Originally posted by Uabassoon
I'm not sure that I totally belive that. My friend Leslie has a weimeraner and she takes that dog everywhere with her and loves it more than anything. Her dog Oliver loves her too and is very happy with her, but even she has commented on how easy it would be for someone to steal him because he would happily just jump in a car with a stranger and be totally happy forever. I'm not saying that he's a bad dog or anything or that he doesn't love his owner. He just has a mind of his own and could really be happy with just about anyone. But Missy is the exact opposite, if we go to the park she always has to be right next to me. She wouldn't walk away with anyone. She is very loyal to me and her other owner Bev.
Have to agree. There was a lovely phrase I read in a book once, about living with dogs, saying that some dogs you have a "heart connection" with. There are some dogs you can connect with in your mind and your heart, and I think those are the most loyal dogs. They understand what you feel, and love you more than anything, and are loyal to you until their dying breathe. They may be somewhat akin to the idea of "soulmates" which not every believes in, but I choose to believe in both.

I love Lucy (and I'm sure she doesn't mind me) but I am not her main focus in life, nor are her owners. She will happily go with either of us and not spare a thought, so far as well can tell, for the one she is leaving behind. She is still a lovely, loving dog but I don't feel like I have a "heart connection" with her, or that she would ever be completely loyal to me. She is a Golden Retriever, as is mentioned on a couple of lists in this thread.