Of course Trump hates dogs!
Dogs are everything he is not; dogs are faithful, and loyal.
Dogs never let you down.
Dogs are alway happy with what they have and don’t ask for more.
Dogs return love and care with a devotion much larger than they receive.
Dogs are noble.
In short, they are the exact opposite of Trump.
277
If Trump announced he was getting a dog, I would immediately contact the ASPCA and the Humane Society. No dog on earth should ever be put in the care of someone as self-centered and vain as Donald Trump.
206
@Quinn no worries. No dog would have him.
33
@Quinn
To paraphrase your eloquently correct statement, "No [country] on earth should ever be put in the care of someone as self-centered and vain as Donald Trump."
31
I think Donald Trump is a dreadful person and terrible president. I don’t like dogs. I sense from this discussion that dog lovers would put people like me in the same category as Trump?
7
Honest love is not something our president knows or is comfortable with; dogs are not transactional.
14
I frequently see guide dogs helping humans. Trump obviously thinks anyone who helps others is a sucker. Dogs find lost kids. They sniff out drugs and explosives. They are loyal, brave and often selfless They are DECENT. Trump can't bear the comparison.
20
Well done! Finally, someone brandishes the most effective tool against the Donald, ridicule. On the contrary, dogs of all breeds deserve our affection and care.
There is no better accolade for a comrade at arms than being "dogged" by Trump. I aspire to that status, though I doubt I'll ever reach it.
9
The Donald has never cared for anybody or anything other than himself. Dogs demand attention & caring. I am glad he doesn't have a dog as he would certainly mistreat it.
20
"Reaching for verbs to describe Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s final moments, President Trump grabbed hold of “crying,” “screaming” and “whimpering.”"
It seems at times the Current Occupant confuses events and talking points all the time.
One of his picks for a lifetime federal judgeship, Lawrence Van Dyke, went down in flames right before the committee questioning him.
There was a lot of crying and whimpering going on because the American Bar Assoc. sent out to associates a survey on the man's record and ethics. He got failing grades across six states and from about 50 respondents that worked with him. Now that is something to scream about...!
9
And if Trump had ever had a dog, he would know that any border fence could sooner or later be got over or under.
11
OMG, For the love of Sentences?? No no, this surely wins for the Love of Opinion pieces. Still can't stop laughing.
15
I want a:
"My Dog is Smarter Than Your President"
bumper sticker or yard sign.
26
Dogs, children, women, girls, babies, people of color, LGTBQ people, the poor or middle-class or anyone just not one of Cultists, should steer clear of Trump.
9
I saw a video of Trump standing by 'his' car. He's talking to somebody. Then he pats his right leg several times and guess who comes running? Melania.
A trained FLOTUS? Is FLOTUS a dog? I bet he treats her in the way he thinks dogs should be treated - which is ignore them or treat them badly.
He's a sick man. The sickest man on the entire Earth I think. And if FLOTUS is trained to come running when he taps his leg? Then she's not well either.
25
"A beautiful dog, a talented dog."
Gosh, Mr. Bruni--this guy's gift for language ALWAYS makes me smile.
I'm thinking of a Republican e-mail I got years ago--during Mr. Obama's presidency. It appeared over the signature "Newt Gingrich." It excoriated Mr. Obama's "liberal lapdogs" in Congress--this was before the GOP took both houses of Congress in 2010.
Lapdogs?
As you rightly point out, Mr. Bruni, those GOP senators WROTE THE BOOK--
--on lapdogs.
That cringing, whining subservience to an egregiously unfit President--oh my! Never thought I'd see the dog.
These men (and women) have all but dropped down on all fours to lick the man's shoes--
"So well-bred spaniels civilly delight
In mumbling of the game they dare not bite." (Pope)
But that's not why I mention them.
I mention them because I sense (deep down) the ineradicable scorn and contempt Mr. Trump must have for each and every one of them.
And now, Mr. Bruni--thank you.
You have brought my suspicions (as it were) to a boil. OF COURSE, I murmur to myself. He DESPISES dogs--
--even his senatorial poodles and lapdogs and spaniels.
And you know, sir--that's a really bond between him and me.
"Cause I do too.
I think we all do.
I'll bet dollars to donuts YOU do too.
Welcome to the club.
(Woof.)
3
“When you get to heaven, leave your dog outside. Heaven is by favor. If it went on merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” (Mark Twain)
12
In a contest of Trump vs a dog, dog wins. (every time)
8
Trump is incapable of loving both people and animals. It's possible he fears both because of the many ways they can harm him. People are able to disagree with him only at their peril, as anyone who doesn't do what he wants is considered to be a traitor. And animals can show their displeasure with him by biting, ignoring or even attacking him.
I can't imagine what it was like for his wives and children, living with such a horrible man. Obviously his first two wives found him impossible. Melania, his children and their spouses and his grandchildren are useful to him only as advisors and props for his photo ops. I'm predicting that, when he is no longer president, Melania will divorce him and win custody of their son Barron.
He will never know the joys of having a pet (unless it's a fish, lizard or snake) because he seems incapable of giving or feeling love. He will be a lonely, bitter old man.
8
Thank you for your observations Mr Frank. 'Donny Poodles' deserves to join the lexicon. His dislike go dogs, because they are subservient, is another example of projection and an indication of low self image.
2
Your brilliant, witty column made me smile on a dark day.
9
My guess is that Mr. t has never met a dog that liked him.
They're eerily good judges of character , or lack thereof.
17
Thanks for making me smile on a very, very grumpy day.
7
I asked my dog if he'd like to go visit Trump. He ran out the back door crying, screaming, and whimpering like a dog. His name is Gilty. I thought they might get along.
I'm kidding, of course. I love my dog WAY too much for that...although he does like Pomeranians (thank you, Frank. Best line ever). Besides, it would never work. Gilty's a Gordon Setter. Probably should clarify. Gordons are black.
8
Do people on the left ever tire of bashing Trump? Your NYT lefty columnists are running out of subjects so they are scraping the bottom of the barrel. Come on, really? Trump hates dogs! Next we will probably here that Trump eats babies. Or Trump walks on water which proves he can’t swim. This paper has become a sad excuse for journalism.
2
@Art Hudson, no Art, Trump doesn't "eat babies" he just puts them in cages or sends them back to central American Narco-states to die. He just doesn't "eat" them since McDonald's hasn't put them between a bun, yet.
Its sarcasm & parody you know? The whole "Trump hates dogs" thing is as the Donald would say "just kidding" or better yet "people say" that Trump is not a dog lover, well maybe in Russia where its said that his patron Putin appreates dogs especially those who like laps.
Brings new meaning to the term carnival "barker" eh, Art.
18
Perhaps if his children had dogs to express love to, they'd actually have the ability to show empathy, sympathy and offer compassion. Perhaps, we'd even see Barron smile as if he actually experienced the joy of affection from another being that wasn't posed for a photo-op. That said, I would not subject any living creature to Trump's lack of humanity.
9
Hilarious! and...spot-on. Thanks for this.
7
The humans species is unique among others. For millennia humans have described other humans as "sly as a fox", "wolfish", "a pig", "a snake", "beaten like a rented mule", " a dirty dog", and so on. Except none of these work. Simply saying a human is as nasty, gullible, credulous, religiously fanatic, socially inept, smelling like an unwashed bottom, looking like a meth addict are all actually more descriptive than using animal names. I cannot recall the last occurrence of elephants starting a war for their religious beliefs. The last time the great apes captured a slew of cities and ravaged the populace. Tigers raping women and children and then killing them to hide their nasty work. Humans do that. Only humans do that. So. My take on humans is that we are always acting like the questionable species we are. 45 should never have a dog. He has not done well with the humans in his sphere.
10
@Jenny This comment is a keeper. Brava!
3
Frank, great piece, sharp as always. I wish I knew a way to help you with your eye problem. I wish you good luck. I lament the state of modern medicine, in which pharma companies spend more money on marketing than research and development.
5
From the perspective of evolutionary biology, dogs are less physiologically evolved than humans. Yet they are capable of far more empathy and compassion.
How did nature select for these qualities?
4
@Andrew Shin - Because domestic dogs rely on humans for their very survival. Therefore, they assume a secondary role (or subservient) which requires high levels of emotional intelligence, alertness for behavioral cues and learned behavior in which behavior which pleases their masters or handlers is positively reinforced. This is why Trump's closest allies like McConnell, Barr, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Pompeo, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows, Matt Gaetz, Devin Nunes, and all the other enablers constantly have a poop eating grin when they're in his company. Because they are nothing but Trump's lap dogs. The only exception was General Jim Mattis who refused to degrade himself to Trump's companion status.
4
Frank, I'm a big fan of your writing, your ideas and your honesty. For a while, my daily chemo caused blurry vision and I had to stop driving. Thankfully, this is better now, but my awareness and appreciation of being sighted is forever altered. I too, am constantly inspired and humbled by other cancer patients with stories far more brutal than mine.
I want to recommend a book - HAVE DOG, WILL TRAVEL, A Poet's Journey, by Stephen Kuusisto. Gorgeous writing, moving account of living with blindness.
3
Hmmm. After reading this column and thinking about two big victories for the Democrats over the GOP last night the phrase, lie down with dogs wake up with fleas comes to mind.
3
Does it bother anybody that Trump didn't just "drape a medal around Conan's neck," but rather the image was of a defaced Medal of Honor being put around a dog's neck. I mean, when you take what most people consider a sacred piece of hardware and attach a dog's paw to it to make a silly tweet, shouldn't you be condemned? Oh well.
4
Beautiful prose Mr. Bruni!
Why should we expect Trump to bond with a dog? He can’t even bond with his kids until they become his attack dogs.
6
My wife and I had dogs from the very beginning of our marriage. We couldn't imagine life without a dog. At one time we had two dogs and a wolf hybrid who was 83% wolf and a sweeter animal you couldn't find.
That Ivana's dog growled at trump is very telling. My daughter, another dog lover, has a bumper sticker that says: "If my dog doesn't like you, neither do I." I feel the same way.
10
Of course Trump doesn’t like dogs. They are what he is not, loyal among numerous other good qualities. Trump has never been loyal to anything. Not wives, country, friends or anything other than himself. He should, however, have more empathy for dogs because when he is around women not married to him, it has been alleged by many that he sure acts like one.
9
Make no mistake he is revealing how he would treat a dog.
5
This article was ruff.
5
I think you have something there, Frank.
2
Brilliant. Thanks for the welcome, if temporary, diversion from Trump's incessant yapping.
(on "Barker", the canine version of Twitter)
4
Thanks to Frank Bruni for writing about this. I have tweeted about #45's idiotic dog comments over and over. No dog would ever like him, let alone love him. There is nothing there. He is devoid of any humanity. My Border Collie Joy, would bark her brains out at him. I agree with Richard's comment. They sense evil. Pure and simple. He is an abuser of women, Muslims, Mexicans, generals, etc. I am thrilled he does not have a dog. He cannot be trusted.
13
My theory: a cruel 9-year-old Donald Trump started beating on a dog for laughs. He got bitten. Hearing the story and being verbally abused by the boy and his parents, the doctors got THEIR revenge by never properly treating the rabies. The patient lived and that's who we have to deal with.
11
Calling someone a dog is an ancient insult. In some Middle Eastern languages, the word for dog is the same as male prostitute - perhaps that's a hint as to where Trump picked up the use of that term.
6
dogs & xrump exist only to foul our environment - sorry dog parents
Sitting in a restaurant during lunch smiling like a dog with a bone as I was reading this. Other people must think I’m nuts. Either one of my dogs are smarter than this president.
5
LOL. Trump should NOT be allowed to be around dogs. He has dissed the dogs too many times. No dog should be so misfortunate to be around a man who enjoys dissing the species. In the meantime, all Americans should be celebrating the heroism of Army special forces dog, "Conan". I recommend a promotion for "Conan", an increase in pay, and special rations of the highest-quality beef with a scrambled egg stirred in . . . followed by an evening relaxing on the sofa watching reruns of the Westminster Dog Show.
10
Every dog has its day - and Trump will get his in the impeachment hearings.
6
One can only speculate on what this creature thinks of cats! Good grief......
4
I don't know, but Rand Paul looks suspiciously like a labradoodle to me.
17
Four more years! Four more years! Dog years, that is...
🐶
I once worked with an immigrant from Eastern Europe who named his dog Stalin. It amused him to give orders to Stalin and have them obeyed.
12
At my old job, we used to call being in the doghouse having a timeshare on the Pomeranian Palace.
When it comes to The Donald, we all have a timeshare on the Pomeranian Palace. -- thegamesmenplay.com
1
talking about Kellyanne Conway: maybe Frank Bruni can understand her marriage with Trump's most intelligent adversary, George Conway III, K.C.'s lawyer husband.
1
Trump can't love anything or anyone. Why would dogs be an exception? And I would never put a dog, or any animal, under Trump's care. It would be like sending infants to live with the devil.
7
The man has no empathy. How could he like animals?
6
I find it intriguing this POTUS is the first not to have pets of any variety in the White House. Unless of course you consider the canaries that were brought in after the inauguration.
45 of them were placed in various area through the WH and all died from different ailments that are classified until 2119.
10
@Benito Is this true? If so, WOW! Just WOW!
Pet Partners, the huge national registry for therapy animals, is sponsoring a “Meet the Dogs” event for Congress on November 13. The assumption is that all our elected officials need some therapy of the canine kind these days. Trumpy will hate it and call out those who avail themselves of some cuddles. But I’m really eager to see photos of our senators and representatives hanging out with “the dogs.” Wish my Ryley and I could be there.
6
@Mary Rivers
I would like to see those photos also. I doubt that traitor trump will partake of the event.
4
Doggone entertaining article. I paws-ed with laughter at several points. I don't think we'll ever understand Trump until he's examined by a qualified psychology Lab-oratory.
In the end, we can only hope that the voters' huge rejection at the polls will force him to flea the White House, and subsequently em-bark on a long prison term in the "big house," if not the dog house.
12
@Janice
Ha! Very clever, Janice. Loved it. You deserve your own column.
Yay! Highly entertaining article!
2
"[trump's] affection for Kellyanne Conway hinges on her superhuman power not to break into laughter or spontaneously combust when she puts the most ludicrously adulatory spin on his most transparently execrable deeds."
=========
One of the all-time great sentences. Put into past tense once they are 'gone,' it would serve well as a one-sentence remembrance fit for an etching on both of their gravestones.
8
My guess is dogs don't like HIM!
5
@Jenine
I'm sure you are right. Dogs have a sense about people who don't like them.
4
In a world where we all have had to put up with the global idiocy of DJT, the saving grace is that at the very least we haven't had to watch a dog suffer the stench of the malodorous White House.
9
Trump's seeming hatred for dogs is telling. He is incapable of loving any other being, human, dog, or otherwise.
5
Trump's favorite furry friend is a brown bear.
Certainly not a dog!
3
@MHN I assumed it was a Skunk.
For anyone who has ever loved a dog and held that dog in their arms while it died, Trump's remarks ring especially cruel. Here is a man with no knowledge of understanding of dogs, or for that matter empathy or love.
6
"But no one has definitively solved the riddle of what seems like a rabid case of canine contempt."
