Yeah, well it just didn't work out.

When people return their pets to the Humane Society, they have to fill out a form that explains why the animal is being surrendered. The common excuses include, change in the family structure, allergies, new home that doesn't allow pets and/or failure to be trained.

There is was story in the news about dog that was returned because all it wanted to do was shake hands. Most pets do not have obsessive-compulsive disorders. When thinking, Dr. Phil,  gone canine… My guess is the animal wanted attention. It believed shaking hands was away to connect to the rest of the pack and just wanted to be loved.

The gray matter between the cold, wet nose and the droopy ears  understood certain behavior, sitting in front of someone extending a paw, was the single most important step in gaining acceptance. After a long lonely day in the house or garage. What could be greater than reconnecting with the rest of the pack?

A quick shake, asking "who's the good dog", rubbing or scratching the pooches head and throat followed by a quick change of clothes and a simple walk around the block would make everyone happier.

Instead the handshake became a nuisance.

To the more sophisticated human brain, handshakes were yesterday's news, a thing from the past, something we just don't do  any more. Before returning the dog for extermination, yelling, gesturing and  extended periods of  further isolation were used to cure the pet of the offending habit.

Back in the doggy cranium, binary emotions continue to rule the day. The dilemma; how to regain my status in the pack? The answer is obvious, submissively scurry in front of the alpha, sit, bow head and extend the right paw to be shaken.

Oooops.

Due to an acute injustice, four-legged animals are not allowed to return their owners. So on the long silent ride, the wrong being was led to the desk by a leash. Without doubt, the dog sat quietly extended its paw and was so happy, the clerk shook it without screaming...

Every day we teach the world who we are.  Sometimes the lessons are obvious, sometimes they are obscured by the structure of an imperfect moment.

Pets want to be loved, they try to do what you've taught them, love them.

Children must be loved. Unlike pets, they only occasionally do what you've taught them. Children learn emotional responses and social interactions from their parents. Because your children learn something every day, it is important to teach love first. All other answers are wrong.