The Flip Side - how do the boards enrich your life?

Nutrition is a big black hole for me (among plenty of others), so this place has enlightened me a million-fold - and I still know less than a pin-head's worth.  But I LOVE that there are people who analyze food content and supplements and their resulting poop. ([][]) and discuss it with details and back-up data and opinions - all of that helps me just by reading it.
 
I also tweaked my diplomacy skills in learning when to post; when to shut up; when to applaud an effort even when the outcome failed; and when to keep encouraging others who have put effort into fruitless endeavours, but still aim for a commendable goal.  Really, I think 98% of us are going for the ultimate commendable goal - healthy, happy, admirable dogs.
 
Also, I have gained friends whom I respect and would also love to share good times with "in real life".  When my parents' dog died on New Year's eve, the image that Sierra2002 created of the Rainbow Bridge Welcoming Committe showed more love and compassion for both animals and humans than could be conveyed. 
 
 

I joined the forum about 2 years ago looking for info about giving raw eggs to dogs I lurked around for a bit and decided to join seeing I wasn't the only one dog crazy. This forum has been great I not only improved on Blue's nutrition, but gaining a bunch of friends that I can talk to. Sure this forum can turn ugly at times, but I always call this place home where I can talk freely about my animals.

I have became a better owner to Blue who is healthier and happier with everything I have learned from here.

So I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart without you fine people I couldn't have made it this far on improving my animals lives.

[size=5][size=2]Ron2, surely the names you list are individuals who post a lot and offer advice and you have had a long relationship with.  I glad you consider them stellar.  Willowchow#%92s experience [/size]is before my time, and Snownose is just the most PRACTICAL poster here.  There is one other individual that you should have included.  That is Houndlove.  I have witnessed in such a short time, Houndlove#%92s growth spurt of dog knowledge more than any other on this forum.  All must agree to this.[/size]
 
Why do I stay here?  I love the Pics sections most and I do look within threads for new approaches and ideas to improve my home situation.  Every day there is always something new that comes out of this forum that makes me think how to do things differently.

I have learned so much from this board.  I was on a different dog board before and just found it blah.  I happened to do a search for new dog boards and this one came up.  It gives me a new way of looking at things, and has really helped me in the training department.

ETA--it one of the only places where people don't think I'm nuts when I talk about my dogs.

I've not been here too long, but have spent many years on other dog related boards. I like that saying to the effect of 'If you go an entire day without learning something you weren't paying attention'. I think that describes my feelings towards these boards very well. Live & learn. There is always room to learn something new.

I am completely amazed at how supportive and helpful the people on this forum can be. When I decided to take Madison, I got several offers from members to help in any way that they could. One member in particular has gone so far as to call me several times and walk me through the process of caring for her skin conditions. I am just amazed at the support that the people here give.
 
And I have learned so, so much. When I joined I was stupid about dogs. I had had them my entire life and still didn't know a thing. I leash popped, I yelled, I alpha rolled, I was a terrible trainer. I fed my dogs crap food. I didn't exercise them enough. I wasn't as bad as the average stupid dog owner, but I wasn't very great either. I was very dedicated to my dogs, just dumb.  Now I use all positive training, feed my dogs a great diet, exercise and train the heck out of them...I have learned, and continue to learn, so much. The amount of knowledge in this place is amazing...and I love knowing that, even though I am not a perfect dog owner, I have a resource from which to learn all that I need to and people to help me do it.

This forum is kind of like a family for me. I've made some friends and others have become familiar faces. []

Nutrition is my biggest interest; I already knew kind of a lot about it, but on this forum I learned A LOT more! We have some true experts on this board and I try to just soak up their knowledge. lol I also try to help other people with what I know. I don't know how often I succeed, but I really enjoy helping people.

It also means a lot having a place to talk about Gingerbread and share with other dog lovers because he's such a huge part of my life. I belong to 5 different forums, but this is the one that just feels like "home" to me. []

Golly, DPU, you don't think that I'm STELLAR??  My last little feeling is hurt! [sm=rofl.gif]
 
I think we all have, and are entitled to have, our own little list of folks without whom the forum wouldn't be the same.  Off the top of my head, I can think of a few, some post a little, some post a lot, but I would truly MISS them if they weren't here at all.

I found a place with many like minded individuals and enough folks with different viewpoints to make me evaluate and challenge my own.  It has helped me find new resources for myself and those I come in contact with face to face.  It gives me a place to unwind after work.  I place to gain and receive attention on topics near and dear to my heart.  It makes it possible to help protect the right to own dogs by improving peoples skills.  When there is so much crazy legislation going on, responsible pet ownership is our best defense against restrictions on dogs in our communities.  It also makes me pay attention to what I write, I can even go back and fix it with the edits.

ORIGINAL: glenmar

Golly, DPU, you don't think that I'm STELLAR??  My last little feeling is hurt! [sm=rofl.gif]

 
My goodness you are a lot of maintenance.  You are now penciled in. 

Oh man, we soooo need a smiley that rolls on the floor and leaves a little butt off to one side! 
 
Of the many things I've been called in my life, HIGH maintenance has never made the list!  []  But thank you for PENCILING (????) me in!

ORIGINAL: glenmar

Oh man, we soooo need a smiley that rolls on the floor and leaves a little butt off to one side! 

Hahahahaha!

Oh, Idog. Where does one start?

I've been here two years now. Came around when my heart was broken from the loss of my dog... and I had recently brought in two new dogs. One of which had some severe problems from her past home.. whatever/wherever it may have been.

I learned about nutrition, training, NILIF and photography. Which seems like a strange thing to learn about at a dog forum. But, it's true.

I've also made wonderful, wonderful friends. Some I've even had the pleasure of meeting in person. Or ranging from chatting on the phone with... or practically everyday on IM Dear friends. Some that share your brain. (...and I'm pretty sure about that.) Heck, I can't even seem to make a decision without checking with Kate, anymore. Strange but true [] How would I have ever gotten this far in life without Idog?

The support from like-minded people CANNOT be overlooked... so many people do not understand how strongly we feel about dogs and the protection of them, so to find a group just as passionate is this is a real God send.

So, thank you to Idog and the people that make it up.

Darn, where'd MINE go -- I answered this last night! 
 
I came here almost 3 years ago after another board I'd been on bit the dust.  But the wonderful thing I discovered was that I got SO much good information here.  I've learned tons!! 
 
I enjoy helping others so the time I spend typing answers to posts is well spent for me.  I'm not a tv watcher so this is my recreation in many ways.
 
But I can promise you that the support that comes from these folks is something special.  Last summer when Billy was so sick and we were trying to come to grips with the IMHA I'm not sure we could have done it without everyone's support and good thots & prayers!! 
 
It's that 'support' that makes this a truly wonderful place.

I've been on this forum since oh...the first or second week of March. []
 
I like that I learn something new every day. Everytime I get on the forum there is ALWAYS something new to read about.
 
I also like that it has a "family atmosphere." Everyone seems to be really friendly, they help people by giving advice and tips not only on dogs, but other aspects in life as well.

So far the boards have helped me learn more about dogs and how to care for my own dog. And I've seen some great dog pictures that bring smiles to my face. []