Mutual Devotion between Man (or Woman) and Dog
61If you've ever come home to a wildly wagging tail that leads the dog as you return home after an hour's absence or a day's, you'll love coming home even if it's just to cook a homemade meal for the pup you've served for 10 years. So, what's the difference--you would've served your man just the same; at least the dog's openly devoted to you. Or shall I just continue in first person? Why not?
I have devoted the last ten years of my life to my one and only "guard dog," my strong-willed, apricot-gold Lhasa with streaks of gray on her gold ears, has been equally devoted to me. (FYI: Lhasa Apsos truly are great guard dogs, especially good for apartment dwellers). From the time that I picked her up from her mom and dad's place (a breeder in Gaithersburg, MD), she has--as my cousin (a Prof at UMICH) says--"seen me as her North star." Her fixed gaze follows me from her waiting area--I tie her to a chair outside a grocery store or a Starbucks and run in to grab a coffee. Or I leave her in the car. If inside the car [she goes up on her hind legs, standing up and watching until I'm out of sight. Her unwavering gaze watches me like a hawk--but with very different intent. If that's not devotion, then what is it? Her big brown eyes covered with enviably long lashes, seem so obviously anxious as I leave her behind for 8 or more hours each day. Dare I hesitate for a moment, that she's onto me, and is suddenly in an Alpha mode, demanding to accompany me -- work or no work:). Is this what they call "anthropomorphizing....?" OR IS THIS LOVE? If I watch a really sad movie and tears run down my eyes, she comes and sits up real close; wanting to be pet and licks my tears in return. Wouldn't you cook homemade meals for a creature that devoted to you--man, child or dog? By the way, the home cooked meal--not to be used for your pet without consulting your vet--consists of freshly cooked long grain rice (One and quarter cup); cottage cheese (a quarter cup); a cereal like Fiber One (a quarter cup) and two teaspoons each of corn oil and milled flax seed. Add to the mix, BalanceIT vitamins, which I ordered several weeks ago and have not received as yet. Again a Word of Caution to those reading: please don't use this recipe without checking with your vet first.
When do you say "enough is enough" and stop going for healthy visits to the vet? I'd say never.
Someone once asked--do you think of the day that your pet (dog) will no longer be with you? They were much more direct in their choice of words. I vigorously shook my head..."No, never." I wanted to ask, Have you thought of the day you'll die? When you share a mutual devotion that inextricably (yes, I do love that word and you'll read it over and over again in my blogs:) links you to your dog, you want to extend each moment (to quote Jim Croce "To save every day, until eternity passes away...to spend them with you...If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I'd like to do is to save every day until eternity passes away..."
