The muses gaze around studio’s perimeter.
“Loooook at Henny! Such a hoot!” Thalia laughs and slaps her knee. “She’s wearing — the boxwoods!”
“And Mara…” Calliope sighs and hugs happy memories. “… a mirror of faithfulness, love, and loyalty.”
Nia jots a note. “Learn from all woofs of life.”
Dogs are our best teachers and biggest healers.
~ Ceasar Milan
We’re going to the dogs! 🤭 Just Friday spoofing! In fact I’m in full agreement on the value of dogs as our teachers. As a boy, the lesson was for me to provide care (food, water, exercise) reliably. In my middle years little had changed. Now, and I think in part due to a smart, sensitive, and tremendously playful dog, Izzie has indeed become my teacher!
She cringes when I raise my voice. She mourns when Beth leaves for work. If we’re outside when Beth returns from work Izzie knows to “sit/stay” but when I say, “Go get Beth”, she’s off like the wind! Joyful! Overjoyed upon receiving a wonderful new toy! (Plastic drink containers) When we return from a wet, rainy walk she relishes my towel- drying her and nuzzles my chest when finished. My moral compass.
Nia’s note, “Learn from all woofs of life,” is priceless! And so very true. Internet stories about long neglected dogs, responding to a new home and grooming and proper health care, reveal near-miraculous transformations. Beth used to be a temporary foster parent at a local shelter for kitties that were not prime candidates for re-homing. Uncomfortable being touched; avoiding eye contact; huddled in a back corner of their cage. I think about foster care for young humans in a similar way...
Woops! Off topic as far as dogs, but perhaps not that far. Our being attuned to our 4-legs, recognizing needs of individual critters, and following The Golden Rule go a long way in bonding with our dogs.
Woof-Woof!