That's funny my second Cocker was called Sandy too. Dogs have much greater need to be loved than cats. My first Cocker got skunked and none of us wanted to go near her and she was desperate to have us accept her no matter what she smelled like. We went through a lot of tomato juice and peanit butter trying to get that stink out.
Thank goodness we've avoided the skunk-thing. Our dogs love to chase rabbits and bring newborn baby quail in the house when were not looking. They're a challenge.... and yes they do love to be loved. Right now we're just getting past the newpuppy jeolousy issues.