This morning I will write and throw a stuffed bear – to begin with and then other toys, or a ball. Even though it is almost 5 AM a puppy only knows the lights are on and there are toys to tug and fetch and keep away – it makes it hard to write however it makes it joyous to be alive. Without the dogs in my life, of all ages – the toy terror happens to be going on 8 months, I may forget to play as much as I do.
This little guy, I think he may be up to 8 pounds now and full size, will put his toy down long enough to give me a little verbal encouragement – it’s not a growl and it’s not a wine, it’s like he’s clearing his throat at me in an incessant way – though it’s hard to describe I’m having it performed for me as I type these words. It says, “I’m here, I’m ready, come on!” My middle dog, Elly, who is going on 6 years and over 80 pounds doesn’t communicate that way. She wanders in my office with a ball in her mouth and then standing fairly close to me simply drops it. The sound of a dropped tennis ball is distinct. A pop then smaller pops as it bounces a few more times and rolls away. She then catches it up and does it again. If I ignore her long enough she will pick up the ball and put it in my lap – if I continue to ignore her she picks it up and spits it at me. This is effective for her because by the time she spits it at me I’m distracted enough I laugh and grab the ball and go outside to throw it a few times which makes her so happy it penetrates to me and I come back into my work feeling really quite wonderful.
The old dog just laid his head in my lap and this is a time when I wish I knew how to type with one hand so I could stoke his gentle grey head as I work. So I stop and stroke and love and be, then I go back to typing. If he is feeling needy he bumps my elbow to get more attention which takes me away from work a moment more which is a moment well spent. He is 13 now and slowing down a little however his heart is still in the game. Putting up with the puppy is taking all of his patience since the little one likes to bite onto his tail and ride him around.
Three dogs may seem like a lot of canines – and I will admit there is more dog hair floating around than I’d like, however each of these living wonders of love are giving me more life, more fun, more play and more opportunity to communicate – mostly silently. I’m so thankful for dogs – and I’m especially thankful that I allow the interruptions, the love, the play, the stroking – I know they need it and I know I do too – Every day there is a little play in my life – so when do you play? Do you have canines to take you outside or is it a child, a hobby or a sport? Playing is inherent in a dog – regardless of age – what a great lesson for humans – when we play it keeps us healthy, happy and energized, how great it that? Oh my, the throat clearing is getting intense… excuse me now, I have to throw a bear through the air.
No Comments Yet
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
