If only we would learn …………….
Observing Gracie getting out of one of her many beds ( note the loveseat in photo with throw for Gracie’s comfort ! ) , I have observed that before she takes a step, she stretches——–a real stretch that starts with her neck and goes to her chopped-off tail. Not one step forward, not one jump from prone position to standing ——— until she stretches. Smart dog.
We could learn from that.
She gets two snacks in the morning for her breakfast. Only meal is at night. She can count, of course, so when the two snacks are gone, she wags her rear end ( no tail to wag! ) , telling me that she is grateful. No words needed.
We could learn from that.
Dogs recognize moods . They sense when we are frustrated, when we are angry, when we are sad or , the opposite, when we are happy. But they are not judgmental. Unlike many friends and family members, they don’t expect us to be perfect. They accept us for what we are : flawed humans . Unconditional love.
We could learn from that.
When Gracie trembles, it says that she is anxious, in pain, perhaps even scared. She has no words, but her body language says it all. Trembling is a sure sign that something is awry, maybe even seriously wrong. Not to be ignored.
We could learn from that.
Dogs communicate without words. When they look us in the eyes, it tells us that they love us. When they wag their tails, it says they are happy. When they jump around in circles, it means they have business to take care of. And when they lie peacefully in our laps, in their beds, at our feet, it means they are content and safe. And, oh so revealing, when they follow us, it signals absolute trust. Best of all.
We could learn from that.
Communication, whether it be human or dog, is a powerful tool, often abused by people. But never by dogs. They are honest and forthcoming , always truthful, always transparent.
We could learn from that …………………
My toy poodle is 11 years old and, I must say, you nailed it. We are very close.
Thank you !! Gracie is a rescue and we’ve had her almost 9 years. Her estimated age when we got her was about two, but I always thought she was a little older. She is perfect for Byron and me. So nice to hear from a friend whose friend is a dog………………….
Gracie is a wonderful dog, and I know you adore her! I really miss having a dog! Love to you ❤️
She is a sweetheart, just exactly what Byron and I need. She has aged with us , and that’s a good thing.
Hope you and Bob are well. Wish I thought you might be headed this way in the next few months.
Love you bunches……….
This is perfect! Love my Gracie also.
Special to not only have a good friend who loves dogs, but, also, has a dog with same name.
I’m happy that you appreciated my observations. I truly believe that dogs have the right idea about living life………..
Your observations are so true. Oh how we miss our Daisy and that unconditional love!!
I know you do ! For those of us who understand, the loss of our precious dog is as great a loss as any other.
Thank you for reading and commenting. You’ll never know how much I appreciate it.
Anyone who says dogs are not sentient, they lack intelligence, or they don’t have a soul, has never lived with a dog or gazed in their eyes. They know and we know.
Jason,
If anyone knows , you do ! Thank you for speaking in OUR language for dogs everywhere.
And much gratitude for being here for Gracie ( and all the others through the years ) whenever we need you. Gracie says ” Thank you ” , too.
I appreciate your insight and your comments………
We could all learn from this – though I expect we could all learn a little more. Thank you for your kind thoughts. There are so many that understand “dog” language, and what humans and dogs mean to each other.
You are right on ! Thank you for reading my meanderings. What comes up, comes out. No particular rhyme or reason. But I do believe that dogs have a specific language and intelligence that we humans would do well to internalize. Our Gracie speaks to us often !