I have my own theory as to why 45 doesn't like dogs. Dogs have heightened senses and can sniff out "bad people". Plus, dogs are smart. You can't fool a dog, no matter how hard you try. They'll always get the goods on you.
It's really pretty simple.
3
"According to Ivana Trump, (Donald) provoked growls from her dog, Chappy..."
That's why Trump doesn't like dogs. They don't respond to a string of words like humans do; dogs respond to emotions, whether verbalized or not.
Chappy knew Trump doesn't like dogs and responded in kind. If canines had the vote, we would have a real democracy.
3
In answer to the folks who don't trust people who don't like dogs, it is important to remember the old dog/cat divide. Some people like the more subtle and aloof nature of cats and find dogs too needy and boisterous. The time to become suspicious is when you encounter someone who doesn't like either dogs or cats.
I agree that dogs pick up on a person's anxiety. Unfortunately some dog owners cultivate this response in others by choosing dogs specifically to weaponize them. Putin comes to mind, as I recall his stunt with Angela Merkel. I always feel sorry for these dogs whose nature to love is systematically distorted. If Trump were to get a dog, he'd be that type of dog owner.
3
@Flaminia
I don't like dogs. I do like cats, they are fine 'home alone' for a long weekend with nothing more than a clean litter box, food and water. And will probably be curled up asleep in the same warm spot as when I left. (The one thing I will not tolerate in feline behavior is them jumping on tables, kitchen counters, etc. where food is prepared or eaten. They learn that pretty quickly !)
This whole thing of 'not trusting people who don't like dogs' is just furthering divisive thinking. It needs to stop. Not all dogs are the great, empathic companions commenters here are referring to, regardless of how well they were raised. Just like not all cats are likable.
What's important is a good rapport between human and animal.
For The Donald, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned another very amazing creature that might be a good companion for him -- horses. Preferably a 'therapy' horse that is trained to interact with people who have behavior disorders. And comes with a trainer, for the protection of all parties.
4
@irene When I had two sibling cats, I took pride in the fact that they had no idea that I eat anything at all! I found that the cats were ok for an absence of three nights but if I stretched it beyond that once I returned there'd be worrisome behavioral tics. They clearly felt betrayed. After they died--one year apart--I decided to go without pets so that I could travel overseas. That's kept me off dogs as well. I grew up with them and now just fuss over my friends' pets.
@irene Totally wrong on cats being fine alone , they get neurotic and lonely . How do I know ? Had a neighbor with two cats ( fallacy they keep each other company) they went away for a long weekend , those two cats were so lonely I stayed for a little while and played with them when I went in to feed them . As for divisive thinking ; I have observed people who are indifferent to all animals , dogs , cats , etc are cruel and cold . Dogs and cats that are not great as you put it are that way because they have been abused and mistreated by an indifferent , cold and cruel human . Thanks for your lecture on what's good and not good . BTW , my dog who is very friendly occasionally growls at a human in whom he discerns something is awry within them . He has only done it twice . As for horses , I once observed someone beating a horse , they too can sense a good human from a bad human . This is not divisive thinking but more an opinion piece on someone's behavior who seems not to care how he sows divisiveness .
First, this is the most hilarious piece I've read today. Sharing with all my fellow dog-lovers.
Second, I find it amusing that, if you look at the make-up of all those Trump voters, I bet a majority are dog owners - especially owners who keep their dogs on chains or under the front porch. Which is probably where Trump would keep a dog if he had one.
3
There is something inherently wrong with someone who doesn't like dogs , that being said , my dog wouldn't dream of sleeping with Trump ; he's very discerning .
2
@sm - this puts you on the never-let-daughter-be-alone-with-him-side of the great divide
1
I have always loved dogs. I have always disliked Trump. I am falling in love with your column. Be well, Mr. Bruni.
3
Never trust a man who hates dogs, as the old saying goes. And never has it been truer than during the Trump presidency.
5
Bruni has a sense of humor! Who knew? That is, unless Gail is ghostwriting for him now.
Look, I don't know why we need to keep saying it. Trump gets and keeps his base's support by acting and talking like them. Just wait and see how future candidates and presidents have learned from his success and follow his example (minus the impeachable parts of course).
1
Siberian husky vs. husky Siberian ... still laughing.
6
Marie, my very own sweet dog who has limited vocabulary, has often said to me, 'trgump blagh growllll brdgrrrr.' I know exactly what she means.
2
The proof of a great column, reading it generates great comments, full of insights.
Reading the first one hundred comments though gave me a first in a long time pang of hang dog guilt, empathizing with Trump's sad state in internal affairs. How lonely he must be.
Truly, it is tempting to jump onto this frisky dogpile, dogging Trump's "failure to communicate" with canines of all kinds, except the Belgium Malinois, Conan. This breed is known for its ability to track down and fiercely disable potential threats. The Secret Service uses this breed to guard the White House.
Perhaps "Twitter" is the name of Trump's favorite attack dog? Also his "emotional support animal" that provides him unconditional love, and an opportunity to attack others without regret.
1
In refusing to adopt a dog, Trump is doing a service to all dogdom, whether he intends to or not.
6
Whatever, its just more evidence that the man is broken in a fundamental way. He may not like dogs but if the house is on fire and I can only rescue either Donny John or my dog; take a guess which one I'm going back in for.
For the record, I have never seen a Pomeranian the color of whatever that is that's nesting on his head.
2
This was doggone good column Frank! Thanks for lifting my spirits (which were further lifted by the great showing for the Democratic Party in yesterday's election). All of us who are dog lovers know that dogs know, like "The Shadow, what evil lurks in the hearts of men". Donald Trump does not pass the sniff test - literally. Come to think of it, maybe we should get a dog's opinion on all potential political candidates. We could eliminate the bad actors right away.
Great picture of Conan, who has more courage in his heart than Donald Trump could possibly even begin to understand, because he has no personal experience with it. He is also loyal which Trump only understands in the context of it being a one way street. Trump demands the loyalty of a dog from those with whom he he surrounds himself, and like some unfortunate dogs that loyalty is sometimes used against them - ask Michael Cohen.
I am glad you mentioned Gail Collins. Who could ever forget Seamus riding atop Mitt Romney's car heading north? Her unrelenting reference to that incident (which her readers loved and looked for) IMHO, helped swing the election for President Obama, (well that along with the recording of Romney his condescending remarks about "takers").
Conan would have made a better President than Trump. Any day. Look at his intelligent eyes...
7
... And he has a bigger vocabulary - ruff! bark! Grrrr! Whimper! Whine! Warning bark! Happy bark! Danger bark!
Dogs are useful and brave, provide companion. They find missing people. Lead the blind. Hear for the Deaf. Provide comfort to the old.
Help vets with PTSD. Sniff out cancer. Can detect and warm of an impending epileptic episode before it happens. Bring an autistic child out their shell.
They track criminals. Save lives. Find lost children.
They're useful. trump isn't. I'll take any dog over trump any day. I don't trust people who don't like dogs.
5
From the perspective of evolutionary biology, dogs are physiologically more primitive than humans, but far more advanced in terms of compassion and empathy.
How did nature select for dogs to love this way?
6
Alas, it was likely humans that provided the selection pressures.
3
"For Trump, all relationships are transactional and God’s creatures possess value only in accordance with their ability to elevate and enrich him"
BINGO! His own kids don't even make the cut!
(I pay probably way too much attention for my own good to Trump's utterances, so as to not become desensitized, and the only thing I recall that approaches a kind or loving regard for any creature, human or otherwise, was a comment about his daughter's hotness.)
5
I disagree, Frank.
Actually quite surprised that The Donald seems to have read Kafka's The Trial - & right through to the end, where Josef K. dies "Like a dog! ... It was as if the shame of it should outlive him."
Very appropriate to the Caliph ... IF (big if) he really did die whimpering & screaming ... which I strongly tend to disbelieve.
I doubt that Trump has read (or even heard of) Kafka. It is well-known that he doesn't read and knows little about history, so how would he be acquainted with classic works of literature? If he recalls any books, they are probably works by Dr. Suess.
2
@Country Girl Dr. Suess = poetry... doubtful that Trump would appreciate the good doctor. And if he ever did read Suess, he was probably miffed when the Grinch grew a heart!
3
Dogs are such good judges of character.
3
"Hunched henchman." I love it.
7
I don't trust people who don't like dogs. And if my dog doesn't like someone? Well, so long, Charlie.
4
You can't trust someone who doesn't like dogs.
10
You might just ask him why he doesn't like dogs. But he'd probably lie to you, and even if he didn't, you couldn't trust his answer.
I guess we'll never really know.
4
My dog AND my cat agree on one thing: Trump is the worst!
14
There's always Seamus, Romney's's dog, which might bring them together.
4
Cats are so aloof Trump will not even name them.
4
They must have drugged Conan, otherwise he would have bitten Fearless Leader: Even dogs know right from wrong...
3
@ChuckG
Conan is too we trained for that. Unfortunately.
1
Love this, Frank!
2
There is a story that Donald Trump insisted that then wife Ivana get rid of her Poodle. Poodles are very smart. I am sure that Ivana's could see right through Donald's hairdo. And they also have way better hair than has Donald.
9
Any dog would make a better president than the ferrel cat in the Oval Office.
6
@Jon don't be so mean to feral cats, many would make a much better president than Trump, who is distinctly, horribly human
2
”Some similes demand repetition. This wasn’t one of them.”
So Frank, why did you?
President Obama was asked what kind of dog he would have in the White House. This was before the first election, and before he knew he had to have a hypoallergenic dog, the Portugeuse water-dog). He answered, 'A mutt . . . like me.' To me that was a most touching moment, and showed Obama's inner fibre. There is indeed something wrong with someone who doesn't love dogs, especially mongrels.
14
Thank you, Frank Bruno! This was the first thing I’ve been able to read about Trump and really laugh out loud (as opposed to feeling anger, desperation, ridiculousness or fear). So what if our country is going to the dogs!
2
I think it also possible that Trump is jealous of dogs' physical abilities, in particular a grooming activity of which Trump is incapable. If only he could. He might produce a genuine smile instead of that forced fake he thinks is an expression of congeniality.
7
@Glen
This probably won't make it due to censorship.
I thought that Trump's tryst with porn stars was in order to get the grooming activity he desires but which he can't reach himself.
At least us Texans think alike.
I have sometimes wondered if Trump would catch flies and pull their wings out as a kid.
Maybe one squashed in his hands and he couldn't wash the sight out of his mind.
One thing is certain, the man has big issues.
5
At one of his rallies, Trump claimed he was advised to get a dog. He said he rejected the idea, due in part at how "ridiculous" he would look walking a dog.
There was no discernable reaction from the crowd that indicated they realized that Trump just stated people walking dogs looked "ridiculous".
To be fair, most of the dog owners present probably had their dogs chained to a 55 gallon drum with a hole cut in it in their back yard.
8
@Danny C
And most likely their dog of choice are Pit Bulls.
3
Narcissists don't need dogs, or any other pet. They just need a full-length mirror, a podium, and a microphone.
8
Someone may have already mentioned this, but Trump is a landlord by trade. Dogs are generally not appreciated by that society.
7
Is it true that some wags are barking that while Trump loves the movie Dog Day Afternoon, he hates the Dog Days of Summer?
2
If a dog growls when exposed to a new person, that person is unworthy of any quarter from me. I immediately consider them to be evil and devious and will have no dealings with them. Dogs do not lie.
4
I'm no Trump fan, and I enjoy Frank Bruni's points and perspectives, but this piece seems to me to have crossed a line in the partisan "Us vs. Them" culture that is threatening to destroy this nation. The NYT, for me, is supposed to represent the adults in the room. When you publish taunting, personal attacks like this, pandering to the ranks of the daily outraged, you give power to Trump's disgusting attempts to discredit the media among the masses who can't be bothered to actually read and think critically for themselves.
1
Masterful, Mr. Bruno!
2
It concerns me that he thinks of dogs crying, whimpering and screaming. Only when they are abused or injured. So that is what he knows about dog behavior?
6
This sums up what Trump thinks about ALL pets:
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-thinks-pences-are-yokels-because-they-brought-pets-washington-736285
1
Frank, sociopaths only "love" themselves.
4
Not that I would wish Trump's company on any poor feline, but perhaps he is more suited to the felines of the world, rather than the canines. They can be very affectionate, but on their terms, not yours. They can growl and hiss with real or imagined posturing.
One cartoon I saw had a dog and cat by the front door, a window they were looking out of next to the door showing their human coming home. The dogs's tail was wagging, with the "thought balloon" above his head saying "the master's home, the master's home!" The cat was more on point, thinking "you're late, slave."
If not a cat, perhaps a weasel?
4
@Patrick I was thinking more along the lines of snake.
3
Thanks for telling the twoof!
4
OUR Frank Bruni sure has a way with words and wit. Doggone it, Franco, you made my day!
2
This is so typical of our dictator king. When you show a dog love, it will unconditionally love you back. Trump is only capable of loving himself.
3
does this mean that trump voters don't like dogs? we have to get to those voters. How many trump supporters own dogs? Hey, Facebook, put ads out that tell them , " a like for dogs is a vote against our dear leader". I had a sheltie, he died. Miss him terribly
3
Thankfully this beast of a human doesn’t have a beloved canine. No dog deserves to be anywhere near such a contemptuous human being.
4
Dogs may not like Trump. The pathological liar is not real... and dogs know it. When the dog senses a liar, the dog growls.
3
Great Democratic fodder for the 2020 election:
"The first president in over 100 years with no dog."
All Americans love dogs.
3
As a Pomeranian lover, please, there has never been a moment, distressed or otherwise, that they have resembled trump!
3
Based on his history, it appears the only animal Trump loves are bedbugs. They are the only ones he has allowed in his properties......
6
I am suspicious of people who don't like dogs.
4
Where do I get the button, "Dogs Against Trump"? My springer does not like him at all.
6
Dogs can sniff out a crook from a mile away. That's why he doesn't like to be around them.
5
Dogs are guileless while Trump is a lousy pathological liar.
Dogs are faithful while Trump is a traitor.
Dogs love unconditionally while Trump hates unconditionally.
Dogs love life as much as Trump hates it.
Dogs are man's best friend while Trump is mankind's worst enemy.
Is there any wonder why Trump has added dogs to his list of "things to hate today"? They are exact opposites.
God bless all dogs.
5
The biggest ego on earth is so insecure ... next to a pooch!
As the biggest dog in chief with the loudest bark and wimpiest bite and, paradoxically, the loudest dog-whistle, trump can't deal with any perceived competition whatsoever from something obviously better than him - a pooch. Besides, only the trump breed faithfully responds compliantly to Putin's dog-whistles.
At least our current president will be impeached "like a trump" and be treated like a fire-hydrant by dogs and humans worldwide when he is finally out of office and locked up in a trump-pound. Republicans will never get over it.
5
A man is a dog's best friend, unless the man has three sons and impeachment proceedings scheduled. Barron, Eric, and Don Jr. need dogs. Dogs will go hunting, and fetch their dead big game.
1
Clever and hilarious! Bravo Mr. Bruni!
4
Oh no, another "elitist intellectual" slamming our "wonderful president" who "tells it like it is"!
