Five lessons from a dog.
Friday, September 26, 2003 by CaptainWin | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
My wife, a former TWA employee and now American airlines emplyee, had her position transfered to Dallas Texas from St. Louis. Just before she left, she presented me with a cocker spaniel who we named Toasty, to keep me company during the week. Within a day I was reduced to a human dust mop, shimming around the floors, gripping toys and squeaking "Oh, what a good dog, give Daddy a kiss!"
(Toasty lesson #1: When you are really enjoying play, you don't care how foolish you look.)
Soon I found myself fretting over his whining and against all good judgement would allow him to sleep on the bed with me. For this he has repaid me by occasionally pooping on the carpet.
(Toasty lesson #2: Parenting can make you more neurotic than you ever dreamed possible.)
Usually I will wake up at 7:30 A.M. but other days wake up at dawn. Now Toasty will be standing on my chest by the time the sun crests the horizon, demanding to be let out the door.
(Toasty lesson #3: Ritual is the glue that holds love together.)
I used to stay at work late, but now look forward to getting home at night. When I arrive, Toasty will be standing in the bay window peeking out. The moment I come in the door I am rewarded with a greeting that normally feels like it is reserved for pro athletes and rock stars. Within a few licks I can forget the petty details of the day.
Toasty lesson #4: Unconditional love is a renewable resource.)
I have learned to read his body signals, the cocked head of curiosity, the ears pressed back with excitement, and the sigh that comes from deep within a warm, rubbed belly. I think to myself, "your a dog!" But what great conversations we are having!
Toasty lesson #5: True communication is only possible when we don't rely upon language.)
(Toasty lesson #1: When you are really enjoying play, you don't care how foolish you look.)
Soon I found myself fretting over his whining and against all good judgement would allow him to sleep on the bed with me. For this he has repaid me by occasionally pooping on the carpet.
(Toasty lesson #2: Parenting can make you more neurotic than you ever dreamed possible.)
Usually I will wake up at 7:30 A.M. but other days wake up at dawn. Now Toasty will be standing on my chest by the time the sun crests the horizon, demanding to be let out the door.
(Toasty lesson #3: Ritual is the glue that holds love together.)
I used to stay at work late, but now look forward to getting home at night. When I arrive, Toasty will be standing in the bay window peeking out. The moment I come in the door I am rewarded with a greeting that normally feels like it is reserved for pro athletes and rock stars. Within a few licks I can forget the petty details of the day.
Toasty lesson #4: Unconditional love is a renewable resource.)
I have learned to read his body signals, the cocked head of curiosity, the ears pressed back with excitement, and the sigh that comes from deep within a warm, rubbed belly. I think to myself, "your a dog!" But what great conversations we are having!
Toasty lesson #5: True communication is only possible when we don't rely upon language.)
 |
|
Page 1 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #4 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:06 PM
Reply #4 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:06 PM
Snarl growl gnash
That's just me trying to get the batteries out of this damned cordless mouse...
That's just me trying to get the batteries out of this damned cordless mouse...
Chickie
Reply #8 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:09 PM
Reply #8 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:09 PM
I have bad luck with dogs. They sniff your butt, bark & growl at ya. I like certain kind of dogs. They're ok.
CaptainWin
Reply #10 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:26 PM
Reply #10 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:26 PM
Ah......China boo looks so cute. Hard to believe he/she is a monster! But then you are the one living with boo!
Lecrayon........darn, wish I would of thought of Captain Toasty!
In the end, despite all, I miss my wife loads during the week.
Lecrayon........darn, wish I would of thought of Captain Toasty!
In the end, despite all, I miss my wife loads during the week.
Sugaree
Reply #11 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:35 PM
Reply #11 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:35 PM
She's only cute when she's sleeping 
The rest of the time she is terrorizing my kids, & destroying my home
The rest of the time she is terrorizing my kids, & destroying my home
kona0197
Reply #12 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:47 PM
Reply #12 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:47 PM
We have a black german shepard that has a ball problem. Seems she can not get enough of playing with footballs, tennis balls..
hell if it is round she wants to play with it even at 2 in the morning!
hell if it is round she wants to play with it even at 2 in the morning!
CaptainWin
Reply #13 Friday, September 26, 2003 3:00 PM
Reply #13 Friday, September 26, 2003 3:00 PM
Kona0197......Toasty has the same problem, especially with tennis balls. Wants to chew the hide off them, and then ends up barfing it up! Another clean up to do! Guess better that than the furniture. 
KarmaGirl
Reply #14 Friday, September 26, 2003 3:31 PM
Reply #14 Friday, September 26, 2003 3:31 PM
I have three dachshunds. Nothing like laying on the floor and having a nest of wiener dogs pounce on you! And, they are always so happy to see you.....especially if you have a treat for them!
IPlural
Reply #15 Friday, September 26, 2003 4:33 PM
My buddy, my pain in the butt
Boomer is 85 pounds now and still growing
Though he shouldn't get much larger than this.
He is too freaking smart and is full of... personality, yeah thats the ticket, Per-son-ality....
Too bad it is the personality of a juvenile delinquent!
[Message Edited]
Reply #15 Friday, September 26, 2003 4:33 PM
My buddy, my pain in the butt
Boomer is 85 pounds now and still growing
Though he shouldn't get much larger than this.
He is too freaking smart and is full of... personality, yeah thats the ticket, Per-son-ality....
Too bad it is the personality of a juvenile delinquent!
[Message Edited]
IPlural
Reply #18 Friday, September 26, 2003 5:09 PM
Reply #18 Friday, September 26, 2003 5:09 PM
and this is my brothers, ahh, well he calls it a dog, Merlin...
186 lbs and still growing, thats my sister in law next to him who is 5' 6"
186 lbs and still growing, thats my sister in law next to him who is 5' 6"
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 1 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Reply #1 Friday, September 26, 2003 2:02 PM
[Message Edited]