"Your Patience is Duly Noted"

 

As I prepared their morning meal, now lunch time, I declared to those precious four-legged love bugs, “Your patience is duly noted”. Their food was finally ready. I was apologetic.

The other day, I remarked to my husband the patience and generosity of heart that dogs have over humans. They spend their whole lives playing the waiting games: waiting to be taken outside, waiting to be walked or exercised, waiting to be fed, begging for treats. They should never have to wait to be petted, stroked or simply hugged. These should be automatic. Their presence humanizes us all.

Sometimes, the service we provide to our pets is delayed, not forgotten. In my case, our Mr.Wiggles, the magnificent yellow 80 pound lab just stands there, staring at me, his tail in a slow-go-round motion, hoping to jar the sleepy neurons in my brain to attention. “I'm hungry, already. Where's my food, please?” I apologize as I rush to meet their needs.

Forgotten apples are a criminal offense, destined to remind me that this special treat is their life. Once  established, the ritual remains, entrenched in their hearts and minds, forever. You repeat this healthy daily habit for life. It is that simple.

The return to normalcy in over 2 years has given rise to the return of dogs to shelters. Don't need them anymore. Really. It is a cruel gesture and an easy one to make. They have no voice. But they make us human. They are not an inanimate object subject to the whims of anyone. Books have been written detailing their commitment to their human race. They are devoted to us. How can we do this to them?

Two years in a row, we were homeless, during the summer, in northern Ontario, Canada in the early 70's. Couldn't afford the steep prices of summer abodes so we left hoping to reconnect when teaching began in the fall. At no time did the thought of returning our two retrievers be considered. We were homeless together. Camping became a way of life back then. Today, it would be reservations while our 'kids' stayed with family.

Every family with a dog has the same problem with other families with pets. What to do with them when work or vacation interferes with their care. The internet has opened up vistas of care choices from which to choose. There is no excuse. These beautiful 'people' deserve better. Exchanging babysitting always works. Connecting with others can be the miracle you are looking for. Dogs are precious, kind and oh, so patient.

I must go now. Snack time is here. Their patience with me is beginning to wane. "I'm coming!"