But he's right. You turn away man's best friend, our faithful companion for the last 15,000 years or more, and its sign something's missing inside, I think.
Even the Grinch had a dog, remember? He put fake antlers and tried to make him into a reindeer!
1
How interesting that the man with an empty hole in him the size of a continent can't accept the unconditional love of a dog.
3
I never have been, and probably never will be, a fan of Rudy Giuliani. But how is calling him a "hunched henchman" any different from the many times Trump has tried to body shame his foes. Shame on you.
1
Such fun reading and oh so true! Must have been a kick writing it. Way to go Frank!
1
I've always wondered if part of Trump's problem is actually his father. Didn't Trump have an older brother who died? My guess is the older brother was the dad's favorite and Trump knows he would never good enough in his father's eyes.
Judging from the language Trump uses, I bet he heard it from his dad, who probably said nasty things about other people, put them down, etc.
Trump believes he is a failure. Why else would he keep trying to prove himself, even cheat, to to show he's a success? Why else would he not be open to negative feedback, can't build a successful administrative team, etc.?
I think he's having his "Rosebud" moment and, unfortunately, we all have to ride along with him. Self-confident people don't act like him.
3
Thank you for making us laugh with this inspired piece of writing. More please!
2
His problem with dogs is obvious, and it's tied to the old bumper sticker "I want to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."
There is no way on God's green earth Trump could ever live up to that expectation.
5
I doubt Trump's apparent rejection of dogs is on his part. Dogs have a keen sense of character.
I was briefly introduced to Trump years ago while flying gamblers to his casinos in Atlantic City for Apple Tours. While I don't claim to have the mystical insight into a stranger's character similar to a canine (or as Trump calls them "a dog"), I sensed I was meeting a person of low morals & intelligence, in direct mispreportion to his ego. To be fair, this feeling was probably encouraged by the many stories I had heard from Trump's flight crews that were generally prefaced with "You're not going to believe this but...".
GW Bush was a tough Texas rancher who was afraid of horses (Google GW BUSH with horse).
Trump is a person who demands complete loyalty, and claims to return it, who is afraid to be outed by the creature on this Earth that inarguably sets the standard for loyalty. (Also, the possibility of watching Conan chase a "whimpering, screming & crying" Trump from the East Room should not be passed up.)
3
As someone who loves dogs (in particular the dog who lives with me) and has many, many negative feelings towards the current occupant of the White House, I really enjoyed this. Thank you!
4
Let's kick this man out of office, doggone it!
4
This article should be headed:
"Why your dog hates Donald Trump".
Dan Kravitz
5
Dogs can sniff out rotten people, that's Trump's fear. For proof, go read the posts of Sunny Izme on Facebook...he's a political pooch of some renown.
5
Trump tweets doggerel.
2
Random dog joke: "'We’re eating
dinner soon.
Don’t fill up
on homework.'
—Dog mom"
Oops! DJT doesn't do humor either.
3
@Cap
... or homework.
Proof that the individual has cared for a dog, cat, gerbil, anything! should be a requirement for being a candidate for President.
5
While I have not found the Trump presidency funny by any means......this article was .....thanks for the chuckle.
6
Woof!!
- Sincerely,
The Dogs
3
From my Golden Retriever:
Mr. President,
Your obvious disregard for dogs is simply another indication of your total lack of any kind of empathy.
If we had a vote (and we should have) you wouldn’t have had a chance.
The sooner you leave the White House for the jail house where you belong, the better. Jordan
12
But Donald Trump DOES have a dog—a lapdog, in fact. His name is Lindsay Graham.
14
Poetic justice: "Donald" becomes the most popular dog name, male or female.
3
FYI - In the NYT news this week:
Then there is the dog in Roger Stone’s trial. Mr. Credico has a therapy/comfort dog in the courtroom named “Bianca”, This is the same dog Mr. Stone had earlier throated to kidnap from the man Stone refers to as a “rat”. Nice bunch, these guys.
3
Trump hates so many things:
People of color
Anyone who doesn’t agree with him
Women
The Truth
6
My dog Clyde is a much better man than Trump.
4
I may even have had a bone to pick with Bruni in the past, but one must give a dog its due: this canine cleverness is Frankly Bruni’s best work yet, well deserving of man’s best friend - and worst president.
7
There is a very important point to be made here: to Arabic-speaking people, being called a dog (Kelb) is HIGHLY insulting. Calling someone a dog is "fightin' words." Here, you see a friend, you say, "yo, dog, wassup." Not in the Middle East.
3
Frank--I am going to write you a real hard-copy letter about your columns about your eyesight. (I'm in the middle of an article about blindness and "Paradise Lost," so you've been on my mind.) Haven't gotten around to it yet. But had to write immediately to tell you how much I enjoyed this essay about Trump's being "hounded" by one of his clichés (he does recycle a very short list of them, doesn't he?): This is brilliant!!!
7
I am grateful that Trump hasn’t felt compelled to get a dog just for thepresidential image (like when Bill Clinton got Buddy). Malignant narcissists don’t make good pet caretakers.
6
Dogs have a heart.
7
Describing others using pejorative canine references is mighty bold talk coming from a dirty dog. Bow wow.
3
That's ok, my dog is not fond of Trump.
1
Needed a good laugh! Thank you!
3
Long before Donald trump my dog was named Chaos.
Two years ago my 9 yo niece who still believed In the tooth fairy and Santa asked my brother who was listening to NPR -
“Why is Chaos in the White House?”
Now she asks “why is Trump still in the White House?”
Answers to both questions are fantastical
3
Bruni is doggone right!
4
Frank
You had an easy one today
2
Not only dogs. Apparently he dislikes all animals. He probably doesn't care about plants either. Makes you wander if he cares about people.... What a guy!
And he is the president of the United States of America.
2
Trump doesn’t like fish either—I hear he eats them!
2
Keep your dog on a leash. Show some respect for your neighbors.
1
Made my day, Frank!
1
Frank, I just love your sense of humor when you've got the opportunity to write a more funny, tongue in cheek piece, even though we all know how horrendous Trump is.
This was a "oh my God I think I'm going to pee" article!
1
Proof that the individual has cared for a dog, cat, gerbil, anything! should be a requirement for being a candidate for President.
2
Oddly satisfying article.
2
Even the Grinch had a dog.
3
@Kathryn And Max knew deep down the Grinch wasn't bad, just lonely.
My Aussie is loyal.
1
Using the word "dog" as a criticism has a long history and hardly means one personally does or doesn't like dogs. It's a good bet that a germaphobe won't care to have any type of pet.
This piece is pretty low value in my opinion, and you should leave the dog pieces to Gail.
2
Trump ought to get a lap dog. He is already familiar with the behavior, especially around Putin, and Kim.
3
My late Sheltie “Teddy”. Died a good death in our loving arms.however, he was not a perfect pooch., he would have gladly sold hid dog soul for a second dog biscuit. Teddy was loyal to a fault. Something our current president wouldn’t understand.
Jack Bruggeman, Vienna, VA,
2
My dog will be publishing a rebuttal to this article entitled “Why dogs hate Donald Trump.”
6
When Conan is taken to the white house, the handlers will have to be extra vigilant as dogs are keen observers of people that do not really like them. Wonder if trump fears dogs? If that is part of his character, the dog will sense it.
This dog probably could have served longer if trump did not out him for his own need to seem important. I feel sorry for the handler that lost this magnificent dog because the president is a man child that has to one up everyone and every situation.
2
Bravo!
1
I am a long admirer of Frank Bruni's writing, and this morning's essay is so wonderfully amusing! How can it get better? I wish Frank the best in his battle to keep his vision. I would add that, while he needs his vision, we all need his learned vision on all things political!
7
Frank, Thanks. This is so good. You are truly gifted - revealing truth with talented, creative writing and brilliant insight. I love your work.
3
I love all dogs and Mr. Bruni's doggerel, which contains a factoid I never knew. So Trump was born in the Year of the Dog. Is that why he became so eager to be Putin's poodle?
14
There is one lap dog Trump actually likes -- Mike Pence.
15
Doggoneit, a great column!
6
It's been like a thousand dog day afternoons with him in charge.
10
"Conan passed muster only by being a proxy for Trump’s own imagined machismo."
Exactly.
Trump hasn't a valorous bone in his body, so he uses others as props.
15
One more reason why President Trump hates dogs. Remember his attendance to a Nationals game in the World Series? He was booed. Now if the White House would have sent Conan instead, this dog would have had probably received a standing ovation.
12
Trump NEEDS a dog. Dogs love unconditionally - something he has likely never felt. Trump's dog should be a fierce-looking beast that's actually a big cuddly softie behind closed doors. The right dog could completely change the current state of the world.
92
@Margaret Even a dog would dislike him.
43
@Margaret Dogs do not love "unconditionally" - they love based on a human's ability to engender love. Dogs know evil when they sense it - no dog would tolerate Trump or any of his spawn.
83
@Margaret
While I agree with your overall hypothesis, I honestly could not sleep at night if a dog was ever under the "care" of this guy. I would worry endlessly about the pup's safety.
We have all seen time and time again how he lashes out at people who disagree with him. A poor pup would have NO ONE to shield or look out for him or her.
What Trump NEEDS is to be removed from office. Let him seek unconditional love and mental health care somewhere else, and on someone else's dime.
Perhaps he should start by trying to love himself first. And then move up to possibly an ant farm or a pet rock.
98
Many have posted that Trump doesn't deserve a dog, doesn't like dogs, is a bad person because of his language toward dogs etc. As abhorrent as Trump is, even he would be an improved person if he was savvy enough to acquire a dog. THATS how great dogs are. They make anyone a better person to some degree. His grandkids might even like him more.
4
A friend once told me, "Always trust your dog." Dogs are wonderful judges of character and that is probably why Trump dislikes them, they know his character stinks. They can smell it.
17
The real problem for Trump is that dogs are pure of heart. Trump can't stand that.
14
I love this article!! Frank Bruni noted so well that Trump has a very difficulty time choosing words to describe his thoughts-especially on Tweets that force short and succinct conversation. He also likes "beautiful, perfect, nasty woman, you'll need to ask my lawyer"
3
One other thing about dogs. They don’t lie or dissemble. So if course Trump can’t identify!
5
@Steven Chinn Actually, dogs do lie. And they can be manipulative and sneaky! But they are wonderful companions - we have 7 (all abandon street dogs).
1
The only connection between trump and any term related to dogs is his position in the global food chain.
trump is definitely putin’s be-ach.
End of story.
3
As with everything else, except cheating, fraud, and bullying, Trump is ignorant about dogs. Dogs will throw themselves between you and dangers, something Donald Trump would never do, for anyone.
9
I love drinking my coffee and reading the nyt online. Today I got to laugh out loud while doing it - several times! Thank you, Frank.
4
This writing was amazing. Thank you for each and every dog pun. And for this line, "a lack of verbal ingenuity never stopped Trump."
6
@e Even better, IMO, "his boundless unoriginality ... ."
1
Dogs know better and have a sixth sense regarding humans. Like Abe Lincoln said: “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.”
2
If I went on a first date with someone who expressed a strong dislike, I would't go on a second with them. Republicans, however, would elect this person.
4
I would love to lock Trump in a room full of cats. If he is a dogophobe I cannot even imagine what a cat would do to him.
8
At a yard sale once, I knelt down to pet a little Poodle. Some teen girls nearby started to snicker at me. Then, I heard an elderly lady say, in a loud voice, "my daddy told me never to trust a man who doesn't like dogs". Wise words.
8
And media outlets assigned teams of crack reporters to investigate and fact-check whether the President actually pinned a medal on Conan, so there’s that.
2
I think it was Harry Truman who said "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog"....looks like Trump will never have a friend.
5
Creepy snakes don't like dogs, and no dog likes snakes.
3
@Frank
Snakes are beautiful and useful creatures, and while not not capable of affection, they are also not capable of dishonesty, cruelty, or selfishness. Please think twice before comparing them to Donald Trump!
1
Frank, one of your best columns ever. I laughed all the way through it.
4
No self-respecting canine would want to be around Trump. He has to be content with Matt Gaetz and Lindsey Graham.
8
Cats don't like him either!
2
what a biased opinion, Trump meant "like a (Chinese) dog", I could go even further and say that Trump hates China because of the way they treat dogs... and humans, but then I would be accused of being biased just like Mr. Bruni
Trump probably scratches his bouffant in secret admiration, wondering how Mitt got that dog to get up on the roof.
3
Never trust anyone who does not like dogs and CATS !
2
Everyone and everything is to be USED by this president. In this case, great photo-op! Never forget ... in YEAR THREE of this presidency, the man in charge LIES like a DOG!
2
None of this counts. I'm sorry, but his base only follows Fox
3
One thing I will never waiver on is the overwhelming moral failure of every singly Republican voter and trump supporter
5
If Trump had a dog the rest of us might not be subjected to his ongoing ego carnival. A dog would cheerfully wags it’s tail when Trump asks, “Who’s a stable genius?” And when Trump is feeling down, a dog would rest its head against him and remind him that he is “the Chosen One.”
The perfect breed for Trump would be a Norwegian Elkhound. And it should be an immigrant. Norwegian Elkhounds can jump the height of an average refrigerator. They wear their prey out by surrounding the prey and jumping — then they attack. A Norwegian Elkhound could stalk Trump and jump him down when Trump tries to Tweet.
Although, come to think of it, I don’t want Trump to have a dog. I like all dogs — there’s not a dog-hating bone in my body. Anyway, dogs deserve better than Trump, cats, fish, birds, turtles, hamsters, etc. do too.
4
Bald eagles (at least one) don’t like Trump either.
4
Unlike your President, my dog is very well behaved and genuinely like people. Also, and my guy doesn't spend his evenings barking at the moon!
4
Best article ever!!! “Man’s best friend” knows best! Although our friendly canines would probably find room in their hearts to love even Trump!
2
The dog that owns me, doesn't hate anyone.
She's a Siberian husky with big blue eyes and a bigger heart.
I read once that show business often turn to animal acts to increase audience interest.
With Mr Trump having so little to offer to humanity, decency and integrity, its only natural that he employs animals at every chance.
Old song here in the midwest about our faithful four legged friends.
To Mr Trump....
"Even tho she's a hound...you got to quit kickin' my dog around...."
2
A pretty good rule to live by is "Never trust anyone who doesn't like dogs."
5
Perhaps the easiest way to find out why the President disparages people with dog references is to simply ask him. My guess is we will not get an honest answer but isn’t it time to stop speculating and simply ask the tough question? The next time the Predident is blathering on about impeachment, let one White House correspondent simply ask, “Mr President why do you reach for the dog reference whenever YOU have a bone to pick with your enemies?”
3
@Leslie: I can easily predict Trump's response if he's ever asked your question:
"You know, I love dogs. I had many dogs as pets growing up. But after I developed bone spurs -- which really, really hurt. So much pain, you don'y know pain but I do, believe me -- my doctor said I could no longer care for pets of any kind because, he said, bone spurs are contagious and I didn't want any dogs around me to be in the same pain I've been in for decades, centuries even. I've been in more pain than anyone in history, just so you know. But I love dogs."
