Finding the Special

Topic: Nature's Imprint 

In this week's dialogue, James, Alexia, and Sundance will discuss how dogs and humans share events. Sundance will ask a series of relevant questions, and James and Alexia will provide answers.

Sundance: How do we know if something is special, James? So many great things happen throughout the course of a day. How do we know if what we are attracted to has meaning? 

James: There is meaningful significance in everything we do; any moment could be a genuine event.  At the moment we get up, our inner batteries are charged and ready and willing to face new things. Our lives on this earth and the life of all positive and negative living beings keeps us grounded. The chemistry inside us guides us toward various events and choices. We are attracted to these life forces, and if we are open, an imprint occurs. 

Sundance: That's a lot of abstraction. Can you give me an example?

James: When I was a small boy, a very special life-force imprinted itself on me. Not a being, but an energy, the craving for a feeling of oneness with nature. I believe this happened because I was always exploring, just like you. I did not like being cooped up inside the house, although I did like togetherness with family and the security of home. Somehow, I figured if life were to have meaning, it would be through nature, and I would need to allow myself opportunities that would guide me toward special places and things.

Sundance: Tell me more about this imprint and how can I obtain one.

James: Think of a special time you had alone or a special place shared with another living organism. For example, the beach when you were a puppy and the beach now. A very special thing happens there for you. The many smells, the life force of the waves you jump in, the freedom to express your nature, the sand digging, the special bond between you and Mama, especially with a long strands of seaweed. All these events left an imprint on your soul a long time ago for you, and the resulting spirit you share is constant. The constant is a positive force that wills you. It does not contain you or coerce your next move, but allows you to be in the moment. This is special!  The beach contains no negatives for you, it represents life and joy. Even when the waves are powerful and unpredictable, you still have a strong desire to be one with the ocean. So Sundance, you have obtained an imprint. The greatness of this is forever yours, and now you share it with me, with mama, and with anyone else who comes along and is willing to embrace such boundless joy with abandon.

Toy Machine

Dear Sundance,

I love my owners, but they are inundating me with toys, making me feel like I'm in charge of/responsible for to many things. I'll admit, it is fun to receive new things, but the real enjoyment comes from actually sharing in the fun of being with them. I have a basket full of half chewed ropes, kongs, gnawed bones, and rawhides. I have squeaky toys and tennis balls scattered all over the back yard. The latest toy is a red laser light, which makes me feel frantic and obsessed.
I happen to have a fellow K-9 friend next door with the same dilemma, with owners who substitute out exercise time with a large backyard, an abundance of water bowls scattered around the enclosure, in case he becomes thirsty, and an agility course for entertainment and sufficient means to some acceptable exercise. I have yet to see him actually perform any agility in the span he is left alone, but he sure barks like a blues singer the whole time I am passing by. We think his owners are using the accessories to compensate for not giving him time.

In truth, all I want is some one-on-one time with my owner, to reunite with the good old collar and leash, and to share in the fun. A well used collar and leash is worth far more to me than a new toy every week.

Signed,

Toy Poodle

Dear T.P.,

I know our owners genuinely love us, but it sounds like your owners are substituting toys for a good old fashioned walk. The walk is the adventure, the time to share and re-unite, to be a cohesive team, dog and human. The walk is an opportunity to smell the roses, as well as whiff a recently nuked lawn or saturated shrub. It's also a great way for your owner to be proud of you, and make out how well those obedience classes have truly paid off. Maybe they can read this blog and return to the simpler joys of spending quality time with you instead of just letting you chew on imported goods.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Companionship Training

Dear Sundance,

How do I tell my owners I would like to have a partner? another dog to have some fun with? to help train to be like me? a legacy? I am entering my 8th year of life on mother earth, and I would love to share the knowledge I have been blessed with from my wonderful human parents and antecedents with a young pup. Before I was adopted, my owners had just gotten married and previously had dogs of their own. The stories I've heard on camp trips and in the backyard suggest that only wonderful and good things resulting from owning two dogs. Not only that, I love my owners, and I know that dogs don't tend to outlive their people, and I can't bear the thought of leaving them without a canine companion to help them through the hard times, a doggy with a little bit of myself in him or her. If they were to wait until they had no dogs, they would be grieving, and no new puppy wants to enter a grieving household. I eavesdropped on a conversation Dan and Patrick were having the other day about the possibilities of bringing in a new companion, and so this is what prompted me to think and begin writing to you.

Pawed,

Doggy Co-op

Dear D.C.,

Currently, I have been honored to work with a seven-month-old golden retriever. She is a quick learner, even though she can be a silly young pup sometimes. I know the role I play in her life is helpful, but I also know she is getting the correct amount of obedience training from her owners. My owner allows me to tag along on most of our training sessions with young dogs. He is a firm believer in the power of the pack, and its ability to calm and help other pack members adapt to the constant environmental changes. He also knows dogs exude a certain amount of energy. Sometimes dogs who have anxieties can be a bit restless, whereas dogs that give off calm energy will be less likely to resist and willing to experience new things.

When the time comes to choose a companion, it would be in your owners' best interest to allow you to come along. Keep in mind, if you are to see a new puppy, make sure your owners have made sure you are up to date with all your vaccines, and always check with the breeder first. If you plan on going to a rescue shelter, find out if your owners can bring you too.

I do want you to know, I think what you have planned is a remarkable idea. Every dog, and even humans, need a mentor. Picking out the right companion for you will be one challenge and energy levels will be another. Finding the right match is important. Your apprentice and you will appreciate it even more once you both smell each others' rears.

Scary Saturdays

Dear Sundance,

Do you believe in ghost? I sometimes find myself howling at the wind or flinching at the sound of my squeaky floor. Sometimes I hear a meow from the closet and no one is there, not even a mouse. I tremble when no one one is around and I am left home alone. I cry myself to sleep when I am left in my crate for more than a few hours and my master is away. He says he needs to go to work and make the money, but I feel when he is away I hear sounds and perceive slight movements. Is there anything I can do?

In need of help,

Trembling Chihuahua

Dear T.C.,

Just the other day I had the same experience. I was left home while James and Mamma went out to buy some groceries.

I was lying there on the verge of sleep and right near my tail, I heard the strangest thrrbbpt sound. I looked up and to my bewilderment, there was no one there. I growled and no one showed there face. I definitely smelled something. Who ever it was eats the same kibble as I do. Surely this was a sign, more than anything a warm presence was felt.

Sometimes our minds play evil tricks on us. I fond that when I start the day with 40 minutes of exercise, even though these things happen, I am too tired to care. When James is leading me out on the trails or around the block, I feel secure. Because he is a pack leader all the time, I feel safe even when he is not home and I do not allow myself to get carried away with strange creepy thoughts. But when things get really scary and I start to feel a little insecure without James and Mamma, I go find where Skuzum my cat-brother is sleeping, and curl up near him (but not too close, he likes his space) and I feel a hundred percent better knowing I'm not alone.

Live Happy!

Sundance