I was out in the yard with my dog the other day and started thinking about what the life of a dog really is like. Quick, back story, I have a rescued greyhound named Pace (Pah-Chey)-which means Peace in Italian.
Ok, moving on...now, I know greyhounds don't have the same behaviors as most dogs. In fact, they almost seem like aliens compared to almost every other dog. Most people think they are funny looking, and to be completely honest, I felt the same way until we rescued Pace. Until you really look at them closely, you don't realize how beautiful these creatures are. Their body is so sleek and slender, yet incredibly strong. And to pull the whole package together, their faces might be the most gentle and loving of all dogs. I mean, look at him....how could you not love that mug??
So, as I was saying before I got side tracked-a dog's life is really incredible when you think about it. Can you imagine what it would feel like to be entertained by a ball or stuffed toy with a squeaker for HOURS?? Who ever would imagine that a creature could get so excited at the sight of a ball, the sound of a squeaker, the rattle of a leash, etc? It seems so trivial but when you really think about it, dogs are quite smart! Pace will recognize the word "out" so we have to spell it out as if my 3 year old niece was in the room and we were spelling out "Candy." Who would have thought you had to censor yourself around a dog?? On the same point, try getting a ball from them if they don't obey the "Drop it" command. It isn't because they are stupid that they don't give it back to you. It's because they are entertained by us chasing them to try and get it. Some dogs might be a little slower and easier to catch, but YOU try chasing down a greyhound! Yeah, not going to happen. The funny thing is that Pace knows he could easily run by me, but no, he will run right towards me and then cut back and forth in front of me, just teasing the crap out of me. Let me just say, it must be quite a sight to watch me during this ordeal.
Now, most dogs would probably be able to play and run outside for a good, solid hour or so, however Pace does not play that way. I think he probably thinks "I ran my a** off for 4 years. I got fed garbage (literally) on a minimal level. And now you want me to run just for hours just for for the fun of it?? What are you smoking, lady?!" So, he will get a good 2 or 3 laps around the yard and then be done. This will tire him out enough so that he will sleep so soundly we have to check for a pulse every couple hours. This is especially funny when we go visit my parents. Because not only are they still adjusting to Pace taking over their couch, but their dog also has to adjust to the reality that Pace is like a teenage boy and will sleep anytime his is not eating.
And finally, the thing one dogs may hate the most is when you play "dress up" with them. As much as we try and use the excuse they will get cold or really don't mind it, we all know that we put silly little shirts, sweaters, and coats on our dog to make them look cute or cool. Yes, as you can see in the picture, I am guilty of this as well. In my defense...it was more to keep his hair off the furniture. Ok, that is a lie, he doesn't shed and we couldn't resist the argyle sweater!!
So, in conclusion (sorry Mom!), for those of us who were children once....being a dog is exactly like being a child. We are entertained for hours by mindless activity. We can get our parents to chase us around in circles and never catch us. And last but very not least, our parents dress us up in things they know we hate because they want everyone to look at us and tell us how cute we are, even they are lying.
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