1
My dog and I are Democrats. Notice that moderate Democrats carried the dAY IN YESTERDAY'S ELECTION. Time to send the progressives to the DogHOUSE. Joe Biden is the way to a bone for every dog and the defeat of Trump
3
You convinced me, Mr. Bruni. After 3 plus years of negative Trump news and columns in the NY Times, I still was a Trump fan. But, finally, the walls closed in and the smoking gun appeared: your psychoanalysis of Trump and dogs proves that he just has to go. To the doghouse, I presume? Pitiful.
1
@Ulysses
I hope this is sarcasm. I can’t imagine anyone watching the racism, misogyny and xenophobia from the occupant of the Oval Office, his selling his country out to foreign dictators for personal gain, separating the families of people who are arriving legally and putting their children in cages, pushing the planet that much closer to climate disaster and otherwise allowing the despoiling the environment, obstructing justice, and treating the Presidency as an ATM machine, among other evils, and still be a “fan.” Surely no ones would want to be a member of that group.
Trump does have one thing in common with dogs: People have to follow behind him cleaning up the messes he made.
12
And, if you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog.
Doggone it, Frank. This piece is a bark up the right tree. The tree whose branches our President swings from.
3
Donald Trump has validated my view that I like dogs much better than people.
3
I love my dog, and I love that she’ll never comprehend who that awful man is!
3
Perhaps the bumper sticker I saw recently that explains Trump's doglessness: "My Dog is Smarter than Your President."
5
I believe a 'strong' man of steel once said "loyalty is a disease of dogs".
1
Just remind me. This fellow - what's his name again? Oh, yes, Trump - he's the elected president of your country?
How did that happen?
2
Best laugh of the year. Thanks for starting my day with this. It’s a doggone shame you don’t do standup. I will now doggedly read your columns waiting for the next mood lightener. WOOF.
3
Yet another gem of writing, Frank!
Having grown up and been a dog owner my entire 81 years, your assessments were totally hilarious, ie, Mar-A-Loco!!
I will save your page today to read while my three most precious
Companions are with me.
I am the first to say that Comparisons don’t Work, but I defer in
this case to your article today...ie, it is inconceivable to imagine
Donald Trump having dogs! Inconceivable!
Dogs being the very best judges of character, no wonder Melania Trump’s dog growled at Trump!
1
I have a picture on my fridge of President Obama playing with his dog and a football. The twice-divorced living single in a mansion Trump wouldn't pass the home inspection for the latter, let alone the homeliest mutt in the shelter.
2
Dogs can tell if you have bad intentions. He has probably been growled at or bitten by every dog he has encountered in his life.
4
Why do I get the feeling that as a boy, Trump would have been that kid who was mean to dogs / animals ?
5
this is without doubt the best piece of doggerel I've read in years - thanks frank
2
You can judge character by how a person reacts to animals.
1
Trump is yet to find a dog who will have him as an owner.
3
Maybe next time we can elect a president who isn't resistant to being house broken!
4
Dogs can sniff out a fake from a mile away.
That's why Trump fears dogs.
6
The “hunched henchman.” Now that is genius
4
Doggone good article. Good Pointers, Retrieving facts, I herd what you're sharing. Republicans must be feeling the terrier that change coming. Pawing thin air. You Collie-ing it way it is.
3
To have a dog as a pet, you must give of yourself to look after the dog's simple needs for food, play, shelter and attention.
I doubt Trump has ever looked after anything not in his mirror.
6
I have mentioned this before in comments but think it might be appreciated again, though it makes me cry. A friend of mine knew a woman who had lived next door to the Trumps when Donald was a boy and she witnessed him throwing rocks at his family dog over and over again and the poor dog was howling in pain.
5
You're killing me, Frank.
5
This is hysterical!
3
Hehehehe...
2
Laughed continuously while reading this column. it was that doggone good. Thanks for getting my day off to a great start!
7
Bravo!
1
I am laughing "like a dog".
Well done Mr. Bruni. Very entertaining, and with a real message as well.
6
It’s very common In England, to use that word “ Dog”... working like a dog... sleeping like a dog... running fast like a dog... and so on,
Dogs are the most beautiful, faithful, friendly creatures to the mankind,
10
@Amir Grigissimo
It's been a hard day's night,
And I've been working like a dog
Trump is the Dr. Seuss of Presidents. A man with a very limited, and sadly derisive vocabulary. He uses the same set of words over and over. But, and this is a big but -- 26% of all eligible voters for him and love him despite the fact that he is often incomprehensible ("There's sand in Syria"), belligerent and a bully. He may be sad, but he has over 40 million followers who love him for it. That's the saddest thing I know about America.
14
@Douglas Ritter - Very unfair to Dr.Seuss!
5
@Fighting Sioux
You tell 'em, Fighting Sioux. Dr. Seuss was one of the greats of children's literature.
He started writing for beginning readers only when he was approached to do so. "The Cat in the Hat" showed how a a talented writer can produce a lot from very little.
2
Let's not overthink this one, shall we, Mr. Bruni? Donald Trump hates dogs because dogs are faithful and loyal and love both their humans, and other dogs. Mr. Trump is not faithful or loyal and loves no one but himself. Any dog would sense that and avoid Donald Trump like the plague.
19
"... like a dog" is an old New York expression, and that's why he uses it. His real problem is that he doesn't like dogs and you just can't trust someone who doesn't.
11
And don't forget...Trump speak is just like "Triumph the Insult Dog" -- except that Trump's not funny.
4
Thanks Frank this was a howler to read. You hit the the new Florida man dog house right on the nose with the address of Mar a LOCO. It gave me paws!
10
I think it's a macho thing. Trump was caught on tape saying something similar to -can you imagine me with a dog, running beside me on the WH lawn? As if that would demean him in some way or speak to his masculinity or make him a wimp, liking eating quiche. Also I think it is an anti-Obama thing because he is obsessed with Obama and doing the opposite of whatever Obama did and we know that Obama had those adorable Portuguese water dogs and was seen running with them all the time. There is something definitely wrong with a person who doesn't like dogs and Trump is Exhibit A for this proposition.
9
@DS - And if anybody could use a run, it's DJT.
2
Dogs are faithful, loyal, brave, generous (just don't ask for their ball, though), they like people and people like them for themselves not for what they can do for them.
I think Trump's just jealous.
5
Well, fine. I hate my dog too.
1
I have worried about the dog that charged Baghdadi and was injured in the raid. The Times reported that he was injured "and taken away," but I've seen no other news about his condition. I hope he survived the explosion and is enjoyed a well-earned retirement from the military.
6
My cat is far too comfortable on her pillow to leave the room when Trump comes on TV; she just turns her back to him, backside pointed to the TV.
10
The reason is clear..."Dog" is one of his 300 words, and only 25% of those are nouns, so limited choice.
11
"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's."
- Mark Twain
12
Dogs represent God's finest moment. I don't think I even want to know what Trump represents.
7
Dogs often mirror their owners. What would a dog owned by Trump be like? I shudder to think. We would all need rabies shots.
7
Nevermind a dog, he doesn't seem to have loving relationship with Baron or Tiffany. They are not old enough to be of any use to him. When it come to disappointment, he never disappoints.
7
Given the despicable narcissist he is, I am very happy Trump doesn't have a dog, cat or pet of any kind ( unless you count Lynsey Graham, Pence, Pompeo, Barr, etc).
If he did have a dog just for political theatre, I have no doubt he would abuse it. I wouldn't trust him with the care of any animal. He is not capable of love in any capacity- just transactional advantage at any given moment in time.
18
Donald Trump hates dogs because dogs are good, and good is anathema to Trump.
9
Dear Mr. Bruni,
Thank you for your column today. It seems as if you had as much fun writing it as I had reading it. Reading this in the dim morning light you gave me the first laugh of the day, and then several more. It is hard to find something in recent years to make us break out in a good guffaw especially with such a mutt-on-head for POTUS.
8
A man with a suicide pack strapped to him, running for his life, is heard by Trump and no one else to be whimpering, begging to live, and crying. Since the man was one of the leaders of ISIS and knew how things might end and was prepared, I'm assuming that the two children he had with him were doing the sounds that ONLY Trump has heard.
Trump believes that using the word "dog" to denigrate someone is a normal way to insult people. I know that my 4 yr old great-grandson thinks it is.
1
Deliciously funny, Mr. Bruni. I'm betting you enjoyed writing this column with your wonderful doggie by your side.
2
Do you think Trump in all his binge TV watching has ever watched a Nature show narrated by David Attenborough, a man with the highest respect for all living things? Do you think Trump is interested in any living creature or its place in this world of ours, or any part of nature? His stance on climate change alone ought to be a clue to that. The closest he ever gets to nature is on the well manicured golf course. As to pets, I wonder if he ever owned a single one.
2
Trump lacks even basic understanding that he is an animal himself. The man is completely out of this world.
1
Here are some reasons:
1. my dogs are smarter than him
2. my dogs are more compassionate
3. my dogs are more patriotic
4. my dogs can smell the inauthenticity and falseness that oozes from him from a couple of states away
5. NO dog would come within sniffing distance of him because dogs know a good human when they smell one
8
Trump does share on very significant characteristic of dogs. Trump loves unconditionally. Unfortunately it is of himself.
3
I wish my dog would quit. Quit barking, quit digging, quit jumping on me, and quit stealing food off the counter. But she doesn’t. So the phrase “quit like a dog” for Beto made absolutely no sense to me.
2
If it’s just a turn of phrase for him, I think he and his associates may have misinterpreted another common one about lying down with dogs and getting fleas.
1
What I like Trump is the fact he doesn’t have a pet, he doesn’t show us his taxes, that he works for $1 a year, he won’t attend the press corp roasting, that he’s been divorced. This country is obsessed with keeping animals; pets as children never bore, pets as emotional crutches, pets as proof of responsibility. Now it’s to the point of opinion in a failing newspaper that because a person runs for office without a dog/cat/bird/reptile as their own an op-ed piece merits interest into whether the absence of said animal should should prove a persons ability to govern.
5
Have to respectfully disagree; I think someone’s love or devotion or respect of animals ( or lack thereof) speaks volumes about their character and to what kind of person they really are.
45
Actually, you don’t have to be respectful. We see mounds of disrespect in the media every day. But thanks for being so. It’s a pleasant change of pace.
1
@Leon You lost me, or amused me, at "failing newspaper." I know Trump says that for partisan reasons, but to reuse that phrase when trying to make a real point among informed people, it results in your opinion being dismissed, along with some laughter.
NYT stock price was $13 four years ago. It is now $32.
4
I wonder if Trump has ever petted any dog? Certainly not I'd guess as an adult. Would a dog make him a nicer person? That may be my fantasy but I love dogs; lots of them in my neighborhood and I think the dogs being walked by owners makes the neighborhood more friendly and interesting. I had a female Golden Retriever, Lulu, for several years and she made every day better. Dogs have nicer personalities and are happier than a lot of people, including DJTrump.
1
It is true that any dog can gain more attention than Trump, something which threatens him. I am glad he has made no attempt to acquire a dog - poor dog it he did. He will never have a cat because cats are independent and accept no nonsense.
Trump lacks compassion for human and nonhuman animals. How he became that way is anybody's question.
Donald Trump's lack of verbal ingenuity is venerated as "authenticity" by his supporters. Like Trump, their political discussions quickly devolve into ignorant bromides.
1
This sweet bouquet to the dogs Trump's hates, almost all of them, provoked another slant than the one Bruni provided. Might there be an enormous backlash to hatred and cruelty that Trump spreads throughout the land? Imagine a wave of love, kindness and respect for others drowning out the misery. We are all longing for a change in the spirit of our country. Remember those grade school report cards many years ago? They were measuring our conduct and ability to work well with others.
Trump see "dog" as a figure of speech - no connection to the animal. He seized on the word years ago because it is easy to say and even easier to spell for twittering. To him, the fact that Conan self-identifies as "dog" is irrelevant and will not affect its use as a universal and meaningless insult.
1
Loving your dog as much as your dog loves you is one of life's great joys. I didn't think it was possible to even smile about anything trumpian, but your description of dogs who dig holes in backyards and don't get pink slips when they are told to desist made me laugh out loud. Thanks for adding a bright spot to my day!
Most dogs seem to have an excellent instinct: human that will be nice to me or human that will treat me badly (like a dog, so to speak). I have little doubt that most dogs that Trump has encountered in his life have met him with a growl, bark, or attempt to flee. Just saying.
1
Usually, I figure a man who hates dogs is okay, even noteworthy, but Drumpf also doesn't drink, overcooks his steaks, and uses ketchup. The only conclusion is thus he's not okay, in fact, probably insane.
2
" His affection for Kellyanne Conway hinges on her superhuman power not to break into laughter or spontaneously combust when she puts the most ludicrously adulatory spin on his most transparently execrable deeds. "
People in my office wondered why I was laughing out loud. Thanks for this bit of fun!
3
Trump is so obviously not a dog person. Dogs are binary and rather predictable. They obey, if trained properly. I love dogs but let's be honest, they're a bit dull as in boring. Trump is an impulsive person with the attention span of a house fly. Anything predictable - that is, anything he can figure out and predict for the next 10 minutes - quickly loses his attention. I've no doubt he loves action films with lots of jerky "Bourne Identity"-type camera movement. Cats are probably more likely to appeal to him. They are much more unpredictable than dogs. Cats run out of a room for no apparent reason and do not succumb to training nearly as readily as dogs. One minute it's all purrs the next you have a scratch under your eye with a cat. That said, Trump is hardly a pet person at all. He's clearly just a guy who has had everything handed to him his whole life. The simple task of walking a dog or really caring for anything that is not likely to gain him some immediate gratification - it's almost impossible to imagine Trump doing. He's a very "what's in it for me" person. We all know these types but Trump is in a category by himself because so much has been simply given to him, starting at age 2 by his father with the deposits to a bank account to avoid taxes. Hopefully this is a lesson to all the parents out there spoiling their kids. If you see someone giving his/her child just about anything they want, please advise them of the consequences: Trump.
Dog racing. The practice is legal in several US states. Of course, we're talking about the man who managed to kill his own race horse despite a paid handler's protests. Maybe Trump has difficulty with all living creatures, not just dogs. A curious circumstance considering the numerous Trump progeny.
Of course, we can rightfully assume Trump was a fairly hands-off father. In the case of Ivanka, we certainly hope so. Presumably though, children are more of a status symbol than a daily concern for Trump. I'll refer you to the story about Trump Jr.'s early childhood as a reference point. Spoiler alert: Things don't work out well for the nanny.
I would surmise Trump is generally allergic to all things innocent and well-natured. At the very least, he is ignorant as to how he might comfortably interact with them. I believe that's why Trump prefers a tanning bed to say... the sun. He can't quite grapple with the goodness of daylight.
We are justifiably puzzled by our present predicament. How did someone so intolerant of life and decency come to rule so many? The world may never know.
1
My dog likes virtually everybody, but if Trump tried to pet him he would likely take a bite out of Trump's tiny hands. We believe he was abused by a previous owner and he would instantly recognize Trump as someone who abuses both animals and humans and defend himself.
1
If he did have a dog it would in an acting position only, it would never pass confirmation.
