I'm sitting here with my "Faithful Indian Companion" on my lap, or more precisely, my York, Rascal. He's pictured here on his favorite Steelers blanket... yes, he is a 'Steeler Dog'.
I am a big proponent of "take your dog to work", or dogs that visit hospitals and the elderly - that sort of interaction between Humans and Animals. You might say, that I have no choice in the matter, as I have a studio in my home, and that's where my York resides as well. There are, I will admit, times when he's the quintessential York; barking out the window at passers-by, at other dog, at cats or any other type of animal that forays out of the near by woods; needing my full and uncomprimised attention - when HE wants it; wanting to take a walk when you are busy and not wanting to take a walk when you are ready to. He is very smart - he knows how to spell ... w-a-l-k and r-i-d-e, ARE in his human language repetoire; i.e.; the dog and owner dynamic isn't what The Dog Whisperer recommends. Which, to be fair, is probably my fault. However, if you've EVER owned a Yorkshire Terrier, AND even if your York has been expertly trained; you can thoroughly understand what I'm saying. Yorks are Alpha Dogs, Pack Leaders - no matter what you think as the Human - they will constantly contest the 'title'. There is definately a reason why we called our other Yorks "The Little King" and "The Little Prince"... I know you know what I mean!
All of that said, for me, he is a source of balance in life. For the most part, my days are solitary. You can't get much art done if you're visiting, talking on the phone, surfing the 'Net, or socializing. No, I'm not a hermit, but the reality of art is that it's done alone. It's nice to have another being in the room. Dogs are always a source of unconditional love... even after you've scolded them for 'watering' the neighbors' flowers. His antics and his sweetness makes me feel good. There is something to be said about the fact that pets lower your stress levels. It's good to have a daily reason to go outdoors, several times a day. A walk is one of the best ways to refocus. Of course, there is the clean-up, but that's a given. You do get over it.
My friend has just gone over to his favorite spot, a 'perch' we'd built at a window. For him, it's a window to his world. In his mind he is the Ruler of all he sees. It's a place where he may spend hours waiting for me to take a break or finish my work. I feel guilty, sometimes, he doesn't have a yard or another playmate in the house. If I get 'in the zone', while working, he will have to remind me that it's well past play time.
We both have done our best to find a balance. I would imagine, that he sees me as so much work, as I sometimes see him. I suppose, considering our circumstances, we both try to be fair to each other, in our human and canine way. What more could you want from a "Faithful Indian Companion"?
Time to go for a w-a-l-k. All in all, he makes scooping poop, worth the while.
Hey Lori!
I take Chance to work every day, we're both lucky. All that you wrote, I live. Although, Chance being a Shih Tzu...he does not bark at everything that moves. However, he does sneeze or as another Shih Tzu owner called it...'blows snot'...I prefer sneeze. He rolls 'r's and sneezes at me when he wants attention, always makes everyone laugh. First a sneeze then rolling 'r's in down dog position...it's the dark brown eyes looking up from under the furry brows that gets me every time. Have a great week, hugs, k
Posted by: Kimberly Smith | 08/20/2012 at 02:41 PM