TBT: A Favorite Previous Blog (About Dogs)

HAWMC Day 17:  Throwback Thursday! Grab a post from your  archives and repost it! Add a few sentences at the  beginning to frame it. Why you chose it. Why you liked it. And why it should be shared again.

I decided to repost this for several reasons. First, tomorrow would have been Cinn's 12th birthday. I lost her on August 18, 2015 after several months of her battling a mysterious illness. Coincidentally, today is my current dog Grace's first day of doggy daycare/dog school. So between these two, I naturally decided to post about dogs. Plus, as I reflect back on Cinn's simple pleasures, and watched Grace literally jump for joy just at being in a room that other dogs would be in when they arrived (she was the first one there, intentionally), I realize how sometimes, they really have it right. 

Originally posted August 22, 2012 and titled A Dog's Life. 

Ever looked at your pet and thought: man, they have it made! It's kind of true - minus the fact that every meal is a form of lamb an rice kibbel (and celery and carrots if you're on a diet like Cinn), and that someone else dictates when you're allowed to go to the bathroom without getting in trouble, a dog's life in a lovig home isn't too bad.

While humans are the more "evolved" species (I'm using this as a general term, not as in getting into the big bang/evolution debate here!), dogs enjoy the simple pleasures in life while we're severely anxious over something that may or may not happen, which may or may not result in something that would upsets us. For dogs, a toy, a treat, a walk outside to the park, or a ride in the car with their ears flapping in the breeze can make their afternoon.  I mean, I do like sticking my head out the window an feeling the breeze, but I can't say that it's usually such a joy that, when someone mentions a car ride, I jump up and down like I've won the lottery.

Enjoying the car ride back from Cape Cod!

Pets are able to enjoy life as much as they do because they (presumably - I'm not an expert on animal thinking) lack much of the anticipatory impulse that we have. Cinn hates her bath, and yet she literally does not start getting worried until we've not only gotten to PetSmart, but we've gone inside and closed the door behind us in the grooming department. She's not worried for days beforehand, thinking "oh man I hate this bath, this is going to be awful. I hope I don't get so scared that I poop on the grooming table again, that was so embarrassing!" Nope, she's completely unaware until we get right into the offending room.  On the other, we sometimes worry for days about an unpleasant situation coming up. So much so that often the anticipation is worse than the actual event.

Cinn post bath with bows in her hair. 

What dogs really want, in the end, is to be loved and taken care of (and occasional snacks). Cinn's never happier than when she's laying by me, being petted or just close. When she's scared, she becomes my shadow. I comfort her even more than food, and that's saying something because, if you didn't know, my dog is apparently obese. I think many humans also have this ultimate goal of love over everything else, but we're so wrapped up in the day to day worries that we forget to enjoy the small moments - a hug, a walk outdoors, a nice meal or snack, quality time with those we love. So next time you're stressed out, having a tough day, or feeling bad about life, take a glimpse at your pet and maybe try to take a lesson from them. Unless they're scared and pooping on the table.

Cinn's report card after rolling in crap and going for an "emergency" bath.

Here Comes The Story of the Hurricane...

Ok, I'm probably going to get the copyright people on me after that title. But I couldn't help myself.

If you live in the northeast US, so far this week you've experienced an earthquake and a hurricane warning. If you're not, you have heard us all lamenting about it on Facebook and Twitter no doubt. The earthquake was nothing to write home about, but it was an interesting experience. Now I can say I've experienced an earthquake. For reference, just as it's not wise to go to the airplane restroom when the captain turns on the fasten seatbelt sign, the bathroom isn't the ideal place to be during an earthquake. While I can joke about the earthquake, the hurricane looks like it may be a legit cause for concern.

After the earthquake, several friends and family members texted/emailed me to check on Cinn and I. I thought this was incredibly sweet and it definitely made me feel cared about. If you're one them, thank you. If not, what's wrong with you? No, I'm just kidding. Kind of. I realize that some of those not in the area weren't aware of it. In fact, some of those in the area weren't either, though I'm not sure how. My point is, how you treat people in a situation like this says, to me, something about one's character and priorities.  Those who checked on me made me feel like a priority. Those who are around and available during this weekend's impending ridiculousness are also amazing people. Everyone likes to feel special, cared about, protected in a tough situation. When you make the effort, especially when you go above and beyond, it makes a difference and means a lot, at least to me.

Keep in mind that phone service and internet might be down. You may not be able to get through with a quick text or email. And no, a facebook "like" doesn't count as support in this instance. You know,  when someone's status reads "help I'm trapped in the basement b/c of this hurricane" and you "like" it, not very helpful. :-) Besides, who's on a computer when 100 mph winds come ripping through. Well.... maybe for facebook purposes.

So think about your plan for this weekend and who you need to take care of if things get rough. I, for one, am happy to have a group over who would like to pass the storm with Cinn and I. One of my best friends had the genius to suggest drinking hurricanes during a hurricane and I think it's a fabulous option. I can't think of a better way to pass a stormy day than with those I'm close to.  If I don't see you, have a wonderful, stormy weekend. If I do, make sure to have your camera!