5
Trump, like dogs, only thinks, “what’s in it for me?”, so why would we expect him to appreciate that competition? Dogs, however, always give so much in return, whereas he only wants more - and covered in chintzy gold paint - and returns nothing in kind.
dogs have a keen sense of human disingenuousness. if a dog actively dislikes a person then that person is not to be trusted. i would imagine that no dog on earth would like trump.
3
While walking my daughter's 15 year old Beagle Ryder, two children about ages four and three rushed over to pet him. Their mother advised them to let the dog sniff their hands before petting. But, Ryder's tail was wagging and they were impetuous. I commented that Ryder was gentle and that he was a rescue dog. The four year old looked up and asked, "what does he rescue?".
The Donald denigrates everything.
1
Trump is a lot of things, most of them being negative and despicable, but he certainly is certainly predictable.
Even the meanest dog possesses sterling qualities Trump shuns. Trump is the opposite of what most of us who know dogs know about them. He lacks loyalty, genuine caring, devotion, dedication, friendliness, sweetness (sweetness and Trump will never be uttered in the same breath except to laugh at the thought he might be). The only thing doglike about Trump is his constant biting and dogs don't go that far.
2
Dogs can spot a fake a mile away. This man and his family have no joy in them and therefore are unable to bring joy to the nation. Dogs (and other pets) are often ways for presidents to show us that they are able to be joyous, to love, to be happy. Nothing in this White House is joyous, loving, or happy. Like I said, dogs can spot a fake a mile away. Any smart dog would have run away a long time ago.
1
Trump doesn't have a dog because a dog wouldn't have him. Dogs can be excellent judges of character, or lack thereof.
3
I don't like dogs either because most of them are not trained especially those owned by women. I walk down the street and see women being pulled along by dogs, and that dog is all over me -- a dog not of my choosing. I also don't like dogs because the vicious boxer pit rescue next door barks all the time, and the "nice" owners don't know how to handle it. It's my house. That dog does not pay property taxes. It's my right not to hear that awful barking. Bad dog.
I don't like dogs because they shed everywhere, and you can't change your plans at the last minute because you have to be home for the dog.
I especially don't like the numerous sneaky owners who scam the airlines with their "comfort dogs" to get out of paying $100 each flight. Meanwhile the dog splays out on the owner's lap like it owns the place taking up two seats. So why do I have to pay $100 each way for my unaccompanied granddaughter? Oh I forgot, dogs are way better than humans.
So I really don't hate dogs; I'm just perturbed at dysfunctional humans who are incapable of life without their adoring fur toy and can't form real relationships with other people. Give me a well-behaved dog and a thoughtful owner any day; too bad there aren't many.
Trump is without any form of "outgoing love for anyone" except for himself. A dog would show friendship but DT would read it as savage weakness on the dog's part. He never sees natural beauty, natural friendships, honesty and protective love that dogs offer. He never should be allowed near an innocent animal.
People who don’t like dogs are universally untrustworthy. It’s an actual fact.
1
The problem is that dogs represent everything that Donald Trump isn't, loyal, honest, loving, trusting, and genuinely fun-loving. Perhaps, Donald Trump knows this, and for this reason he hates dogs, because perhaps deep down deep in his heart of hearts, that he realizes that every dog is better than he is.
Dogs are loving, loyal, joyful, committed, and many of them would sacrifice their life for a human they have bonded with. Can you imagine Trump demonstrating any of these qualities? No wonder he doesn't understand or seek the companionship of a dog.
Mr. Bruni - more dog articles please (and pictures - must include pictures).
They are always a hit and bring such comfort, joy and passion from your readers.
I'll read a dog (or cat) article over a political article any day of the week.
P.S. - continued success with those injections and your health hiccups. So many are rooting for you!!
1
Trump is a man with an extremely limited repertoire of words, behaviors and experiences which he repeats constantly. Some mistake this as evidence of “genius” and so they vote for him because he is like them but he’s a rich TV star. I can’t imagine him swimming in a lake, having an honest, self-disclosing conversation or feeling affection for a dog or a cat. Even with his children, he exhibits a sometimes perverted pride but no real love or caring. What a truly awful man he is.
Frank, dogs are our friends. They know us so well. We love them. We cry when they die. We clean up after them when they are puppies. They sit by us when we are sick. We lie by them when they die. They have feelings. They offer unconditional love. They return to us when lost. We find them, no matter what. They forgive us. We forgive them. They protect us. They see for us. They fight and die for us. They raise their puppies. They hunt with us. They round up our sheep. They protect our livestock. They watch our children. They play with us. They sleep by our bed. They obey. They compete. They run. They retrieve. They live for us. We live for them. A dog gives meaning to loyalty and friendship.
Frank, I cannot see President Trump wanting a dog.
Dogs have manners.
Dogs show contrition.
Dogs are loyal.
Dogs possess courage.
Dogs...
I could spend all day counting the ways.
It is quite simple: no dog will have him.
Dogs are known to love owners who abuse them, starve them, and ignore them. Dogs' capacity for love is almost unlimited. . .
almost!
Still - no dog will have HIM. Dogs see what almost half of our nation's humans refuse to see.
Says everything.
It's so much simpler than that. Look at Donalds history of personal attacks, it doesn't take long to figure out that he attacks anyone (dogs included) that he fears is smarter than he is.
Was the whimpering Trump claimed came from Bagdadhi as he tried to escape, really that of the small children he took with him. Poor kids, in a sense innocent, victims of the vengeance metered out on Bagdadhi. Children crying in fear as the US might that came screaming in puts a different tone on the whole scene. As well, Trump gloating at the killing becomes utterly obscene if one thinks of the children, that no one seems to consider.
As to Conan, for a Conman to be praising a dog called Conan, sort of seems apt. Don the Con, and a dog named Con.
I feel bad for Conan the Delta Force K-9 operative (Trump: "they call it a canine; I call it a dog") having to suffer through a White House photo op with Trump and Co.
Maybe the pooch will get lucky and Trump will forget that proposed visit and move on to more important stuff like hurling insults, nicknames, and false narratives at friends and foes alike.
Personally I think it's very simple. Trump won't tolerate being upstaged by a dog. He's not going to share the attention he expects from those around him, especially Melania, with a dog. Trump couldn't stand it. I would bet that Barron and Melania have both wanted a dog at some point and he said no.
If I were in Melania shoes I'd want a pack around me.
Since the begining of this sad "Trump show" the thought hovers in my head that I could not trust this man with anything, not even with walking my dog.
Pretty sure every dog he ever encountered felt the same. How on earth can some people still not see what even dogs recognize?
My theory is that dogs hated Trump way before he decided he hated them. Dogs are good judges of character.
I thought you were going to say that Donald Trump hates your dog because your dog can't lie. But rethinking this, the president is so delusional that perhaps at this point, he can no longer tell lies from truth.
In EITHER case, Donald Trump doesn't like people (or animals) that tell it like it is, aren't afraid to look stupid, or show unbridled enthusiasm for the important things in life. Another things that dogs can do is smell pollutants in water, I'm guessing, and that alone would make a dog his enemy.
Trump has said that he is bringing Conan to the White House. Even with the mandatory muzzle, Conan will be able to sniff out a bad guy so he better be careful. The real reason Trump doesn't seem to like dogs is that he knows any dog would be better at his job than he is.
I find it difficult to trust anyone who has never owned pets. Dogs especially seem to have a sixth sense for people who don't like or are afraid of them. I'm sure that was the case with Ivana's smart poodle. Owning a pet teaches you about unconditional love, something that Trump will never possess or experience.
If I were Trump, I'd hesitate to bring that Belgian Malinois into the White House. Malinois are notable for finding crooks. Imagine if the White House visit showed Conan growling at Trump.
Donald Trump must be the center of attention in every situation so any competition must be eliminated and that includes dogs. He is too much of a narcissist to share the limelight for even a few minutes.
Perhaps when trump runs low on trustworthy courtiers, lackeys and minions, he will come to appreciate the loyalty and intelligence of canine staff. I read in the NYT this morning the Thai king ( his name too long to write) has owned a number of pet poodles, one of which was granted the military rank of air chief marshal. Perhaps a new chief of staff or ambassador?
1
Frank, you made my day! Wonderful column!
My guess on why Trump doesn’t have a dog is that, at a minimum, dogs growl, tuck tail, flatten ears, raise hackles, and generally express fear and hostility whenever they meet him. Can you imagine Trump petting a dog? Me neither.
Donald Trump’s animus toward dogs may reflect the innate suspicion by a lover of conspiracy theories about any creature traditionally called “man’s best friend.”
Trump may also be reliving a childhood trauma when he realizes that Goofy, a large black dog, was a very talkative and rather well-dressed, albeit rumpled, close friend of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Pluto, however, is an orange dog similar in appearance to the adult Trump, is always naked, is unable to make any sound except a bark and is merely Mickey’s pet.
Need we be reminded of how vindictive Donald Trump can be over far lesser slights?
ha thank you for this article. Funny and SAD.
Donald Trump hates my dog because she is about a thousand times smarter than he is. And she has a better command of the English language. She also can be relied on to have better behavior in public than he does. She barks a lot less than he does. Also, I doubt Trump is housebroken; he probably should be crated rather than let loose to run in the Oval Office. We already know he has no problem with cages.
1
He has no use for a dog. They cost money offering no return in investment.
It is all too evident he has no idea what genuine caring feels like. Donald has never truly bonded with any living creature in his life, be dog or human. His world begins and ends with a 'Donald'.
Dangerous and sad.
Trump needs a support dog, one who would bark loudly at him any time he picked up a phone, to warn him of impending danger.
Trumps lack of dog ownership is telling. He is probably growled at and snarled at by dogs he meets. Dogs sense fear and hostility immediately. If our girl met him, her hackles would go up.
And then there is the germ thing. My dog licks us daily. It provides us with a vaccine of sorts. Just enough germs and such to keep our immune systems active and on alert. Trump wouldn't get that.
And what about Baron? What kid that age doesn't want a dog?
As any dog lover knows, they are sensitive and highly perceptive animals. My guess us that most, if not all dogs' fur would stand up on their necks upon meeting Trump. Dogs are smart, loving and infinitely loyal, traits woefully lacking in this president.
Trump is the first president in a very long time not to have a pet. I feel sorry once more for Baron Trump, who probably has never had a pet, either.
If there is reincarnation I would like to come back as a well-loved dog. The life of a loved dog is one of joy and no worries. I will have a backyard to roam, good food and love to share with my family. I don’t think Donald Trump would even understand what I am writing about. I doubt Trump knows what unconditional love is. “Love” is transactional for him. Dogs offer love just because it exists.
There are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners.
3
Dogs have a nose for ... well, everything, but for sure they know who they can trust. I can't imagine a dog ever bonding with Trump.
There are ancient (literally from Ancient Greece) adages about dogs. If you’ve been to Europe you see packs of wild dogs roaming and when one of these dogs dies it isn’t buried. If you listen to the language of the old world .. which Trump as second generation immigrant isn’t far removed from, then you hear these truths spoken by the old timers. It’s evocative language based on archetypes - thus effective.
What a brilliant column! It is so cleverly written and made me smile, which I don’t do often these days when reading about Trump.
6
Thank You, Mr. Bruni, but there is a sinister backstory underlying the humor: the cruel policies of Trump that affect pets and other animals. Anyone out there want to make this an election issue? How many Trump supporters own and love their dogs? Hunters?
Early in his reign of error, Trump dismantled much of the public access to animal research and its effects. There were hundreds of links taken down from the Dept. Of Agriculture website. For example, Puppy mills could be researched by anyone for their treatment of pets. No longer. Related was the Trump adm. removal of barriers to cruel hunting techniques on federal lands in Alaska, so that wolf and bear cubs can be shot in their dens. And then there is the danger to endangered species as EPA regs are gutted.
If an investigative reporter...perhaps at the New York Times?....wanted to delve into the mistreatment of pets and other creatures as a direct result of Trump’s policies, there could be quite a reaction from woke pet-lovers who would vote on that basis alone.
Did I mention cat lovers? Look at the billions spent in the pet industry by devoted pet owners and you could see a sea change with detailed coverage from reporters focused on this one issue.
10
Mr. Bruni:
Brilliant! Loved this article! I am a dog lover and a proud NON-TRUMPER, possibly one of the few evangelicals who do NOT support President Trump, and I simply loved this article! It was.simply.brilliant. One of your better pieces, and believe me, they're all quite good. Keep up the good work, and I'll be praying for your vision to improve. Your writing skills need no improvement.
8
A curious thought came to me, reading this article. A dog, could they communicate it, would probably have opted not to write this article. They are immensely unconditional in their love of just about anyone, and they tend to cultivate that in those around them. The focus of their attention, when they're not hungry of course, is invariably on others, which seems to have evolved over the millennia they've been at our side into an unmatched ability to empathize. Dogs and Donald Trump are so far apart on this spectrum that it almost pains me to see the two lumped into the same article.
6
My cats and I loved this article! Thank you, Frank Bruni, for the laughter during these scary times. May we soon emerge from the darkness that is trump. By the way, my cat Whitney is running (again) for president. She is a moderate on most issues....
Sue Nestler & Murphy, Whitney, & Tommy
10
Frank, Thanks for a fun and funny column this morning--but still excellent points! It was refreshing; I smiled broadly and even chuckled out loud--things I don't do frequently since Nov 2016. Who doesn't like dogs?! Just one more strike against him.
19
Dogs (and to a lesser extent, cats) have been a part of my family since childhood, so I admit a certain bias when it comes to our canine companions. That said, I must admit that I've always been slightly suspicious of people with a dislike or antipathy toward dogs. Notwithstanding allergies or childhood traumas involving animals, how can one dislike a mammal that is programmed from an evolutionary perspective to be a loyal companion to humans?
With regard to Donald Trump, it makes perfect sense to me that he would be a dog hater. I mean, the man has no moral qualms about locking children up in cages.
33
I enjoy Frank Bruni’s off-hand writing and do applaud him for being creative in his topics... but this obsession with poking Trump on everything and anything, true or otherwise, does become painfully overwhelming.
A more diverse and inclusive coverage would go a long way towards being open to enjoying all articles and not just seeing them as another creative angle to openly denigrating our President.
6
@Serge T
But he’s so deserving a subject of denigration.
He presents himself as genius and courageous leader, who’s the first to do everything the best ever in the history of everything.
If you are going to stand on the stage of life every chance you get and make an absolutely ridiculous, annoying fool out of yourself with all your might and refuse to back down or hold your tongue even once... well, you invite all the ridicule and derogatory comments you get.
In fact you earn them.
That this scorn and derision be delivered to you with compound interest is not only fitting, but a social requirement, a reflex built into human society meant to keep dangerous fools like trump in their place.
Really enjoyed this piece, but for what it is worth at home, I think my dogs feel the same way about DJT!
23
I think DJT does not like dogs because he essentially does not like anything or anyone but himself. And dogs are good at being the opposite of that: selfless. DJT does not like people either; see how he treats them after they have done his deeds or worst contradict him. He does not seem to be a cat person either (or bird or pet turtle). He mostly has good words for himself only.
25
As a companion and friend to many dogs in the course of my life, I loved this column.
