Monday, August 29, 2011

Family Values

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

Just a few words to put into context what happens here in the near future (or more accurately what doesn't happen). My back has gone kaflooie again, The Husband has a surgery coming up all too soon, and the deadlines for the art show loom in the background. Things are apt to get a bit wonky. But everything in life is temporary. All will be straightened out soon.

Meanwhile, life goes on. Our spring finally turned to summer, but a blessedly mild one, so far. Most days, we are filled with optimism and on the ones when we aren't, we mostly just stay quiet. Galen continues to fill our lives with joy. He supplies generous doses of love, education, and entertainment.

When he isn't streaking around the backyard at breakneck speed, he loves to jump up on things and negotiate obstacles. It is possible he was born to be an agility dog. While we have no intention of taking that seriously, we do plan to purchase some bargain-priced, "practice", agility obstacles for his play sessions. In the photo above, he is perched atop a garden bench. One of his favorite sports is racing across the yard to respond to "come", then reacting to a wave of the hand and "hup" with a leap atop the nearest of what have become Galen's benches. He also thinks racing, full-out, between a person's legs is almost as much fun as eating.

There is only one small downside to his joy in these family sessions. He is quite resourceful in making it known that he has spent considerable energy assessing the circumstances and insists on sharing the information—at full volume, of course. The message: "It is getting late and there is little time left for play. And, no, one of you won't do. This is family time." Naturally, the message is cleverly designed and delivered in a way to be mistaken for "I have to go outside, now, and if you wait there will be a dreadful accident in the house. Just don't say I didn't warn you."

Would we trade the head-splitting racket for peace and quiet? Would we rather settle down to TV? Do we ever regret following the furry little tyrant outside once we drag our sorry behinds after him? We may not be brain surgeons, but we aren't hopelessly stupid.

16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful portrait! Photographing animals, especially active ones, requires a lot of patience and understanding. Sometimes being the owner of the dog can be a disadvantage, but not in this case. People without pets don't know how they enrich our lives.
    Sorry to hear about the back problems and the upcoming surgery. These things can be so ill-timed. Well, there is never a good time for this stuff anyway. Be strong.

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  2. Ken - Thank you! I am pleased that the portrait may capture some of my feelings. I feel sorry for those who have never enjoyed the companionship of a dog. It is one of those special gifts in life for which there is no real substitute. As for patience in this case, thank goodness I taught him "stay".

    Isn't it funny that we so often say "it couldn't happen at a worse time." Yet, if pressed, we wouldn't be be able to suggest a good time. Thank you for the good wishes. I know we will be fine.

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  3. Another fantastic story, Anita. I'm so happy that you and The Husband have Galen to brighten your days. They are smart little creatures who bring immense joy into our lives and they teach us to have lots of play!

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  4. Paul - The perfect way to phrase it, " to brighten your days." That is Galen's job and I agree that they have so much to teach us. Thank goodness Galen is a tough schoolmaster. Thanks for the comment.

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  5. We are all hopeless servants to our dogs and if anyone should doubt it they need only ask themselves who picks up who's poop? Wonderful post and hang in there during the upcoming events. I hope your back is better soon!

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  6. Earl - You neatly put it all into perspective. Case closed. We will be fine, I'm sure. Thanks for the good wishes.

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  7. Looniness when it is as best. :-) I get exhausted by his energy only by reading your description of his character. It's good you have him, and he's happy to have you.

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  8. You have my every consolation Anita, I fractured my spine 10 years ago so understand what back pain is; it's horrible! Fortunately, people like us are self motivated to achieve our goals and because of that we don't wallow in self pity. We also find so much pleasure and satisfaction in simple but important things too.

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  9. Ove - I recall that you told me the meaning of the name Galen in Swedish (I believe). Fortuntately, we see that side of him only a couple of times a day. In between play sesstions, he is quite mellow. I love the comment that you are exhausted just reading about his antics. We are, indeed, a happy little clan.

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  10. Colin - I recall that you have been through the pain number. I confess that, during these episodes, I waste far too much energy on my frustration. Like you, I am determined to triumph—in a style more befitting my years, of course. I am not apt to climb any mountains or bike for miles, but I will not be completely side-lined. And, yes, the simplest things loom important when our perspective is altered. Thank you for the thoughtful words.

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  11. So sorry about your health troubles. There is nothing worse than not feeling well. I hope you get better soon, and your husband's surgery goes well.

    I love the portrait of your dog. I had a collie when I was a teenager, and have always loved all the herding dog breeds. Of course, Galen wants you both to go outside! It's his job to keep you two in line!

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  12. Roberta - Thank you for the kind thoughts. The old saying, "Geting old isn't for sissies" means more to me all the time.

    I am glad to know that you like the portrait. This is our third Sheltie. Each has had his own distinct personality, of course; but, they seem to be the right breed for me somehow. And, you are right. Galen knows his job. Turns out, he is quite good at it.

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  13. As always a great portrait and lovely story. Anita. Hope all comes together for you guys. Prayers!

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  14. Beautiful portrait of Galen here Anita. Always love your dog stories that so many of us dog owners can relate to. Whoever said that dogs can't "talk" obviously hasn't been around them enough to know exactly how well they communicate what they want.

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  15. Monte - Thank you. We are keeping it all in perspective. We know we are uncommonly blessed. I am so glad you like the portrait and hope it brought a smile.

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  16. Mark - I always appreciate hearing from a fellow dog lover and owner when I publish a Galen post. They have so many ways to communicate with us, don't they? A little patient listening on our part earns a huge reward.

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Anita