You look around the Campus and many residents are walking their dogs or have pictures of their cats on their doors. Have you ever wondered why this is so important to them? There is so much you can learn from pets and they are great companions.
In the past 18 months, I've experienced the loss of two long time companions – Bonnie & Clyde. Two Labrador Retrievers that came into my life at 4 months old – rescued from a family that left them when moving out of a subdivision. The unconditional love these two had for me was overwhelming at times. Bonnie was my “howdy” dog – always social and wanted to meet and sit on the lap of any new person. Clyde was my protector and watched to see what people were doing around me to see if I needed to be rescued. I often wondered – like that recent movie – what they did when I left for work.
As puppies, I know they chewed everything and dug wonderful holes anywhere and wanted everybody nearby to know they were there by constantly barking when outside. What I learned from them once they matured, was so valuable that I wonder why everybody doesn't have a pet.
What I learned:
- The world is a mystery to explore
Anytime we jumped into the car for a ride or destination like the woods or lake, they were so excited – couldn't stop wagging their tales and yipping.
- And then, see how the world is made
Ok so this was not so fun for me but they learned about the chewy texture of the irrigation sprinkler lines, the view without that tree branch, that they couldn't dig all the way to China no matter how hard they tried, and what is inside that squeaky toy?
- And then, see if you are forgiven for taking things apart
It never failed that the culprit for any damage, was the one that avoided me when I got home. But you deal with the deed and then bring them all in for a hug – not much you can do when it is several hours old anyway.
- Love IS patient and kind
Caring for an injured animal completely tears you up and you want to do anything to make them well. And one that has had surgery and depends on you to be patient and kind with the healing is so grateful once it's over.
- Meeting new people is FUN
Bonnie was so good at this and helped me to get over some shyness around new people. She was the epitome of “never met a stranger in her life” – everyone was welcome and a friend
- It's not ownership, but partnership
The brother and sister bond that my dogs shared was easily opened up as a family unit to me. They would watch out for me and each other just like a great partnership. They even welcomed other dogs into our home for temporary shelter
- Routine & Discipline = Caring
It's easy to always be nice to people and pets and hold in your anger or disappointment, but it's better to work through it with discipline. Then everybody knows where they stand. I learned early that setting a routine helped the dogs understand when play time was and when it was serious time. They got to a point of anticipating the next activity because of the routine and finding comfort in it as well.
- Communication doesn't have to be heard to be understood
Wow – this is a big one. The two of them could easily sense when I was scared or upset or sad and rendered whatever support they could. This is a powerful reason most people love their pets.
- Compassion isn't just for humans
Much like the point above, Bonnie was so good at cuddling with me when she sensed I needed it and me for them. Clyde would stay close to me and roll over for a belly rub – he was a sweetheart. After Bonnie passed, we got a new companion for Clyde. His name is Shayne. Clyde and Shayne were great companions – each understanding the other.
- Finally – Aging is a natural process for us all
In his final days, Clyde went on a cross country adventure. My mom and I traveled by van to Illinois and back. He had a cozy place in the back seat to lay and was so sweet and good the whole trip. He had hip dysplasia and couldn't get around very well and I knew leaving him with someone while I traveled would be a lot to ask. He was a trooper and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share that experience with him. A good friend once told me that your dog would rather be with you than staying behind and she was right.
I hope you can see what a wonderful experience it is to live with pets. It is a rich life with plenty of life lessons. If you have the chance, find one that you can love and provide a good home. Yes you have to be there to feed them, take them to the vet, pick up the droppings, and find a sitter from time to time – but so worth it.
I couldn't imagine the past 14 years without them and now I have a new companion, Shayne, for some new adventures.
Get involved!
Comments