28
An excellent column, but Frank misses the key point that the nominal Trump executiveship is just about the only such term of office with no loyal canine in the White House, indeed with no pet whatsoever.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_pets
The current Oval Office inhabitant simply has no empathy whatsoever for any person or any thing. From his business cronies he values loyalty above all else; but he's unable to connect and understand that had he an animal companion, loyalty would be the central driving force in its life. It's one of the most accesible examples of how Trump is utterly detached and clueless regarding the social norms and customs and guard rails that bind a true leader to his constituency, most particularly to its animal lovers, and to the children who can't vote yet. But oh, they're going to able to vote a few years from now.
19
@Beppe Sabatini
Thanks for the link, Beppe. Of all presidents before Trump, only James K. Polk was petless.
One of those essays that, read a hundred years from now, will have people scratching their electronic heads and asking, well what in the world was all THAT about? For now though, pretty funny.
6
It seems strange to me that you don’t get this.
One issue: you write "I personally haven’t met all that many gainfully employed pooches."
Think of avalanche search dogs, seeing eye dogs, police dogs... or simply their role as man's best friend.
Dogs work for us in all sorts of capacities day and night, and show their undying loyalty. Unlike our dear president, who never worked a day in his life, many of them are gainfully employed.
55
When you realize that Trump can't love a creature that is all heart, love, sadness, happiness and innocence, you have to suspect that he could never love a more complicated soul, and this would include his children. Wives and children of Narcissists know this, but it's meaningful to point out in regard to the president.
47
I would guess that Trump cannot love any other being, because “love” is a zero-sum game to him. He himself consumes all the “love” he can find, and inherently despises anyone who freely gives love away.
In many cultures and some religions, dogs are unclean and defile a person when touched. Whether Trump has picked this up one cannot be sure. But that seems to be his use: an attempt to make his subject unclean, and most important, not human.
7
Seriously dogs on a plane? restaurant? Hospitals? They are not suffering.
Trump's attitude toward dogs mirrors his disregard for children. He apparently ignored his own offspring until they reached an age that made them useful to him. Dogs, of course, can develop special skills, but not ones that would further enrich the grifter-in-chief.
President Obama, by contrast, displayed special affection for both children and dogs, whose vulnerability aroused his empathy, an emotion totally foreign to Trump. Power corrupts an individual when he or she reduces the individuals or animals encountered to objects of exploitation. Love of a dog or a child does not ensure that a leader will use her power humanely, but a capacity for affection does give one a reason to be optimistic.
30
I've nothing against James Mattis, but it's an insult to all pomeranians to compare him to one, distressed or otherwise.
4
Thank you for that article Frank Bruni. I wasn't aware that trump's use of "dog' caught any significant attention from anyone other than feeling myself scowl each time I read his odd use of the word as an insult.
Does is anyone know if he's ever publicly responded to the question of why he doesn't have a dog?
7
Trump is old school. Ingrained habits are hard to break. The return of dogs to minor divinity status is a rather recent phenomenon, restoring a natural order to the universe as last understood by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Not everyone gets it.
Or to put it another way, the eclipse of the horse by the automobile continues to generate its unpredictable effects. Dogs have gamely attempted to occupy the resultant vacuum. But is it working? While dog worship has increased exponentially, society continues to fall apart. Maybe it's not really going to be enough to stabilize the situation. Humans are fickle. Objectively speaking, it appears the evolutionary competition has yet to be decided.
3
Dogs put the well-being of their pack - which includes people - about their own self-interests. They are unconditionally loyal. Working dogs, as anybody who's owned one knows, believe they are born to serve. The thing that dogs want most is to please their humans, to give unconditional warmth and companionship. In other words, dogs are everything Trump isn't.
32
Agree about the pleasing the master but you have to delete my three huskies from the list. They don’t care.
Fortunately most days go well, but some days . . . How many times has your dog soothed and picked you up after a difficult day or tough event? With their affection and happiness, they push that reset button and we feel better. The emotional reset results in perspective change and a chance that we will set aside that day or situation. We look out beyond ourselves even it's for a moment. This POTUS likely never goes through moments of reflective thought or resetting of perspective, and the idea that a bad day or event can be set aside so that we must respond in kind to man's best friend, the Dog, is foreign.
9
In my life filled with many, many rescued animals, I have found dogs and mules to be excellent judges of character. They size you up fast and are usually right. I might also add Bald Eagles to the list after watching the video of one misbehaving in Trump's office when he wanted a photo shoot with our national symbol. The bird even mussed up Trump's hair or whatever that is that sits atop his head.
23
@Susan Um, haven't you noticed that video can be edited? Or that not everything on internet is true?
I think it would be fun to see what would happen if someone brought a cat onto the Oval Office. Unlike dogs, who often act very needy for attention, cats will "sum up" a human creature's personality pretty quickly and act accordingly.
6
Anyone who has had a dog and spent time with it in its and looked into its eyes in its final moments knows that "dying like a dog" is a misnomer. I only wish that we could all die with such grace and dignity...and love.
72
This is one of the finest pieces of writing - on so many levels - that I've seen in a long time. Thanks, Frank!
31
Interesting observation, however he does come from a time when dogs (and animals) were not above humans. Nowadays we have many who if they treated humans half as good as they treat animals, we’d be on a roll.
5
He’s younger than my parents - and my parents LOVED dogs. I grew up in a house with 4 adult Setters. No, our Setters didn’t wear jackets, but otherwise lived pretty much like dogs do today :) - snuggling on the sofas, chasing toys in the family room and jumping onto our beds. Point is there have always been dog lovers. Frank’s saying Trump is not one of them - to the degree that’s suspect. Perhaps, in the past, he found himself being a guest in a house like my parents, only to discover when it was time to leave one of his shoes was missing...
3
I am not a Trump fan; however, his fear of dogs may be related to a traumatic childhood experience w/ a dog. I could easily see Trump as a kid attempting to annoy a dog & the dog not having any of it. It may not be the germ factor at all. I agree w/ the notion that w/ a dog in the room, Trump will not be the center of attention. He can't stomach that due to his insatiable need for validation by adulation.
11
Of course Trump doesn’t like dogs. They respond to consistency.
28
"According to Ivana Trump, he [Trump] provoked growls from her dog ..."
The dogs know something the Trump base doesn't. The base has no interest in facts and truth, decency and morals, expertise and knowledge. Maybe, however, they might start listening to what their dogs are telling them?
60
“Like a dog” was a very common expression among New Yorkers growing up in the 1940s and 1950s. It was less about the animal as it was about a form of abject suffering.
Linda Richman on SNL’s “Coffee Talk” uses it as follows: “I sat at home, alone, like a dog.”
17
Exactly! I must’ve heard that phrase from my parents and grandparents a 1000 times when describing all manners of things. One of my mom’s favorites was “I wouldn’t vote for him for dogcatcher” when describing a person she didn’t like.
Funny, one of the few, if not the only thing I like about Trump is his refusal to give in to our dog-centric culture and that he just admits he doesn’t like dogs. Refreshing.
6
I hesitate to trust anyone who does not love dogs and cats.
60
Disagree. For me there is a big difference between dogs and cats
8
@Sam Th
Yes there is. There is no unconditional adoration from a cat. It takes years to earn their affection and admiration. They are work.
It's always amusing to me that it's usually a man talking down cats.
I love dogs and cats and all animals really but most dogs will follow anyone with a piece of meat in their hand.
6
My cats have always loved me unconditionally but are wary of strangers until they feel safe.
3
If a creature, such as a dog, that shows unconditional love, affection, and companionship to its owner is incapable of forming a bond with Mr. Trump, then we should be very wary.
Come on, dogs know, why can’t we figure it out?
52
Great column reminiscent of the late great Molly Ivins.
21
No respectable labradoodle would allow itself to be "swapped out" for Lindsey Graham.
53
Trump is contemptuous of his own species. Why on Earth would he have affection for any other?
63
I believe that he uses that phrase that he may have heard once or many times in his life and it just stuck. It is one of those behaviors that each person has that he or she doesn't know about until it is mentioned. Therefore, a more interesting article would have been an analysis of where he picked up the phrase and how he uses it in stressful circumstances and to show frustration instead of a reference to he doesn't like my dog because in the end, I don't care if he does or does not like my dog or anyone else's dog.
6
Thank you Frank Bruni. I always appreciate reading your thoughtful and clear commentary. This piece strikes a chord for me. The constant stream of trash talk about dogs has been both baffling and deeply irritating. Thank you for taking this on. Although next time can there be more dog pictures?
62
Not only does Trump apparently have a huge disdain for dogs, I want to bet he has a similar - if not voiced - disdain for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name the pet, I bet he doesn’t appreciate the wonderful qualities of any of them. (I'm guessing he also has a disregard for wild animals. And for the beauty of nature, in general.) Donald just doesn’t have compassion; to love animals, as far as I can tell, is way, waaay outside his capability. Personally, I wouldn’t want my cats anywhere near DJT. If there’s the a job the very farthest from what Trump may've possibly gone in for, it would be a veterinarian.
30
@Cathy F. Wild animals are trophies for his oldest sons to shoot and pose with.
1
Reportly, he relentlessly mocks Mike Pence’s family menagerie - which includes Marlon Bundo, among other furry critters - so, yeah.
@Nina
Yes. Very sadly so.
I can't wait for him to take his last BOW WOW as president.
Canines need to be fed, washed, walked and love attention. Trump also loves attention. I'm sure to his mind having to fulfill his responsibilities as a dog owner and competing for attention is too, much for him to handle.
How did we make this man president?
47
WE didn’t make that man president: the Electoral College did. They are to blame for everything that has ensued.
1
@Carol Derrien
We vote for the undemocratic minded legislators that gerrymander their buddies into power!
The presidency has gone to the dogs, the dogs of human greed and narcistic actions. He's in the WH now.
Hopefully he will be out in 2020 with the common sense people in this country, world.
We should never have had in the WH this miscreant.
20
Dogs are smart, they evolved from Wolves to become man's and a woman's best friend, except for one Donald J. Trump. We should have been warned by Ivana's comment, "According to Ivana Trump, he provoked growls from her dog, Chappy, a poodle who could suss out a peacock."
Dogs can figure out which human is worthy of their trust and Ivana's dogs did a thumbs down...figuratively. I hope when it comes for Trump to meet his maker, the aliens who foisted him on humanity, he does not die like a dog. Dog lovers grieve for their dogs when they die, we don't want to grieve for dog hater. Maybe he can die like a fruit fly...I currently have a vendetta against them...
40
When I saw this photo, I knew it wasn’t real. I can’t imagine a highly trained dog being calm in the presence of someone like that. And look at that cheap photo shopped “medal”. Is that the kind of medal to place on a heroic U.S. service member? I think not.
21
Dogs are pure love; trump is pure hate.
96
How precious is too precious?
Any.
The republic is in peril. Grow up.
6
Dogs surely hate Trump. They recognize nasty people easily.
55
@Ms. Havisham. Dogs are excellent judges of character. No dog would tolerate Trump.
My good boy Arthur, a full-scale bonemouth Shar-pei, would have forced the felon in the White House out of office. Arthur was stern but fair. He had a finely developed sense of service - to his Person, to his Person's people and to his own kind. He did not put up with liars and those whom he knew were rotten. Arthur had principles. The felon in the White House has violated every one of them. Arthur would have exacted justice.
29
Trump is not qualified to carry the food dish of Conan the Malinois.
And Trump would be afraid of such a big dog with extremely serious looking teeth
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/501729214717210512/?nic=1a&sender=294141556821107252
27
He loves to believe that he is loved, needs pledges of loyalty, etc. But there is nothing loveable and no dog is stupid enough to pretend like some humans do...
So he does not like dogs.
23
Thanks for the laughs Frank.
I would assume since Trump is clearly a germaphobe, and dogs are, lets just say without rullfing the nutters feathers too much, not exactly sanitary.
Seems like there is a pretty simple explanation....
9
Trump can't comprehend unconditional love. The idea of a "dog" wanting to lick you, oh gross nasty germs. If Trump adopted a dog, the rescue group would be back in the first week. So Trumpers, the headmaster is simply a weak, mean, bully who would never be kind to animals. Go outside and look at your beautiful PitBull and realize that Trump has no heart. He is the one sending them to the gas chamber. Yes, he is, he is cruel, no heart, no dog. That's right, the first US President in 100 years who did not have a dog in the White House! I know you want to feel unappreciated by a country that put a black man into the presidency and then tried to make a woman president! But Trump doesn't like your dog, no mama, no sir, you have hitched your wagon to an animal hating billionaire who only sees $$$ in his eyes. Before you and your dog go to sleep tonight, look them in the eyes, and ask them if they like Trump, the no dog president? My dogs and I sleep soundly at night. They know I'm looking out for them! Goodnight America!
27
Donald Trump may hate your dog, but my cats hate Donald Trump. They also hate Mike Pence, Rush Limbaugh, Rupert Murdoch, and Kellyanne Conway.
44
Since Trump has no appreciation of life I only hope that when he was exposed to dogs, the feeling of hatred came right back at him.
Dogs smell evil
.
In the real world dogs are wonderful companions, and save people's lives. Trump doesnt like himself nor does he appreciate his KKK father who gave baby Trump a fortune not because he loved him but Daddy Trump knew that his beloved son was nothing more than a coward and would become a draft dodger.
Dogs are extremely intelligent they can smell a hater when they enter a room. Any dog would do anything to protect themselves from a disturbed human being . When a dog is loved, cared for as we have seen with the fighting dogs of Mr. Vick they become wonderful companions.
People like Trump and Michael Vick should never be around dogs, they can pretend that they care but we know that they dont. Its always a scam
30
I've always said money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.
— Kinky Friedman
The corollary is that if you have a habit of kicking your dogs, you’re sure to get bit.
One by one, Donny’s pack is turning on him.
30
Trump would never own a dog because he knows man's best friend would bite him!
A dog would take one sniff and know Trump is a con man.
17
The only thing Trump loves is money. I picture him stroking $100 dollars and whispering "you've been a good bill today". He'd be more than satisfied; he used to exuding that level of emotional attachment.
13
I find this administration very ruff to take. It peels my bark how yappie the guy is when he gets his paws on the twitter keypad.
How can any sane person stand being under the same woof with him?
I hope the investigations do more than scratch the surface. They congress needs to get out back and start digging to find the buried bones.
Maybe they need to summon his groomer in case he panted some incriminating evidence to her.
Frankly, I'm howling mad.
45
@John Harrington You have some puns in there that even I would be ashamed of. Love it.
1
Sociopaths typically do not like animals or pets. Indeed cruelty towards them, particularly as a child, helps establish the diagnosis. It is of note then that the sociopath and child who occupies the Oval Office fulfills expectations.
90
I told my daughter to watch how a man interacts with a dog or other pet. If he will abuse an animal, you can bet he will abuse people. Sociopath, indeed.
3
I loved reading this. Made my day. Thanks
16
I do not hate dogs; I do not love dogs; I am dog neutral.
I have, though, studied dogs though as part of my work on the study of ancient society and have even dedicated such a study to the pet Vizsla of some of my grandchildren.
Mr. Bruni, you are not being fair, either to dogs or to Mr. Trump.
Firstly, Cynophobia is a real disease for some people. They fear dogs and their manifestations.
Secondly, there are many people that do not like dogs. That does not make them bad people.
https://fordhamobserver.com/36084/opinions/i-hate-dogs-and-i-am-not-a-horrible-human-being/
There are many ethnic and cultural groups and religions that do not like dogs. That does not make them bad.
