Monday, July 5, 2010

Only My Dog Understands Me

I have a mug that says. 'Only My Dog Understands Me'. Most days, I believe this to be true!
I am the devoted guardian of a scruffy schnoodle named Meeghan who regards me with the same boundless adoration I shower upon her. At the end of each workday, she greets me with the excitement befitting a traveler returning from lands afar. With the simplest of looks, touches and whimpers, she and I exchange our news of the day; say “I love you”, and immediately bond anew after this separation as if we’d never been apart. I cannot say the same about the complicated people I live with and love.

Meeghan’s response is immediate and unbridled. I can be gone for an hour, a day or a week – our reunion is always the same and a joy to us both. If work has worn me down, I’m quick to head for the couch, my trusty friend eagerly at my heels. She tempts me to play with nudges and wags, and perhaps the offer of a favourite toy. She is hard to resist, and I am easily coaxed to indulgence.

When tiredness wins out, I patiently explain that I must stretch out for a while. Head tilted to the side, her ears perk up for words she might recognize. It doesn’t seem to matter what I say, in the end – she is endlessly fascinated by me as I am with her. She waits whilst I snuggle into the cushions, her tiny face intent on my every move, until- with a small, contented sigh - she curls tightly into my body, and is instantly asleep.

Our needs are simple, Meeghan’s and mine. We walk a little, play a lot, and settle in beside each other every night. Life is fairly straightforward for dogs. We provide them with food, exercise and affection – in return, they devote their entire lives to our wellbeing and protection. Such absolute love and loyalty is priceless, and is far from a common trait in humankind. Those of us lucky enough to share our lives with a canine companion know we definitely get the better end of the deal.

By my estimation, Meeghan and I will turn seventy together, two old girls needing little more than a warm fire and each other. We’ll take long walks, and longer naps. Pressed side by side on the couch, we’ll watch chickadees land on the birdfeeder outside the window, and share looks of surprise at the curious sound of squirrels scampering across the roof. Small things please us.

I look forward to sharing years with her, everything we need to know about each other understood without ever having to be put into words. So often, I look up to see her gaze upon me. There is no guile in those clear eyes, and no judgment. I am accepted unconditionally, and I am dazzled by the purity of this acceptance.

There is nothing I will not do to deserve that trust in me. Because of one small dog, I have become a better person. For that - and for her - I will be forever grateful.

.

9 comments:

Joy McD said...

Thanks so much for dropping by my blog to say hello! It's lovely to meet you and Meeghan - she is sooooo cute!! I love little dogs...actually I love most animals :) One day I would love a little dog like her though....
And Oreo looks a bit like our Socks :) We have two cats, the other is Pepsi - all black... they are very spoiled and love all my quilts of course!
lv,
Joy

oldgreymare said...

Thank you so much for stopping by oldgreymare and then posting my button.

I do hope you will join us on August 1st like you said.

Thank you for the nice comments about my home and studio. We have been happy here for 17 years and my friends and the kids friends seem to enjoy it as much as we do. Everyone can relax since everything is already "broken in" and tattered.

Suzan

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Sigh, I do believe that we ARE the lucky ones to have the love and loyalty of such wonderful creatures. We have cats now, but we have been blessed to have a wonderful companion like your sweet Meeghan.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

That is exactly what I say about my little guys. They seem to be endlessly fascinated by me, and are just the best company ever!

Elizabeth said...

I love your quote on the sidebar by Samuel Johnson....it's just what I need to say to my daughter after her second day at a new job with a difficult co-worker. I also wanted to say that so many of us out here in blogland understand you too although we may not be as cute as Meeghan ;)

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Ha ha, I have a mug too, given to me by my granddaughter that says "In dog years, I'm already dead!" Too funny. I love your piece, it speaks to the heart. You were smart to pick a tiny dog to companion you as your walks grow slower. I have been wrestling on the other end of a leash with dogs big as horses for years, the street outside has skid marks from my heels as I try to point my bucking pent-up critters down the road.

But my one old fellow is 91 now, I was shocked to realize the other day, and his hind end is now having trouble lifting itself up, though his front end is still eager to go........poor old Pup.

I know the feeling of such mutual trust and regard and I, too, am often awed by the look he fastens upon me, the truest devotion of my life. I enjoyed this piece most especially. Thank you so much!!!!!!!! More doggy pieces! More dogs!They so make our world a happier place.

Tins and Treasures said...

Good Morning, Lynette,
This is such a beautiful post for your faithful friend. Our pets provide us with such unconditional love, don't they? Thank you for sharing this.

Have a wonderful weekend. ~Natalie

Lisa said...

How sweet! I so agree, my Molly now and my Casey before her seemed to be just the dog I needed. We have our ways and are both so happy! Thanks for sharing your Meeghan with us!
Hugs, Lisa

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Lucky Meeghan..luckier YOU!