Play Date - really, I did!

I got a dog.

I got the dog a "play date".

Seriously, I did! I have no toddlers. For them you have "play dates" set up with friends kids. I got a dog.

I set up a "play date" for my dog. Actually, he seemed to really enjoy it.

I am classifying this otherwise "we don't talk about it" act as "dog training and socialization". That sounds one hell of a lot better than a doggie play date.

The worst, or possibly best of it, though this sounds even more weird. I was proud of the little guy (Danny). He was well behaved and had no "oops" in the friends living room where we introduced the dogs. His "play pal" was probably twice his size and sort of hyper for the first couple minutes then the "sniffing part" got done. Once the sizing up and ID check was passed, they seemed OK. Like I said, I was proud of the little guy. Just, don't spread that around. It's true but it sort of sounds funny when you mention that "the little guy" is a dog.

A play date for a dog... yep... I am seriously going into the... well... let's call them the "pastoral years". Nothing to do with churches, pastoral as in quiet countryside.

That sounds a lot better than senile, or even "weird".

I never did that for any of the cats. Cats are way cool, they take care of themselves. Pretty much. There IS that litter box cleaning thing. A relatively small price to pay. Dogs on the other hand are what is called "high maintenance" pets. Danny in fact gets annoyed when you do not stay in the room with him while he falls asleep. You can leave after, that's ok. He does let you know that it is not OK while he is still awake. As far as the cats are concerned, as long as you don't disturb their napping spot, you can do most anything you want. Other than vacuum. That's pretty much a big NO NO! Other than my senior male cat, Desmond. He could give a ratatooie if you vacuum or not. You can vacuum right up to his tail and he won't budge. Not being a sadist, I never actually touch the tail. That would sort of get me some seriously bad Karma, not to mention that "the big guy" would probably ask me about it one day.

Just a hint... It's really, really, really a good idea to try to NEVER EVER do anything you would not be willing to stand up and say "yep, did that... problem?" if someone in front of a big shiny golden gate were to ask.
Gate color and material may be optional and in some question... but the "question" will not be... That one question you were sure no one ever even knew to ask... yep... probably the first question! You might slide on the Karma side, but you will NOT get past the "question". Since you, like others (not me of course) have already screwed up more times than you can even remember, better start working on the answer of "yes, forgive me."... and get REAL sincere about it. That's the other thing about that "question" thing, the question will be asked and you will NOT, repeat NOT be able to BS your way around it. You do not even want to consider trying anything but admission and a request for forgiveness. Think of having your eyelids removed and tied in a chair in front of a 24x7 combination of soaps, reality shows and decorating shows... then consider that would be a GOOD thing and way better than what would actually occur, and occur, and occur, and occur...etc.

Not sure how I got on that track.

I got a dog.

I scheduled a play date for a dog.

I was proud of the dog and happy.

OK... I'm clean on that one... It's those "others" we will not discuss.

WebMouse

You don't absolutely have to be insane to...

It is not absolutely required that you be insane to own a dog. I looked for references on that and apparently it has never actually become a law anywhere. You CAN be whipped and imprisoned in Iran for walking one in public so progress(?) is being made in some places.

It does however seem to work out that you start behaving in ways that most would term insane. If they are being polite, they will call it "cute" or "strange" if they are less polite.

People do talk to themselves... ok...that's not particularly normal but you only get weird looks, or maybe if you are dressed in your grubbies, someone will hand you some money. There is an up side!

If you talk to an animal as though that animal actually understands you, you my friend, have crossed that thin line. You're nuts.

I have a dog.

I'm nuts.

OK... once you get over the initial realization that you are taking to something with an IQ slightly lower than a pig (unless you are actually talking to your pig) and that there is not a chance in hell that you are going to get an answer, you can begin to get on with the whole situation. (if your pet does speak to you, get help....FAST!)