As the rabbis cryptically stated: "The face of the generation will be like the face of a dog" (Mishnah Sotah 9:15).
You don't like Mr. Trump, fine.
You don't like his attitude to dogs? Ho hum. Big deal.
10
@Joshua Schwartz wow. that's quite a straddle. siding with the dogs AND with poor Mr. Trump.
Sorry. But trump IS a bad person.
@Vivien Hessel
Yes, Trump is a bad person. Trump dislikes dogs intensely. The question is whether these characteristics always go together.
My dog wears a button on her harness that says “Dogs Against Trump”. We get mostly positive comments while we walk around the park.
23
@Maxine
I want one of those buttons for my dog!
Conan the dog has done more military service than President Cadet Bone Spurs Trump.
36
Trump doesn't hate dogs, he hates animals. As president he has regularly signed legislation that denies endangered species protection or sought to take away their habitat.
He's the first president since James Polk that did not have a pet in the White House. In fact, he has never had a pet of any kind. Ever. Not even a goldfish.
How un-American can you get? Americans, no matter their ethnicity, love animals. Not Donald.
The only animals he likes are on a plate or in a bun.
41
If you don't like Trump, why do you let him control the agenda like this?
2
Nations are judged by how they treat the poor and animals. Trump nation fails on both.
19
If that is the case, most of the west fails including us! Factory farming is still the norm even though we now know our livestock have feelings too.
We kick, prod, false-feed, drug and cage our food because it’s cheaper to do so rather than holistic farming.
Menschlichkeit towards our animals? We’re still not there yet.
2
Better yet, why my dog hates Donald Trump. Sorry, not enough characters. He's pretty opinionated on the topic.
8
There could be no worse fate for a dog than to be subjected to Trump. It feels like a kick in the stomach each time he mentions the word "dog." As your column makes clear, thankfully, they're of no use or interest to Trump.
5
I think trump picked up the dog thing from his father. That was a big insult with that generation, especially the immigrant community.
8
I’m not sure anyone hates Trump as much as I do, but when I see headlines as ridiculous as this one, I think we deserve him. The media is sinking to new lows every day. You can do far better, NYT. If you don’t have anything of value to report on, don’t bother. You’re not a 24-hour news channel that has to fill time.
4
Come on...it was funny. God knows we could use a bit of humor these days.
My little doggie (Border terrier) never cried, screamed, or whimpered (Border's are very stoic) even when she was dying, laying on my lap. The "Chosen One" could learn lot from dogs...loyalty, empathy, and friendship...all characteristics lacking in his life.
14
Just another reason to despise Trump like we needed another one.
8
The title is poor. Has nothing to do with "your" dog.
In his juvenile—even infantile—vocabulary, Trump boringly and mind-numbingly uses "dog" as a pejorative, like a four-letter word.
4
Conan would growl if not bite the deranged one.
4
You have to have a soul & heart to care for a dog. Or any animal. But esp man's best friend. Trump is severely lacking those areas. That is also why it is so ridiculous when he evokes something spiritual, like God, going to Church, or religion... or music or art .. No family photos here for the Holidays .. the Easter Egg Roll, 4th of July, Halloween, really any time. ..Very Sad
5
Great, funny column, Frank!
3
DT doesn't seem like a dog person. He is too insincere and insecure. He doesn't know what he's missing, but then what dog would put up with him? Not Conan...
6
We could get him a snake.
I’m just glad that no dog is subjected to him. Melania has a choice, so I have no sympathy for her.
14
Trump doesn't hate dogs. He hates humans. The man is a sociopath. True, he professes love for his supporters, but its a con, and cons hold the marks in contempt.
When Trump dwelled on the death of Baghdadi, it wasn't about dogs. It was about him relishing the thought of awful death so much he couldn't bring himself to change the subject even though the details were entirely made up. It's the same way he repeatedly talks about women at the Mexican border with tape over their mouths, another horrible incident that he seems to have entirely invented in his own mind.
9
The expression in English, 'He lived like a lion and died like a dog' dates back at least to 'The Pastime of People' ( The Pastyme of People) a popular history of England compiled, printed and published in 1529 by the printer John Rastell, who died in 1536, thus:
'Bonyface hylde the see nexte .viii. yere. He caused Celestyne to resygne his company to hym by fraude; and after lyued lyke a lyon, and dyed lyke a dodge.'
'Boniface held the see next .viii. year. He caused Celestyne to resign his company to him by fraud; and after lived like a lion, and died like a dog.' (Page 57)
'The pastime of people, or the chronicles of divers realms; and most especially of the realm of England' by Rastell, John, -1536. n 50062394; Dibdin, Thomas Frognall, 1776-1847. n 50028787; Publication date 1811
https://archive.org/details/b22017501/page/n4
3
Just another to pick during the Dog Day Afternoons with the Trump administration, dog gone it! I need a nap!
2
He was denied a dog when he was a boy. He yearned for one he could name Rosebud.
3
I agree with the writer who said that dogs are good judges of character. Cats are too.
I cannot imagine a life without pets. When I was a kid, we taught our dog to climb the willow tree with us. You should have seen the neighbors' faces, a dog 30 ft up in a tree.
5
Back in the summer of 2015 at a dinner with friends in Reno, the living room TV was on. All at once a wave of vicious barking and then shrieking. Four dogs becoming hysterical when Donald Trump appeared.
Even after the TV was turned off those dogs were still agitated. An omen? perhaps.
18
Dogs know.
9
You do not need to know a lot of words to say a lot. William Carlos Williams, in his great poem, Asphodel, That Greeny Flower, said an awful lot with 5 simple English words, which were readily available to Shakespeare. "Only the imagination is real." You and the readers can decide what that means.
2
I did want to mention that the line "die like a dog" is from the historical poem "Barbara Fretchie", written by John Greenleaf Whittier. It is just the sort of thing which trump would know--a quote which, without context, becomes meaningless--just a bit of doggerel.
1
@Annie In fact, its much older than that. 'Lived like a lion and died like a dog' dates back to at least 1529 – see my comment above.
1
That was scathing!!! I love it so much!
3
We know what folks are like by how they treat the least among us. We can see how big they truly are, by watching how they behave toward the little guy. That is what his attitude toward dogs tells me.
2
Dogs are generally loyal, hard working, brave, self-sacrificing, free of deception, and of a positive disposition. They willingly serve in the military, sometimes losing their lives protecting their fellow soldiers. Of course Trump dislikes them. Dogs are everything he will never be.
9
So Trump ought to love Mitt Romney, for having put his family dog Seamus on the roof of his car for those long family trips.
Meanwhile, may Trump's dislike of man's best friend dog him throughout his upcoming election campaign.
2
All Cats eschew trump. They vote in solidarity with their canine ("I call it a dog") cousins. Mr. Butters just told me.
5
We love our President and we love Conan.
@Eva Conan only ,
9
Conan is a hero, bravely and willingly going into danger for the good of his country.
Your president, aka ‘Donnie Bone Spurs,’ is not.
15
I'm a cat person at heart but still very much appreciate dogs. I'd pay good money to see Conan treat trump's leg like a fire hydrant.
17
“Dogs are useless to Trump, at least by the criteria he cares about. There’s no money in most of them, no votes in any of them, and they can’t play golf with him and tell him along the way what a manly drive and graceful putt he has.”
All true enough, but this absence of utility doesn’t explain the outright contempt he displays for our canine companions. I suspect it is because they are everything he is not: loyal, insightful, resourceful, patient, focused, graceful, loving, and many more. They are incapable of guile or dishonesty, and are able to learn from prior experience. Most of them would run the country better than him. If a dog were vice president, it would invoke the 25th Amendment in a heartbeat.
23
I was reminded of a story when Frank Bruni wrote that dogs are useless to Trump, "as there's no money in most of them". Many years ago, when the Art of the Deal was published, I saw a line outside Barnes and Noble. I learned that Trump was signing his new book. I stood in line and when I got to the front, I told him that my husband, an architect, did not agree with his tearing down a beautiful NYC building and asked that he write, "Richard, be my friend". He scribbled something, shut the book and handed it back to me...and said, "Tell your husband that there is no money in being my friend!" Instead he had written, "Richard, be my architect"...but, with architect spelled incorrectly.
10
Frank--
Thanks for this delightful column! I will think about husky Siberians (so much less charming and beautiful than Siberian huskies) with a smile many times in the months to come.
7
It takes a lot to make me actually laugh out loud, but Rich has done it again. A Husky Siberian and Lindsey the Labradoodle: perfect! Thanks for the LOLs in an otherwise dark time, Mr. Bruni!
21
I’m a professional dog walker in New York City.
Dogs are extraordinarily good at perceiving right away who they want to meet and who they want to steer away from. They tend to approach people who are warm, friendly, gentle and calm, qualities Donald most certainly does not possess.
59
@Andrea R
At a new company or even a party where you know nobody and meet many people at once, have you ever instantly liked or disliked ssomeone? No matter how friendly they behaved you just sensed something.
Dogs know the same way and we are best off when we trust their instinct.
The fact that he hates dogs but would use Conan as a way to improve his approval ratings shows that he has found a way to make a dog transactional.
77
@Jenifer, yeah, via Photoshop. I bet President Obama would have invited Conan to the White House and given him his medal personally.
Someone should get trump a cat. A cat would never put up with him. Best yet, cats have a keen sense of revenge.
87
@Kb Please don't suggest inflicting that man on a beautiful, loving cat. =^;^=
10
@Kb Hahaha!
2
Husky Siberian ... pure gold. You nailed it again, Frank, with a sense of humor seldom seen in these dark times.
27
Dogs are known for being faithful and fairly smart...two qualities Trump lacks.
53
The only quibble I have with this otherwise on-point diagnosis is that I think he’d swap out Ivanka’s pumps with her kids as chew toys - in fact, if/when the election heat gets too high for him, I can imagine him replacing his 5th Avenue shooting scenario with the following: “believe me, I could feed my descendants to dogs and MY people would still love me”.
He is a wearying presence, among his few benign qualities.
7
@David. If he fed his descendents AND Jared to the dogs, I might vote for him. Four more years would be worth it if we could rid the world of Trumps.
3
I fear we are all suffering to some degree from Donald Trump's loveless existence. If only he had had a wonderful dog when he was a boy, all of these hateful messes he likes to make might never have happened. I swear, a great hearted dog could have cured what ailed him.
19
His neuroses are congenital, so any effect a dog would normally have on a child would have been lost on him and would have had horrid outcomes for the dog. That mythical dog dodged an equally mythical bullet. Trump always was what he now is, a sociopath.
To be fair, he hates ALL animals, except Russian bears.
32
Here is what dogs are telling me, "You think three years of Trump is hard for you humans. Try being a dog. Trump has already used up something like 21 years of my life when my longevity is compared to human life. How much do I have to bear for some good loving and biscuits? Get your act together before my hips start failing."
34
Dogs care little about possessions and require love, something Donald Is incapable of giving
30
Trump, in reality, hates himself, the human species, and and all other creatures. He is the most pitiful creature to come along in a long time. I, almost, feel sorry for him.
32
You should save your pity for the lost souls who still cannot see what a stain this president is on all humanity...a great majority of them will be good if not entirely misguided...
3
Love the saying, "I'm striving to be the person my dog thinks I am"
Dogs know who to look up to; that's the reason rump doesn't have one.
21
The day after Trump was elected we decided to get a puppy. We named her Hope and she is currently our only hope.
I wish the NYT allowed photo comments. She would bring a smile to all the anxiety riddled and despairing comment readers consumed by the constant threat of our pathologic, loveless, humorless, clear and present danger living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
62
Best post evah!
5
Thanks, Mr. Bruni, for a funny but insightful article. A much needed reprieve from the onslaught of alarming national news.
16
I am an American —admittedly of the Democratic variety— currently living in Canada. There is something about DJT’s disdain for dogs and, as far as I can tell, for cats and other domesticated animals that transcends politics and reveals a moral and psychological void. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has politics which also differ in many respects from mine or from the bulk of my Canadian friends. Like Trump, Harper is no environmentalist, although his policies were not as damaging, and he likewise censored the work of government climate scientists. Yet Harper effectively used his office to promote animal welfare, posting on his website pictures of himself with a litter of kittens in his office on Parliament Hill, along with links to all the major humane societies in the country. Indeed, he and his family fostered over 200 kittens, and they have received awards for their service. (I believe his wife said their lifestyle was not conducive to dog ownership.) Meanwhile, proposals to put more “teeth” in animal cruelty laws win bipartisan support in the U.S., while the President appears to show nothing but contempt for other species. So... it’s not about politics, but rather something much more basic.
20
I heard once that you can determine the character of a man by how he treats waiters and pets.
I feel sorry for Trump. To love a dog requires the ability to change our normal tempo and
Do what your dog loves....a tummy rub, throwing a frisbee....My dog loves to retrieve a frisbee from the ocean. I teach little children to throw the frisbee, too, so we end up with a happy dog and a child who learns how to love a pet. One has to wonder how our President would behave if he had a small space in his heart to love such wonderful creatures.
25
This stuff is so lame. You'd never know the US was in one of the greatest political crises in its history. Imaging Bruni in 1860 writing about Jefferson Davis's treatment of his pet dog?
4
@Iced Tea-party, In the midst of the horror of our current president, levity is needed at times.
Also, Donald’s disdain for dogs adds to the conversation about his basic lack of compassion and ability to care for others.
37
@Iced-tea party, In the midst of the horror of our current president, levity is needed at times.
Also, Donald’s disdain for dogs actually adds to the conversation about his basic lack of compassion and ability to care.
1
Once had a fridge magnet with quote “be the person your dog thinks you are”. No canine on earth would want a crumb from DJT much less affection. Dogs have amazing character detection skills. If only so many 45 supporters could possess this skill.
12
Dogs exhibit more love and loyalty than the current occupant of the White House ever has. Long live our four legged creatures.
18
The left is becoming desperate and finally realizing that their nonstop attacks on Trump from literally the moment he was elected will not succeed and he is likely to be reelected. This piece although somewhat comical in nature is an in your face example. Give it up and just try to defeat him at the polls. You are embarrassing yourselves
5
@Harry. Hmm... that must explain the election results in KY and VA.
@Harry - Trump was not elected: HILLARY was, despite Putin, Assange, Comey. Those who support this cruel illegitimate-president are no friends to our democracy.
You know, I think Donald Trump pretty much hates everything and everybody. Starting with the guy in the mirror.
20
I'm so sick of these clever, insightful NYT columnists like Bruni and Goldberg and the rest who've been writing devastating take-downs of Trump for months (years?) and yet have had absolutely no impact on heartland America. They're writing inside a liberal, highly literate, elitist wind tunnel. Meanwhile, the people who will decide this election watch Fox News or no TV at all, they love being entertained by Trump's vicious put-downs and distortions and lies, his posturing and bullying. They don't care about arm-twisting the president of Ukraine, for gosh sakes. As if bullying weren't standard operating procedure for governments forever. And meanwhile Warren and Sanders are trumpeting policies none of them will support. It's a disaster.
10
@free range. Those people don't appear to be concerned about anything.
