By Judith Ashley
If I were a dog a couple of decades ago, I’d have wanted
to be one of my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Oliver’s dogs. Of course I’d have to be a
cocker or dachshund but it could be worse – at least Lisa Jane and Fritz were smooth-coated
dachshunds and not balls of fluff (tiny balls of fluff are Not dogs in my opinion).
Not only would I have my own doggie bed and as I aged an
added piece of foam to make
me more comfortable, but I would have special toys
and treats. Love those squeaky toys! I could count on a few table scraps
slipping from Ruth or Oliver’s fingers while I trembled with anticipation under
the table.
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| Judith Ashley |
Maybe I didn’t go everywhere – summer’s in Eastern
Washington were too hot to wait in the car and winter’s too cold, but I had my
bed for the back seat and went along on fishing trips, visiting family, and
treks to the beach.
What did I have to do for all this largesse? I had to
love them – a very easy requirement to fulfill and I had to behave. Not always
as easy when cats and other dogs or strangers were around the perimeter of the
property. Treats made it easy to learn to sit, stay, and come.
A confession: We sneaked Fritz, Ruth’s last dog, into the hospital when she was dying. He snuggled next to her, her hand rested on his back, fingers moving ever so slightly. The doctor and nurses turned a blind eye and I'll never forget that kindness. Fritz excelled at unconditional love.
Today, if I were a dog, I’d want to live with my
neighbor, Juanita. She has three rescued dogs and if I were to ask, I believe
Danny would tell me she is the best of doggie mom’s because she always talks to
him, tells him how handsome he is, and rubs his ears and belly. Ruby would tell
me she is the best doggie mom because she will go out into the country on 4th
of July as well as put her thunder shirt on and give her tranquilizers because
the fireworks upset her so much. And Marley would tell me she is the best
doggie mom because she lets him sit next to her in the recliner chair or the
couch but most of all she took him in when he thought all was lost and no one
wanted him.
Who do you know who is a super doggie parent? What do
they do? How would it be to live with them as a pet?
© 2013 Judith Ashley
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