(Emmett at practice a couple of years ago)
I don't want to begin this post with a poor me litany, but I need a preface for the thing to make sense.
Let's just say that since March, I've have more than the usual opportunities to build my character. Way more.
Last night I was calmly listing the factors involved in creating the sensation that my head was screwed on too tight. You know, the feeling that your eyeballs didn't fit in your skull anymore and at any moment they would go *BOING* and pop out on cartoon springs, while your ears flap like two flags in a hurricane. Bill listened, and agreed that events over which I have no control were standing in a long line to whack the snot out of me.
"All you can do is take it as it comes and do what you can to get through it," said my wise and wonderful husband.
That conversation happened while I was packing up Swede William and Lindy Loo for their weekly handling class (practice for dog shows) at the Kennel Club. I would pick up Emmett on the way. Sometimes it's a pain in the ass to get up the energy to go.
An Afghan hound breeder and I share the teaching duties. She's been wonderful about taking up the slack when I can't be there. Plus, she's a talented handler. I learn a lot just by watching her.
Last night I wanted to work with Emmett. He needed more one-on-one than I'd been able to give him. Vicki kindly put her own dog away and let me be a participant.
Nothing earth-shattering happened. Emmett did great. I watched other dogs improve. We laughed. We encouraged each other. We celebrated Esther's wins with her Shar Pei puppy - her first ever wins with her first ever show dog. I fed my soul with forkfuls of a silly happy whippet standing like a champion race horse. Wearing a look of eagles and then dissolving in goosey wags.
Oh. Wait. Something earth-shattering did happen. My headache went away. The knots in my gut relaxed. I forgot that I was worried. I played with dogs.
I just played with my dogs. And that is what I love to do.
hug your hounds
Posts
My dogs are the greatest comfort I have. You may have to explain to your husband what the problems are, but never to your dogs. They just know what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh. Nothing better than a little whippet therapy. Works every time.
ReplyDeleteSue, Gracie, and HotRod
I can TOTALLY relate to that. Miss Maisie has magical powers when it comes to making me feel good!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!! Your dogs are so beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteBetter than Tylenol. But slightly more expensive.
ReplyDeletegussie
Ahh, it may be more expensive than tylenol, but dogs give SOOOO much.
ReplyDeleteIn a word: Blisspoint. Or maybe it's two words. I dunno. But being with dogs makes me blissful... and that's definitely one word!
ReplyDeleteWe are the best medicine!
ReplyDeleteTake care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
One of my poodles will just look me in the eyes and let me talk about concerns. She acts like she understands what I'm saying. I start to cry, cuddle her. I cry some more but then is out of gratitude for having such a wonderful dog. Then she gives me a big lick as if to say it will all work out. And you know, it usually does.
ReplyDeleteNo popping ears here. Instead, my scalp "crawls" like it doesn't want to cover my head any more when stress gets too great. Lucky for all of us, our dogs provide a lifeline. And, getting the stressors down on paper is not a bad coping strategy either. Cuts out some of the monkey chatter in our heads.
ReplyDeleteMom says we're all her children and her therapy at the same time...
ReplyDeleteRudy
I love whippet therapy. And i love my animal-loving friends, who don't raise a skeptical eyebrow or roll a judgmental eye at the concept of such strong therapy coming from interaction with dogs. Hugs from Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeleteOh PL2 says she is sooooo relating..Love and kisses A+A
ReplyDeletei so get what you mean! i can't watch my dogs running around without my spirits lifting. and horses are great for calming me down!
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog. It's wonderful. You have just explained why I have so many posts about playing with my dogs. We'll be back.
ReplyDeleteThank dogness our mommy likes to play with us too!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you found this time of peace and joy. Dogs' healing powers are amazing.
ReplyDeleteAll our best and may more peace come your way,
Jackie and two beagles
Bill is a wise guy. And I mean that in the wise/smart guy kinda way, not like he's a Wise Guy in the mob. I am glad your headache went away. We dogs really should be covered as a part of health plans. We do a body (and soul) good.
ReplyDeletewally t.