4
As far as I know Trump has never had a dog. He may be the first president in eons without one in the White House.
2
Probably off the point---maybe not---but the only thing, I repeat the only thing, that is giving meaning to my life in this Mad Max administration, is babysitting for my daughters Havanese---walking this dog, petting this dog, just talking to this talk is just a relief from reading our daily march into fascism---
5
@Amanda Jones Our havanese, Lucy Ricardo has saved me from the daily doldrums. She’s 6 months old so training is frequently interrupted by spasms of giggles.
VOTE BLUE as if your life depends on it.
If my dog walked into a room with Trump in it, he would definitely enrich Trump. The percentage of lying dogs in the room would immediately be cut in half.
4
It’s fine not to be a dog person, but Donald Trump’s weird, and frankly pathetic, contempt for dogs is a very good indication (among countless others) of what a fundamentally defective human being he is.
19
That's just Trump being Trump. All good.
1
I would vote for my sweet dog that died 2 years ago instead of him.
3
Show me a man who hates dogs, and I’ll show you a man who is less than a man. Trump’s spirit animal is a snake.
9
Oh thank you Frank Bruni for this refreshing, funny (and darkly revealing) essay! Today I went to vote for Mayor and other city business and watching me put on my coat, my dog wanted to come along.
"Sorry honey, dogs can't vote," I told her. And truly, such indignity has been done to dogs with this president's vocabulary, if dogs could vote, I am certain he would be out of office in 2020.
So, let's let some of the most loyal Americans, the ones that follow us into war, that sniff out drugs at our airports, that comfort our wounded Veterans, that cheered some who have entered the WH, that save lives in disasters, that willingly follow the terrorist into the tunnels, that assist during fires and floods and help the diabetics adjust their insulin levels, that round up sheep, and cattle and compete for prizes, just because they are well trained and beautiful, all our wonderful Human's Best Friends, HAVE THE VOTE!
There are humans that have less intelligence and loyalty to our nation that have no trouble all lining up for the polls!
6
If Conan ever met Trump, he would chase him down and corner him.
25
Good thing for dogs Trump doesn't like them. Easy to imagine the kind of care he would(n't) give.
10
He dumps his " pets" like he does all his "relationships". Lindsey Graham has been replaced with William Barr.
15
I wish you wouldn't call attention to this. Trump is quite capable of getting a dog to spite those of us who love them. A look at the frozen unhappiness of his current closest companion should give a clue as to why we wouldn't want that.
41
Great point. No dog deserves Trump.
24
My Shetland sheepdog is smarter than Donald Trump. Also more loyal, and way more attractive. And my other dog, a rescue mutt, is considerably more brave.
18
@KenF oh hey KenF, our late, beloved sheltie Sam was definitely the smartest member of our family, and he was also known to have a good laugh from time to time. He was dog ahead of his time. Something about those shelties.
1
My cats don't care for dogs or trump. I agree with them 130% on the latter. But not the former.
7
Dogs are everything Trump isn’t. They are loving, kind and loyal. Dogs are fun loving, playful, protective and devoted to their families. They are appreciative of the live live and kindness they are shown.
Trump on the other hand is like a snake spineless, slippery and looking to strangle and devour anyone who gets in his way.
16
Regardless of who becomes the Democratic ticket for 2020, an all-canine Electoral College will ensure the future of our democracy for generations to come. "You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog." ---Harry S. Truman
9
In my experience, dogs have an uncanny sense for detecting untrustworthy humans, as well as dangerous and dishonest ones. Trump hates dogs probably because no dog would let him get near it and would snarl a warning if he were to try. He can pull the wool over people's eyes, but not those of dogs.
24
If Trump had a dog I picture him with a non-threatening, non-macho, female afghan hound, with long, flowing blonde hair-you know-like his women. A female afghan would not threaten Donald's need for dominance much and at the very least he would have an emergency supply of long blonde hair, because you never know..he might need it someday, and if a dog can't give you something tangible, what good is it?
5
Very clever. But very sad that our country has come to this.
7
@Roy Cal, right. Very sad that our country has come to a president trump. Very sad.
9
Let us put it another way, Frank. He is the first president in history whom a dog doesn't want. Think about our furry friends. Loyal toward those who treat them well, loving, protective, and best friends unconditionally in good times and in bad. So we can perceive Trump's alleged impugning of his faithful resisters as really a compliment to them. Considering the source - the man himself - and his targets, he is elevating those desirable human traits which decent and civil people share with our canine pals to an apex to which he and his faithful servants can only dream of ascending.
8
This is beyond beneath the NYT. Good lord
6
@Josh
On the other hand, there is nothing that is beneath trump.
This is about his own words, which he repeats ad nauseam.
At least you do credit the NYT with integrity and some class.
8
I wish the White House had gone to a dog instead of that dreadful excuse for a human being. Dogs are friendly, happy, empathic creatures. They will track down and hold your enemy at bay, as Conan did at risk to himself. They will guard your home and family. They can herd your livestock and assist you if you’re disabled.
I can’t imagine Trump doing anything kind or useful.
15
Even Nixon had Checkers. True he was only vice president but the dog loved him anyway.
6
A few years ago, when I was sitting on a park bench, a strange (meaning unknown, not Trump-like) dog that was being walked without a leash joyfully took it into its head to sprint over to me, leap onto the bench, and start getting acquainted, muzzle to muzzle. The owner was mortified. I was delighted. I took it as an honor and said so, but she couldn't be deterred from pulling the dog off much sooner than was convenient for me.
Even if we could associate Donald Trump with park benches, we could never put him in that happy scene. Dogs muss you. They breathe right in your face and even lick it. They presume to be close to you on terms set by Nature alone, to which you both submit with humble gratitude. They make you glad to be a part of the world without ever imagining that you ought to be the center of it.
No, there's no dog in Donald Trump's future, though I'd love to think there was a park bench in it.
16
As a person with many canine companions, I thought Trump's choice of words under discussion in the column was the most offensive utterances of his 33 months as a dilettante president.
I hesitate to make the comment to that effect. Every time I think he's peaked, he surpasses himself in record time. We all need a break and I'm hoping Congress will give it to us rather than having to go through another depraved Trump election campaign.
urghhh.
12
Disliking dogs is a position I share with the man in the orange glow. Quite probably the only position I share with him. Well aware that even admitting such a frailty brings derision from dog lovers, I just wanted to remind people it's a valid point of view, like it or not. Anyone is entitled to dislike anything, and there's no law about explaining yourself.
5
@Steve Mills
I don't care much for dogs, pace Calvin Coolidge, tho I have a good relationship with my sister's dog. I was frightened of dogs when I was a child.
I love cats, and when you and a cat love each other, don't underestimate the power of that bond.
It's just as well that Trump is petless; he doesn't have enough love to give a goldfish.
5
@miriam Cat lover, myself, though I no longer keep one as a pet. The neighbor's cat is outside often enough to let me get my fix.
1
Well, given his recent propensity to extinguish all non-human life from the planet, this is not so surprising... I'm sure he'd rather inhabit a perfectly manicured planet-sized, golf-course... with palm trees.
He's that shallow, and his zombies are just enabling him and that outcome.
6
Dogs are cheerful, empathetic, compassionate, loving creatures. They are also highly intelligent mammals who are very sensitive to cruelty and neglect.
I literally disapprove of EVERYTHING Trump has done ... except for his decision not to get a dog. No dog deserves an owner who has no empathy, no compassion, no ability to love anyone, just a transactional "but what can you do for ME" neediness. This has nothing to do with political stripes. Dogs can unite people who disagree about everything but their shared love for their four-legged friends.
This has everything to do with Trump not having a single skill in his toolbox that would make him a good dog owner.
40
Everything is wrong with the Trump White House, but the lack of a dog feels even worse than the lack of a First Lady, some of the time anyway.
What would FDR have done without Fala, his Scottish terrier?
JFK had several, plus Caroline's pony Macaroni.
LBJ had his Beagles.
Even Richard Nixon had a dog, an Irish Setter -- and he's famous for his dog Checkers speech.
I'd have to google Teddy Roosevelt to list all his dogs and pets , but I'm too lazy right now.
Bill Clinton had Buddy, the Bushes had dogs, both of them.
I miss Bo and Sunny, especially Bo.
All the laws, the protocols, the norms Trump has shattered are unforgivable. So is the absence of a dog.
6
You didn’t mention the Obamas’ Portuguese water dog.
1
@MJM -
"I miss Bo and Sunny, especially Bo.". That's them.
5
@history lesson
Doglessness is not unforgivable!
There's nothing to forgive.
Describing Rudy Giuliani as the "hunched henchman" is Trump-like and personally unkind. Please take it back. We can't go there with them or we'll be lost and unable to govern when they're done. Thanks.
8
Thanks, Marcia, for the needed caution.
Some of the most serious damage Trump is doing is teaching us to strike out like Trump. I think Frank Bruni stayed on the healthy side of the trump line but it's tempting to go over in the comments.
2
@marcia
That description is "perfect".
Trump's fetish about dogs isn't even funny. He himself is a 'rabid dog', biting left and right, at the least provocation and even to the most constructive criticism. Actually, he 'barks' like a sick dog but much more toxic in his remarks. No wonder he despises other dogs, as any narcissistic 'hund' (German for dog) must avoid sharing the bone. He demands being viewed as the best and brightest, and the adulation that comes with it, always demanding attention to his perverted little mind, and the plethora of lies he likes to spread around. I bet he is also proud for being a consummate thief, hence, hanging so tightly on his tax returns...like a dog to his bone, I suppose. While we all know that a dog is man's (and woman's) best friend, Trump has no friends, just lap dogs to do his corrupt bidding.
4
Perhaps he hates them because you actually have to walk beside them and pick up. Looosahs!
1
Yeah, yeah, so funny, hah-hah. So much fun, isn't it, watching Mr. Bruni skewer Trump, almost as much fun as watching the cold-open on SNL.
All this laughter, however, reduces Trump to a laughably bumptious idiot of no danger to anyone. Just a lovably oafish scalawag, in the same way that Hitler was a misunderstood vegetarian who loved children.
Such entertaining punditry as Mr. Bruni's obscures the true character of the dangerously vicious libertine who laps up an Octagon cage fight. Donald Trump is careless with other people's lives. Listen to his rallies. Take him at his word. To make fun of Donald Trump as "merely yappy" gives the president cover that he doesn't deserve, and is ruining our Republic. Take him more seriously.
5
Is it possible to write a non-Trump article? Find some other subjects because you need to save some of your Trump material for use from 2020 to 2024. 
6
In a presidency full of trivial dribble, and the insistence of impeachment, it's "nice" that Frank can offer up some humour to lighten the day. Thanks Frank. Meow!
4
Please all NYT, QUIT SHOWING TWEETS. It's discuting and degrading. I do not subscibe to Twitter, WHY do I have to see it here? Get rid of it.
7
This deserved a whole column? Really?
6
Sic'm Frank, you dog you.
2
Oh My, NYT’s, just let sleeping dogs lie. You must be running out of quality stories.
6
If Conan visits the White House, he might sense Trump’s hostility and chase him, with the President running away whimpering, crying and screaming.
2
My 11 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback is better, smarter and certainly nicer than DJT. Period. Dogs are so much better than him! There is something soothing about having a dog and the dogs( and cats) who have lived in the White House through the years have made history just like their masters. With this White House which most Americans want to forget about, having no dogs or no pets for that matter has made them, the Trumps, even more despicable than ever. We just lost a beautiful young Ridgeback to cancer, she was our love, our life and a great friend to all who met her. I will miss her for the rest of my life. Once Trump is gone, hopefully forever, I won't miss him a bit. He can't replace a dog but dogs can certainly replace him.
1
He is afraid of dogs --- he's unlovable and they know it. The most loving and loyal of creatures - they see through his disingenuous nature and want nothing to do with him. His desire to reference them constantly reflects his desire to be loved - and his fear of being unlovable. He hates them because he can't have them and this reminds him of his sad and lonely existence.
3
Mr. Bruni... you are a wonderful and insightful writer. Thank you!
1
Hold me back from unleashing my two toy poodles and Great Pyrenees on this so-called leader! Every time he makes a dog reference, it reminds me how much smarter my dogs are than he is, better looking, naturally charismatic, sweet, and loyal they are - compared to him. They out-shine him in so many ways. He can’t compete with any real dog, and that’s why he doesn’t have one.
Millions and millions of Americans would feel so sorry for any dog subjected to a life with Trump, and that would just compound the sadness we already feel.
It’s better he doesn’t have one for that reason alone.
6
Trump never owned a dog but he did own a horse once—well sort of.
The horse, whose name was Alibi was a talented young Thoroughbred. The Donald reneged on the deal to buy it after he crippled the poor animal by overriding his trainer and ordering a fast work when the horse was sick. Alibi never recovered.
I first read about this in Gail Collins column a few years ago. Since then I’ve read a few online versions which go into more detail. I don’t know if it’s true but it sounds like the sort of thing Trump would do.
Good thing he doesn’t own a dog.
13
@Brooklyncowgirl
I too remember the reading about that poor horse. Despicable.
1
Robert Frost wrote, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” That something is a dog. No wonder trump finds dogs such an offense.
1
I think he is of the "Animals belong in the barnyard or on the table" school of thought.
1
There's just one other observation to add: trump is dehumanizing his opponents, critics and competitors by calling them dogs.
It's what he does.
And it belies how much he despises other human beings — both those who show no loyalty to him, and those who do.
Same as for dogs.
3
My German Shepherd mix, Jimmy, would have made a much better president than Trump. More native intelligence and a better decision maker. I'd have even voted for Lulu, my lab mix, who at first seemed both deaf and dumb but then years later, I did come to wonder if she didn't secretly rule the world with her disingenuous guile. A much smoother operator then Trump. Like the commenter last week who offered that "Trump gives narcissists a bad name" he's also no match for Jimmy and Lulu.
3
My Aunt Susan is one of these people that defends everyone. There is no one she doesn't get along with, and she can find redeeming qualities in anyone. She hates Trump. It kind of scares me. I'm sure my dog Jimmy also hates Trump.
8
Frank - while I agree with your basic premise, let's go a step further. Dogs are well-known for their devotion to their humans. Many have said that you will "never see the adoration on the face of a human as you will in your dog."
What dog could possibly look at Trump that way? When:
1. The dog knows he *will* be kicked to the curb at some point.
2. Trump will accuse Fido of being a canine "never-Trumper" and "deep-pooper" disloyalist.
3. Trump knows it is much harder to say, "I never knew that dog" than it is to say it about his own children.
4. Most importantly, dogs deserve owners capable of caring for them - malignant narcissists like Trump only care about themselves.
5
Why does trump hate dogs?
Dogs can’t give him money.
Dogs are unconditional love and trump needs everything to have conditions.
Dogs can sense good people and bad people.
4
Dogs are programmed to love their owner. They are the faithful companion that will never leave us. Show affection to your dog, let them sit with you, maybe sleep on the bed with you, offer them a tasty morsel of your meal and your hooked. When they must leave us at the end of their life we weep. You have to wonder about an individual who can’t have a dog in the house. A faithful companion that will love you when others find you repugnant. There is a saying that in Washington if you want to have a friend, get a dog.
2