Mighty Neighborly, a regular feature on the Precipitate blog, explores how everyday, local decisions impact a larger community and the environment.
This past Saturday, I met a boy with a dog. It’s been disruptive for many reasons, not the least of which is that I’ve been spending my mornings hoping we don’t find a dead fish on the beach instead of writing.
Most people who know me understand that I like my schedule. I have items on checklists that tell me to make sure I’ve done things on other checklists. While this has made me a very productive person, at times, this has also made me a no-fun person. When I was doing marathon training, I often left social events early because I had a twenty mile run in the morning. I have things to get done, you know.
The puppy does not give a crap if I have things to get done. Literally. If the aforementioned boy and I think it’s time for him to go back to his apartment and go to work, she things it’s a perfect time to poop. She has to be fed whether we have plans or not. And she knows that if she comes over and sits like you’re telling her to, it means no more dog party-time at the beach. She sees that thing in your hand and is on to you, buddy. However, the puppy is not without her advantages, besides the ridiculous cuteness.
Unless you’re the cruelest of dog parents, you’ll be outside several times per day. And if you’re rather sweet on your dog, these will be long, active hours that you’re not compulsively checking e-mail or worrying about things you have to get done. They will involve you running, throwing and basically acting like a little kid.
They also involve you speaking to the dog in a voice usually reserved for the nursery in front of other grown adults. You will speak to those grown adults about their dogs’ haircuts, the possibility of borrowing a ball. You will get over yourself and have interactions with people in real life who live near you. You can stand with people who you see walking down your street or people you just met and not worry about the silence. An occasional “hey” directed at your dog is enough to make any silence a comfortable one.
I know people hate it when I compare their babies to dogs, but I think both have a very humanizing effect on their parents. Dogs, though, have the advantage of never getting to the point where they can stay home over a weekend and live on grilled cheese. They’re going to continue to demand care, and try though some owners might, they’re going to remain true to their doggie nature. Some might say this is their disadvantage. I think it’s great, obviously, that kids mature. But dogs always need you, and that teaches you something about being where you are.
They will not be rushed, and they will not care about why you have to work ridiculously long hours for things you don’t need. They just want you to go home, make dinner, and hang out. When you pour your love into another person, however hairy, the greatest benefit is to you; you get to become the person your dog thinks you are.
H. V. Cramond, Staff Blogger