 Thu, Aug 28, 2008 07:47 PM
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2008-02-29  Opinion | TERRI HINTZ
Learning lessons from a dog's life
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March 06, 2008 | 06:30 PM
I watched my friend's kids for the weekend while she and her husband were out of town. I was feeling guilty for leaving my dog home alone so much. After five soccer games, a birthday party, a girl scout sleep over and a ballet performance; I was tired of running around. So, I brought my dog Dixie to her house to save some of the trekking back and forth between the houses to feed and play with her.
My friend has a big tom cat named Mr. Pickles. You can be sure he was not excited to see a goofy one-year-old plott hound arrive at his house. When Dixie stuck her nose under the table where he sat, he took a swat at her and hissed his warning. One warning was all she needed.
As I watched Dixie dog wander around the house, I couldn't help but notice her goofy curiosity. That got me thinking. I'd like to be more like my dog.
She wasn't phased by Mr. Pickle's grumpy greeting. She took note right away. She knew not to mess with him although her hound dog nose had to check out her food dish also of course. And then she went on her merry way.
Dixie didn't stop and wonder if he liked her or not - she knew he didn't. She also knew that his feelings were his issue not hers. Dixie knew I was here, as well as her boy and girl. So, why would she need a feline friend anyway?
The dog didn't pout or become insecure. She was probably glad that the swatting paw missed her nose! Instead of grumbling, she simply moved on to the stairs which she tackled clumsily. Dixie has been scared of stairs ever since she was a puppy. My house is one story so it has never been an issue. But today, she knew her boy was upstairs so fear was not an option. Up the stairs she went.
Wouldn't it be great to tackle all your fears so logically and quickly? I'd probably have bungee jumped by now and learned to scuba dive as well if I were be more like her. I'd have launched a business or two and taken a few more risks in life, no doubt. Who knows what else I might have accomplished if I had her attitude?
The size of this house versus our little house did not phase Dixie. Knowing we were near was all she needed to make her happy. That's one lesson I don't need to learn from her. I'm happy, too, with my kids and friends. It doesn't matter if the house is big or small, messy or clean. It doesn't matter if we eat gourmet or macaroni and cheese. Just knowing the people I care about are close by is all I really need.
I think I'll enjoy a dog's life today. Be curious. Face my fears. Enjoy friends and family. And of course, take a long lazy nap in the sunniest spot you can find!
It seems to me that is the perfect way to unwind from a hectic week or weekend!
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