Dogs have owners, cats have staff. Most people may think that is true but personally I think they both have staff. Some of us humans have just taken longer to realize it. Dogs may be a little more subtle, allowing their humans to think they are in charge while all the time they are snickering behind their paws at their human’s gullibility.
I had a tee shirt with a picture of my tiny Yorkie that read: Things To Do Today: Let dog in, let dog out, let dog in, let dog out. Did I really think I was in charge of that situation? Another tee shirt I created had a picture of my Jack Russel, Kadi. It read: My outfits are not complete without Kadi hair. I always said she shed about a dog a week My son-in-law is swayed by his black Lab’s demand for just one more ‘Scooby Snack’. Just one more goes on for several snacks. My dog, Cotton, swears he needs to go out to potty. I open the door, he walks out, looks around the deck and wants back in – no potty. Was I ever in charge? Going on a walk is a very big deal. A tiny dog can morph into an Iditarod sled dog when he sees something down the street like a rabbit, a squirrel, or another dog. It’s social time as you are dragged along. All leash etiquette is forgotten in the desire to meet the new friend.
Your lap is not your own when you sit to watch TV, read a book or play on your tablet. Dogs and cats both will lay on your device or pull your hand away with a paw. It’s amazing what those little paws can accomplish while looking at you with adoring eyes. They really know how to use those eyes to make you think you are the most important human in their world. When they lay quietly beside you in your chair, their internal heaters kick on. You find yourself either nodding off or waking up from a cat/dog nap. A dog bed on the floor is no substitute for a human lap.
If you have a spouse, they become adept at playing Mom against Dad. This is a way to get extra treats without the other spouse knowing. Throwing a ball or toy is their way of helping you with your cardio. After all they want you healthy and active for a very long time.
When it is time for bed, a whole new ritual begins. They usually go to bed first while you are getting ready. When you try to get in bed, they are smack in the middle. They weigh 400 pounds if you think you can move them over. Being on the edge, gains new meaning. If you have to get up to go to the bathroom, they scooch over into your warm place and now weigh 600 pounds. The edge just got edgier. Sometimes you wake with a foot in your face, sometimes worse, your nose near a tail.
Life with a pet is never dull. For all the drama, you wouldn’t change a thing. Pets are amusing and keep us active. They make us laugh and cry and sometimes cuss. They become our children when our human children have grown up and moved away. For some, they fill a hole in an otherwise lonely life. People with pets are healthier and a rescued pet is happier.
Excuse me now while I try to move this 800 pound little dog off my lap. My leg is asleep along with the dog.
Ruby Bonham
12-18-2024
