."
From my center-ring vantage point, I kept tabs on the team. Her handler made no demands at all on the old dog, allowing her to do just as she pleased. I watched as she approached other people. If they didn't notice her, she'd nudge their hand and look inquisitively up into their faces, and then, with a sweep of her tail, move on. She showed no interest whatsoever in any of the other dogs, and was obviously a dog on a mission.
I thought of some of the questions I might ask about her: Was she there because of the death of her owner? Or had her owner been moved to a retirement home that excluded dogs? Was she abandoned because of her age, or the extra work and expense involved in caring for an aging animal? It was frustrating not to know the answer, but with rescues the reason is often not known.
I admired the pair as they made their way through the crowd, cheered loudly as they took part in the rescue parade, and welcomed the handler's graciousness in allowing the old dog to carry out her personal search while maintaining her dignity. The thought of that lovely old Lab and her quiet devotion has haunted me over the years. I wanted her search to be successful. I feel shame that a dog of her advanced years would have to be searching for her "special someone" - but while looking, she could not have been in better hands.

Answer 7

Look at her tail, does she wag it a lot? Does she come up to you, looking at you with those puppy dog eyes?
If so, she's a happy dog. Don't worry about it.

Answer 8

one of the best things about dogs is they live in the now. if you are giving her the best home possible then i would say yes shes happy

Answer 9

she just looks sad