Does every dog prance like a show pony in the ring? My Finch does and it makes me laugh like nothing else. The Finch doesn't save prancing for special occasions, but rather he likes to infuse it in routine tasks and activities. Greetings at the door---prancing! Laps around the backyard after doing his business--why not prance? Playing chase me---HAVE to prance. And my personal favorite, which is quite the feat of athleticism--prancing at the park, while doing figure eights with a 4-5' stick in his mouth. CLASSIC.
Why don't we prance joyfully throughout the day? What's wrong with carrying your head high, enjoying the pure euphoria of the magic of a moment, and giving others a smile and perhaps sparking a little fun in their day? Absolutely nothing.
Next time you see me, you just might catch me prancing like my favorite show pony--THE FINCH. Sounds like pure fun...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Stop messing with my schedule!
Ah my boy loves routine. Watching him manage the humans in his world is like watching an orchestra conductor. Every event has it's place and purpose, timing is everything, and he expects 100% commitment from those of us that 'help' make his schedule happen.
We laugh about his predictability should one of his humans forget our duties, or delay the schedule by more than 15min. Atticus has a very methodical, tried, and true process to get us back on schedule. He will begin rallying the troops with his unique 'chirping' technique, soon to be amped up with full on barking in your face. It is an absolute riot.....ok right now it it is a riot. At the time, I want to bark back in his face.
Today was an interesting day in that I was home sick. Nothing eventful, just your garden variety illness, but what was fascinating was this was the first time I really studied my boy's commitment to his schedule. Was he happy I was home, absolutely. But, was I going to be let off the hook with my 'duties' because I was under the weather? No way. "Get up, feed me, let me outside...don't care if you are on a conference call, I HAVE to bark at that darn dog up the street that gets on my last nerve. Oh and can you take me outside again? THAT squirrel is doing something to my yard." He was RELENTLESS and yet absolutely perfect.
I have been struggling lately with commitment. Not the relationship kind, but rather the take care of yourself and fully engage kind of commitment. The snooze button, the treadmill that now works as our clothes drying rack, and the chocolate old fashioned doughnut I now consume (daily), are all blaring signs reminding me of how unrelentless I am in managing my life these days.
And, yet....
There is this beautiful black hound snoring at the foot of my bed who reminds me that you can be relentless in taking care of yourself first. Now if he could just tone down that barking a notch or two....
We laugh about his predictability should one of his humans forget our duties, or delay the schedule by more than 15min. Atticus has a very methodical, tried, and true process to get us back on schedule. He will begin rallying the troops with his unique 'chirping' technique, soon to be amped up with full on barking in your face. It is an absolute riot.....ok right now it it is a riot. At the time, I want to bark back in his face.
Today was an interesting day in that I was home sick. Nothing eventful, just your garden variety illness, but what was fascinating was this was the first time I really studied my boy's commitment to his schedule. Was he happy I was home, absolutely. But, was I going to be let off the hook with my 'duties' because I was under the weather? No way. "Get up, feed me, let me outside...don't care if you are on a conference call, I HAVE to bark at that darn dog up the street that gets on my last nerve. Oh and can you take me outside again? THAT squirrel is doing something to my yard." He was RELENTLESS and yet absolutely perfect.
I have been struggling lately with commitment. Not the relationship kind, but rather the take care of yourself and fully engage kind of commitment. The snooze button, the treadmill that now works as our clothes drying rack, and the chocolate old fashioned doughnut I now consume (daily), are all blaring signs reminding me of how unrelentless I am in managing my life these days.
And, yet....
There is this beautiful black hound snoring at the foot of my bed who reminds me that you can be relentless in taking care of yourself first. Now if he could just tone down that barking a notch or two....
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Shouldn't every dog have a blog?
I think every dog should have a blog. And, that we humans should help make that happen. Capturing the moments of pure hilarity, joy, peace, love, and devotion that occur daily in the lives of our dogs should be the responsibility for anyone with thumbs. I am just sayin'....
Tomorrow will mark the the 5 year anniversary of the death of my wife's beloved black lab Coley O'Brien. Coley was a hell of a dog. We called him our very own Barry White. Regal, handsome, stoic, and a presence that was all his own. We had a complicated relationship, Coley and I. Complicated on my side, not on his. He loved me unconditionally, and I loved him when it was convenient and easy. One of the greatest regrets in my life...
Coley was my first teacher of love. The real love, the one that is simple, pure and true.... He opened the door and started something that has just snowballed over time. My pure adoration and devotion to hounds....and the simple lessons they teach daily.
This blog celebrates the daily adventures and and lessons taught by my beloved black lab Atticus Finch. Atticus is 9 years old and is a very large boy. I know he will not be here forever, so this blog is a way for me to capture those perfectly simple moments. I want to remember everything....every silly, perfect moment.
Tomorrow will mark the the 5 year anniversary of the death of my wife's beloved black lab Coley O'Brien. Coley was a hell of a dog. We called him our very own Barry White. Regal, handsome, stoic, and a presence that was all his own. We had a complicated relationship, Coley and I. Complicated on my side, not on his. He loved me unconditionally, and I loved him when it was convenient and easy. One of the greatest regrets in my life...
Coley was my first teacher of love. The real love, the one that is simple, pure and true.... He opened the door and started something that has just snowballed over time. My pure adoration and devotion to hounds....and the simple lessons they teach daily.
This blog celebrates the daily adventures and and lessons taught by my beloved black lab Atticus Finch. Atticus is 9 years old and is a very large boy. I know he will not be here forever, so this blog is a way for me to capture those perfectly simple moments. I want to remember everything....every silly, perfect moment.
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