Think of this "conversing with your pet" as a form of self help therapy. Granted your therapist in this situation is not licensed... (dog licenses do not count)... but... how many people have your ever heard say "well, you just need to talk it out". Have you ever hear them specify who (or what) you are supposed to "talk it out" with? See... you have approval for your behavior. Ok.... implicit approval at the very best, but approval at least in concept.

It helps a lot if you just talk and don't appear to be waiting for an answer. This is called sane... more or less. If you wait for an answer or worse yet, supply that answer in a voice pitched differently from your own... again... you should really get help. soon! You are "functional" but really a whack job and seriously need help. If your pet is a goldfish... run, do not walk, to the your therapist. If you don't have one... consult the yellow pages. Do not delay. You are two steps past "whack job". If your "pet" is invisible... I don't want to know you, I will doubtless read about you soon anyway.

I got a dog...

I can talk to my dog and call it therapy. I don't answer for him so I don't need to pay for more therapy. I am technically sane. If you find yourself in this condition, congratulations. Whatever you do though, don't let yourself be "tested" for sanity... that would probably be a really bad idea. An idea which I have no intention of testing. If you feel so inclined, talk it over with your pet first.

Insanity... in the eye of the beholder. If someone "beholds" you talking to your dog and answering... well... as politely put as I feel like being at this moment... you are not normal... not even really close. I don't care how high you pitch your voice and how cute you or the pet are. You should get help. You might consider a dog (ROFL).

Dogs make good therapy animals. Unlike goldfish or cats, they will stare at you while you talk as though they were listening and understanding every word. They are just waiting for a treat, but the effect is very good and doubtlessly helps with your "self help therapy" program... oh yes, refer to it as a "program" and it sounds better.

You might even toss off the phrase "I read a report somewhere that dogs make good self help therapy animals". That give you a suggestion of intelligence. You lost a lot of that when you were seen talking to a dog, so every little bit you get back helps.

Excuse me, I need to consult with my dog.

WebMouse

Some days, the dragon wins

Nope... no dragon ate the dog. It's just an expression for the reality of those times when things don't go the way you think they should... or more properly, don't go the way you want them to.

Tired. That pretty well sums it up. Not sure of the reason but just getting off a bought of Pneumonia and Bronchitis may have something to do with it. That and years of sitting on my butt. I guess this is the payback for those years. All those "cute" phrases like "no pain, no gain" that I used to toss off to "other people". Ouch! ouch! damn!

It's a good thing there are good times that go along with the ones that generate the tired feelings. I'm tired after a walk with the dog and sit down. Then I note the gorgeous sunrise. Then I put the dog in my lap and he slouches down and we just sit there together and smell the air. I'm not as good at it as he is, but the air does smell good when you stop to appreciate it.

I think I may find I'm too tired some evening to take my sleeping pill. That is a strange thought... being too tired to take a sleeping pill.

Maybe... it's not a bad thing to let that poor old lizard win one once in a while. Naps aren't a bad thing really. I feel one coming on now in fact!

Be well and don't fear the dragon. Lizards gotta live too!

WebMouse

I TOLD YOU SO!

That has to be one of my least favorite phrases. I mean REALLY least favorite!

Not only does it mean that I was wrong, which really ticks me off, but it also means that someone else knows I was wrong and told me I was wrong before I was wrong and I went ahead and screwed up anyway.

My only, and it is pitifully small consolation on this, is that I personally didn't actually commit the act. Sort of... more or less. I did choose the dog. I was offered a choice of two. Understand here.... not "would you like one of these two" but rather "you're getting one, which one do you want?" I think that was called "Hobson's choice."

Oh, did I forget to tell you... I Got A Dog!

Being wrong not being my favorite state... and one actually almost totally unfamiliar to me, (really!) I am not accustomed to it. Being wrong really sucks. Especially when, as I said, someone else knows about it. It's downright embarrassing. Not a nice feeling.

ah... hmmmm.... yeah, I forgot... always that 'someone' that knows when I am wrong. Generally there is no sound of thunder, lightning bolt and a huge voice saying "I TOLD YOU SO!" There is that on the bright side.

