Galen is a funny pup. This picture of him sitting at the back door, gazing at his yard, depicts a sight that is not uncommon. Who knows whether this is about some form of canine longing, or maybe idle curiosity? If he has serious business to take care of, he finds a way to convey the urgency and does not settle for subtle signals. Sometimes it is the barking. But, often, if I am sitting, he has a different signal. He puts a paw on my leg to get my attention, looks into my eyes, and a sound comes from him that clearly says, "This is serious. Would I lie to you?" I have learned to heed that message. He isn't kidding.
Barking, on the other hand, may alternatively mean that he simply wants to go out. In those cases, when he does get outside, it is a toss up as to what he will do. He may be going out on business. But, there are times when he simply has a burning need to check out the newest smells in his territory. On another day, he just feels the need to sit on the edge of the berm in the yard and survey his kingdom. He is clear that that realm extends far beyond the fence that borders the little yard. Sometimes, he patiently watches riders go by on the trail to the south. There are days when his main duty is keeping an eye on the neighbors' horses and dogs on the property east of us. There have been times when I would swear that he is admiring the sunset.
In some instances, going out alone is not an option. He wants one of us to go outside and play with him. On those occasions, he has no use for private time in his yard. He wants to be the center of a very small universe—just Galen and at least one of his humans—sometimes it has to be the entire family. Nothing less will suffice. Other times, he watches from inside—perching by the door, or lying on the window sill, taking in the world out there.
It's true that our animals take their responsibilities very seriously. And each one has specific needs that must be met. We have to take them seriously or what's the point of having pets? From my own experience, even the high maintenance pets usually earn their keep and give back even more than you can imagine. Or am I preachin' to the choir?
ReplyDeleteKen—Excuse me, I was singing so loud—here in the choir—that I had to read that again. ;-) There is no doubt in my mind that this guy is worth every moment he needs. The dividends in joy are enormous. I can't imagine, now, how we ever got along during that period we were without a dog.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating, isn't it, how differently each dog defines his or her role in your life? Each time, it is a new experience—full of surprises and always more pluses than minuses.
My cat, Allie, whom I've shown photos of a couple times on my blog is very special to me even though she had a stroke three years ago and hasn't been the same. Until that time, I swear she understood everything I or my wife said - to the point it was almost disturbing! Now she's old (17) she sleeps all day and most of the night (wish that was reversed), but the years of happiness she's given us is unsurpassed.
ReplyDeleteGalen's a beautiful dog - and you can see the intelligence in those eyes.
Nice post and great photo!
Thanks,
John
John—Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. I am glad you like the photo. Galen turned out to be a good looking boy, thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhen our pets age, we have another very special relationship with them. They have given their all, no strings attached, for years; then, in their later years, it is our turn to give a little more than our share. It seems clear that Allie will receive plenty of love and care now that she is more fragile. Animals do understand an amazing amount, don't they? What a wonderful mystery that is. And, it is unfortunate that we aren't as good at understanding what they "say" to us.
A touching story about Galen and his life with you and the husband. I've not owned a pet for over 20 years and would not work with all the travel I do. Love the look of Galen as he does seem to ponder the world around him.
ReplyDeleteMonte—I know from reading your blog that you like animals, but a job like yours doesn't permit having a pet. I suspect that you do what I have done, during the short periods of my life when I didn not have a dog. You probably give special attention to the pets of friends and family—your sister's cats, for example.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and for your comment.
How sweet. Your post has made me smile. I am such a huge dog lover, and have a big soft spot for all the herding breeds. I grew up with Collie's and my sister has had 2 Sheltie's. They have a character unique to them; and herding ancestry is evident in how they won't take no when they want you to do something!
ReplyDeleteRoberta—It warms my heart to know this brought a smile. I have been a major Sheltie fan for my enire adult life. You are so right about their personalities. I had never thought to put it in those words; but this is how that herding instinct manifests. These are dogs who are bred to manage other animals and humans are no exception. I have no doubt that Galen has "read" us and knows exactly how to put us right where he wants us. You returned the favor of the smile. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's also a matter of adoption. We adopt our pets but we must remember that they also adopt us and as such they take on the responsibility of that action and they take it seriously. We become a members of their family or pack and members of the pack look out for each other -- we contribute, they contribute. From my experience it works much better then many human families relationships do :-) Love this shot of Galen -- he's a handsome guy! I've watched Maggie and Foster looking out windows much the same way...for hours.
ReplyDeleteGalen looks like he is anticipating the Thanksgiving day feast. Hope you folks have a great day.
ReplyDeleteEarl—Don't you wish, sometimes, that you could hear their thoughts—or whatever it is behind those eyes that look so intently? I think you have it right regarding adoption. They assume a certain role in the pack, as you say, and take the responsibility of that role quite seriously. Indeed, dogs are, in general, easier to get along with than humans. Thanks for the thoughtful comments and give Maggie and Foster a scratch behind the ears for me.
ReplyDeleteSteve—We are having chicken tomorrow and to Galen it doesn't get any better. I will be certain he gets a taste. Tomorrow, he may spend more time sniffing around the kitchen than looking outside.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Thanksgiving Day wishes and you have a wonderful day, too.
What a handsome lad, he is! I tried to post to this the other day, but unfortunately, I cannot post to your blog using the iPad. I think that your blog uses flash to display the Captcha word and, as you know, the iPad doesn't do Flash. :) So, I have to use a real computer to post.
ReplyDeletePaul—This is a bit upsetting. Since I am more and more reliant on my iPad for blogging—that allows me to reserve my time in the desk chair for processing pictures—this is not good news. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteAnd, thanks for the pat on the head for Galen. He will love it.