I think I need to channel my inner dog

stickywicket

Last week, as our son and family were away for a long day, we were dogsitting. I don't want a dog - or another cat or any more pets - but they can be instructive. I should explain that she is a young Border Collie, an outdoor lass. I have since decided I should:

• show huge enthusiasm and affection for any member of my immediate pack who returns (though I know Mr SW would be deeply suspicious of my motives😉) and give other people a cursory nose of a greeting (as they're mostly boring)
• Start each day with great eagerness for what it will bring (forgetting that that means laundry, washing up, cooking and cleaning)
• Embark on every routine trip away from home (mostly docs and hospital) with anticipation of wonderful new things happening
• regard food as boring and a distraction from real life - unless it involves salmon or cheese

I think, in my next reincarnation, I might be a dog - in a good home, of course.😄

Fif

Yes, we can learn a lot from dogs. In my experience they're much more tolerant and forgiving than the average human and are happy to take every day as it comes. Our two are certainly good at making sure I get my exercise and a great comfort when I'm feeling sorry for myself.

Rachpeach

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58315/i-think-i-need-to-channel-my-inner-dog

As a newbie to the forum and an in-training future dog trainer, you're post cheered me no end and gave me a much needed giggle. Must rush and shake my tail, I need a river swim to cool off..thanks for bringing some joy stickywicket😅

Lilymary

I wish I could be a dog person in that respect. I'm more of an inner cat, which isn't as helpful:

• wake up each morning expecting food to be served, and contemplating the possibility of killing something
• view other household members solely as sources of food and affection, and openers of doors
• avoid non household members unless they clearly don't like you, in which case demand their attention just to be perverse
• regard all trips away from home as harbingers of doom and suffering

However, my inner cat has also learnt to endure suffering and surgery with immense stoicism and to battle on regardless, without seeking sympathy or special attention, and to be there with gifts (preferably not mice) and fuss if someone else is distressed. My little tabby Lily became my role model after she went through multiple surgeries without complaint, hence my user name. She was a fighter to the end.

stickywicket

@Rachpeach - if I've given you a smile I'm pleased . Laughter is definitely the best medicine but thank you for letting me know.

@Lilymary - now you're scaring me. You always seem to be such a kind, thoughtful person. I'd no idea you woke up contemplating murder😃

But you've also reminded me that our cat could never be found once the cat basket came out (invariably to take her to the vet). However, once there she would leap back in every few seconds.

A friend reckoned that, in a room full of people, a cat will always leap on the knee of the person who dislikes cats because all the others are trying really hard to get the cat's attention. Only the cat hater looks determinedly away and so offers peace.

frogmorton

Brilliant🤣🤣🤣

Just what I needed on this rainy Wednesday morning.

Thank you all for this😊

I think I have channeled my inner Sloth - no explanation require - just watch out for my claws😉

Toni x