On the down side... I generally seem to eventually work out that I was wrong. It's that rearview mirror thing. Something sparks a thought (I do have them!) and Shazzam... you get the thought... "oh crap... I really shouldn't have done that! That was soooo wrong. Hope no one caught that!.... which, in my pitiful case is usually followed by the thought... "ahhh....... yeah, YOU caught that." Oh well, one more thing to ask forgiveness for. My list is not exactly short at times.

I got a dog... damn!

I needed a dog despite my protestations... double damn!!

I really hate being wrong. It's sure a good thing the dog doesn't hold my previous attitude against me. He loves me, and right now is trying to hide under a towel and play Casper the Ghost.

He loves me.... wow.

WebMouse

I learned WHAT?

Wax on, wax off. Great exercise. What did you learn grasshopper?

Lots of time, and probably most all of the time, what we learn has little to do with the actual lesson or subject of study.

I got a dog. (yeah... you heard... it bears repeating!)

The lesson... my family loves me and worries about my health and are all deaf. They sure didn't hear me repeat "No DOG!". Ok... maybe not deaf but certainly highly selective hearing!

My daughter was in on this also. Now I dearly love my daughter but I know I can count on her for a good analysis of risks and benefits. She is VERY thorough! Someone tweaked this delightful womans brain from critical thinker to babbling Pollyanna. I can barely understand her. This whole this is scary!

I know I said this was a reflective blog to "examine the big picture". Yeah...

I got a dog. A dog that stays puppy for over 2 years! Reflect on that one Bubba!

So... what is the lesson? Remember that "rear view mirror" thing? That's where you most often figure out what the lesson was. Hence the "I learned WHAT?". The thing about lessons, as my teachers used to remind me, you have to be awake and paying attention. Not that your teachers ever had to tell you that! You probably were one of those that sat in the front row.

Back to the Dog and the lesson, or probable lesson. Rear view mirror wise and being a suspicious sort, I am suspecting that potty training a dog is probably not the point of this whole thing.

Possibility #1 - love transcends all, including repeated shouts of "NO DOGS!"

Possibility #everything else - I am missing the point.

Dogs... what is unusual about them? I have cats (four!) and I think that dogs are probably the only animal, most especially including humans, that offers unconditional love. They seem to be unique in that respect. I've already felt it. Those warm doggy eyes. That look of adoration. How in the... why would... I know me. I most certainly am not worthy of that kind of love. Fierce adoration, worshipful moments maybe... unconditional love? ah... probably not. That's God's domain. Way past my pay grade!

My first thought was and is still related to the commitment of having a dog. That love thing... a dog will not understand "go find a new owner". You can break off lots of relations, I really don't know how you could end a relationship with a dog that has given you unconditional love. Not and be anything remotely resembling anything I would like to call human.

How in all that is possible could God ever deal with loving us and all the brown stuff on a stick that we hand him back in return? Again.... mystery to me!

Am I learning what unconditional love is?... and the incredible obligation the recipient is under? I'm receiving unconditional love... where is my feeling of that massive obligation to not let the one loving me down?

Ah... I'm probably wrong and it is really just possibility #1. It has to be that. The lesson is that my family loves me more than they listen to me. Probably a very good thing. I am feeling better physically. I am loved by a great dog and an even greater (hmmmm...) family. That's a pretty good lesson and maybe enough for my limited ability to grasp.

If this was to answer my prayer for improved health and to sort of , "oh by the way", give me a real scary glimpse into something I probably do not want to really see... That level of love and obligation is much more than I am prepared to deal with. Then again... lessons are not always easy or instantaneous. Maybe I'll work into being worthy of a dogs unconditional love... It might even be that I end up being a better person.

Could you see yourself as the person your dog's heart knows you are?

Could you see yourself as the person God knows you are?

I might be capable of the first...with a lot of work. That second one is totally scary if you let yourself think about it. I just bet "lessons" have something to do about "thinking about things". You do miss some things sitting in the back row in school I guess. Maybe I'll move up a row or two and try to pay more attention.

