I've had Shadow for nearing 11 years, and I can't say we've ever formed an actual bond like I have with my other dogs. That doesn't mean I don't love her and I haven't tried my damndest to work on it. We just don't click.
That doesn't mean I don't do anything with her. She still goes on hikes, gets training times, gets to go to dog friendly places with me, etc. When I move out, she will remain here, partially due to her age, though mostly because she is bonded with my mother.
I'll be sad when she passes, but I'm not going to be completely heartbroken as I would be with any other dog I own or co-own.
Had I gotten her as a puppy or young adult now, I think we could have worked on it. She's the dog I grew up with, but she's never been "my dog" and that's just how it is.
That doesn't mean I don't do anything with her. She still goes on hikes, gets training times, gets to go to dog friendly places with me, etc. When I move out, she will remain here, partially due to her age, though mostly because she is bonded with my mother.
I'll be sad when she passes, but I'm not going to be completely heartbroken as I would be with any other dog I own or co-own.
Had I gotten her as a puppy or young adult now, I think we could have worked on it. She's the dog I grew up with, but she's never been "my dog" and that's just how it is.