An essay on the dog.
We got up at 4:30 AM to let our two Golden Retrievers run on the beach. We have to do it this way in the summer because dogs are banned for the tourist season. Now I'm grouchy and out of sorts. But how can you resist seeing these two loving animals literally leap for joy at the mention of "beach?" What better sight is there then a beautiful sunrise, breakers rolling in, and these two gentle creatures bounding on the sand, splashing through the water, following their noses in all directions, all with absolute joy and abandon?
We got Scarlett and Melanie as pups five years ago. Our vet cautioned us not to let them bond with each other too much, else they would not bond with us. We ignored that advice, thank goodness. These dogs did bond totally with one another. They are rarely apart, they use each other for pillows when they snooze, they alert us to trouble by nursing each other, as with brewing ear infections. But the love in their hearts knows no limits, and there was ample left for us and all others who come along. By now, Scarlett and Melanie know every beat of our daily routines. Their vocabulary is surprisingly extensive. We have to be careful what we say, because they are always listening with one ear. Mention "chipmunk" and they run to the door. Say "nap," and they head upstairs for the afternoon siesta. They know the names of our Childrens' two dogs who visit. They find joy in most everything, but they hate us to leave them. They know that when we change from grungies to dress-up, things aren't looking good for them. Scarlett gets on the couch and hides her snout in the corner, in deep denial. Melanie goes to her favorite corner on the floor, and turns her back on us in silent reproach. One time when we were going out to dinner, we set up a camcorder out of curiosity as to what they do when we're gone. It was very boring. A three hour still picture. Suspended animation. Sometimes we say, "Why don't you dogs get a life!" But they don't want any life except to have the pack together. The best thing about our going out without them, is the greeting we get when we come home. Whether we've been gone a half hour or for a week, it's a wild celebration of love, kisses, and their version of hugs.
We walk the girls in our village every day when we don't get up early and take them to the beach. The streets are crowded with tourists now. Some people ignore them, some shy away in fear from these loving animals, many stop to ask if they can pet them (these folks are rewarded with an outpouring of instant affection). Occasionally, we are accompanied by a grandchild. Then, about an equal number of people (1) stop to coo over the child and ignore the dogs, or (2) stop to coo over the dogs and ignore the child. That probably represents a microcosm of the world; half of humanity loves dogs, and the other half scratches its collective head, wondering why the first half does.
That's pretty much what I saw on the thread here yesterday.
I'm going to tell you that you miss a lot in life by never bonding with a dog. Oh, I'm not denying that there are some bad dogs out there, just as with people. We've gone to a lot of trouble to deliberately breed aggressive dogs. But dogs by nature are gentle, loving animals. Goldens, especially, crave affection, and they give much more than they receive. We let the girls sleep with us. To wake up in the middle of the night and find a warm body pressed her entire length along your back, is a great feeling. To have a dog jump up on the couch, circle a couple of times, and then, with a sigh, settle down in bliss with her head in your lap -- now that chases a lot of blues away.
Does loving dogs means that you've got your priorities wrong? I don't think so. The love in a human heart is not finite. If there is any there at all, then there is plenty for the dogs, the grandkids, limitless other people, any other living things you choose to bestow it upon -- and still plenty more left for future contingencies.
It's truly touching to see another species on this earth think that the sun, moon and stars revolve around you. That there can be no greater pleasure in life than just to be at your side, in wakefulness or in sleep. That whether you are pleasant or a grouch, you are always deserving of a bounty of licks and tail-wags.
Please don't be cynical and tell me that dogs show all this affection only because you feed them. Our dogs gladly give up meals all the time to play with us (hide and seek is their favorite, and they are good at finding our hiding places), to walk with us, or to ride with us. If you still believe that this is all about food, well, get a Golden, and find out for yourselves.
Well, that's my tale (pun intended). Now I'm awake and less grouchy. Dog-lover or otherwise, hope everyone has a great day. |