School may not be out yet for an old dude like me. It's a possibility! I've got a good teacher.

Regards to all,

WebMouse

Have you ever...

Asked for something and then got it? But not in the way you wanted it?

Well the Web Mouse got "gifted" with a dog. I had been praying for a return to health and healing. My idea was God would just tap me nicely with the healing finger (Pinky finger - left hand in case you were wondering) and Shazam... healed! Neat, simple, direct.

I got a dog.

Now, I used to be a dog person before I married a wonderful woman that preferred cats. I adapted. We have four Tonkinese cats which if you know the breed are as close to a dog as something that meows will ever get.

I got a dog.

My wife and son conspired against my often shouted "NO DOGS". I mean, I have (had!) my life all set. Retired, nice quiet hobbies, comfortable, nice house, great view, no neighbors for a LONG way, forest all around, hilltop view of Alsea Bay (Oregon coast, Waldport - FYI). I mean... it had all come together. Cats are great... you can put water and food out and a clean litter box and they are good for a day, day and a half even. They don't have to be walked, like to nap (my personal fav), and like laps and petting.

I got a dog.

Not just a "dog" mind you, a puppy! A four legged pee and poop machine complete with bark sound. No batteries required! Not only a puppy but a Golden Retriever. Did you know that they are sort of mentally 'slow' in maturing? They stay in the puppy mindset for 2 years and sometimes more. I didn't know that. I do now!

My dog is just 10 weeks old. Danny (no funky yap yap names for him, he's a REAL dog!) is an incredible example of his breed and is much more calm and patient than his litter mates. He is also beautiful and I already love him. So... I'm pretty much "pooched" if you pardon the pun.

Really... a loving wife and son give you a dog because they are worried about your health and you need the exercise. (OK - yeah I do need it...*&&^^%%$##@@) You think you could refuse such a loving gift? Get real. You'd do exactly what I did. Smile and really work on "happy".

But... a dog is a commitment! Remember... "I was all set for a comfortable and peaceful retirement." Oh yeah, puppy bladders are notoriously small. I learned a new phrase "crate training". Fortunately for this pitiful example of humanity... it is working. Danny is quite a dog...

I now know what it looks like outside at 5am. Also 3am, and even 2am. Amazingly, I went out there of my own free will (sort of) and found I enjoyed it. My couch potato butt was not objecting to sitting on the steps after a walk. There are stars up there. Sunrise is beautiful. The air smells great (Danny was sniffing so hard I had to try that too! Good stuff that morning air!)

The musings in this Blog will mostly consist of things I am learning from looking behind me. The stuff in front is sort of murky and consists of probable (highly so actually) events like "mistakes', vet visits, carpet replacement scheduling into the budget, no spontaneous trips, and various other etc..., but it's amazing what you can see in that rear view mirror.

Sometimes you really do get what you need when you pray for it.... just not in the way you thought it would arrive. That, and it is YOUR responsibility to recognize it when it happens and not just "curse the dark". You have to open your eyes and see the stars.

This is quite possibly just what I needed and then some. OK... who am I kidding. It is just what I needed, and who.

A new thought one of those mornings was concerning this responsibility thing for another creature and how it needs your love, no matter where it piddles. Oh, did I mention that our house is fully carpeted?

I think I just got a teensy tiny peek at how God might see us. No matter where we pee, he loves us. That's tough with just Danny but I may be getting there. How could God possibly do it... I mean.... I know me... I pee a LOT!

Well... that is my introduction. Comment if you feel so inclined, please feel free to ignore me if you just want to tell me how crazy I am to get a dog, already having 4 cats. I mean... duh... already know that so save the bandwidth!

If you object to my mentioning God... go someplace and tell someone else. (go yell at God... It's pretty entertaining for all concerned!) I really don't care. (I told you I pee a LOT! Stinky little puddles all over! Why God loves me... mystery there.)

See you in the mirror!

Web Mouse