Deep Dog Thoughts

Even this non-dog person is noticing a shift in perspective in the company of dogs. During the simple process of daily care, important life lessons are being taught.   

 One… needs are revealed if you simply pay attention.  Charlie will request in dog speak his necessary potty breaks. Bernadine, however, nervously paces.  Often deep in thought or activity, I can easily overlook the speak or the pace and accidents happen.  Being more in the moment instead of far, far away, distracted, I would see the signs, hear the clues and take the proper next best step.  It’s more important to be present, alert and watch for the signs. 

Two… allow margin for the unexpected.  Odds are when lip gloss is applied, hair is perfect, the no-grass shoes are on and I’m ready to leave, dogs will have to go outside.  Best laid plans will often twist at the last moment. Change the shoes, grab the umbrella and out we go.  If I allowed a few extra minutes for the unexpected I wouldn’t feel rushed. 

Which leads me to three… you can’t rush things. Charlie has a routine, a sniff path that must be followed and no amount of rushing can speed the circuit. He’s gathering all the important data…who’s been here, what’s that smell, eat some grass, sniff old piles, tree, mailbox, fire hydrant. Like an old man and his paper over the morning coffee, things simply can’t be rushed. Frantic rush may arise, but neither dog responds… urges to hurry fall on deaf doggy ears. Life takes just the right amount of time and no amount of rushing will change the pace.

Lastly, and most weighty… love is unconditional.  Neither the contents of my day nor the fickle nature of my moods seem to change the depth of doggy love. Greeting me at the door, happy tails wagging, ready to lick and lean, they love with a love that isn’t often found in humans. Mistakes are never held against me, quickly forgotten with a belly rub or a back scratch.  

If I’m paying true attention, present and unrushed, there is much to learn from dogs. How to love, keeping it simple, take care of important stuff first, rest when needed… furry four-legged instructors, a coincidence dog backwards is God?