Being a dog

I'm pleased to report that my stitches are out. All that is left of my lump is an unpleasant memory. Jenny said she is still waiting for my test results, whatever that means. I'm just happy that my life has returned to normal. I've been up to my usual antics (chasing squirrels, looking for bunnies, eating street food, barking at everyone, napping, obsessively licking my paws, watching movies with my parents etc....) and nothing could make me happier.

I love my life! I am so grateful that I'm a dog and not a cat, or a mouse, or a leaf. When I was a young pup there were times when I hated being a dog. I was taken from my mother and siblings to go live with a mean person. Those days were long and scary. Fortunately that was many seasons ago. I sometimes have bad dreams about the whole experience, but never give it a moments thought when I am awake. Now I share my life with two nice people. To my parents I'm Lottie, also know as Lottie McDottie and I'm so happy to be a dog.

With love & cuddles,
Lottie

Lesson # 26 Embrace what you are and surround yourself with those who will celebrate you.

Barking

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love to bark! When I am outside I bark at anyone that passes by whether they are people, dogs, cats, or squirrels. It really doesn't matter I just enjoy it. Barking makes me feel tough, and in control. Sometimes I bark just to hear my own voice. When I am inside I like to sit on my favourite chair look out the window and bark at everything that moves. My parents tell me to "stop barking" and after letting out one or two softer barks to show my displeasure with their command, that is usually the end of it.

But today my barking got me into trouble. I was sitting on Dad's lap in my favourite chair by the window when Jenny came in carrying tea for Dad. She was in the process of handing him the tea when I barked and startled her. She spilled hot tea on me, Dad, and both chairs. She looked shocked and Dad was angry. He put me down, stood up and wiped up himself, the chairs, and the floor. Once again I was told "no barking". Only this time I knew they really meant it. I tried my best to look cute and loveable but my efforts were all in vain. After this I kept extra quiet and held a sorry, repentant look on my face.

Shortly thereafter they told me that they loved me, but that I needed to be a good girl and to save my barking for important things. This will be really challenging for me because I love barking so much, it's just part of my nature, however, I'm really going to try this time. I know that listening and observing has its rewards too. Is this why I have two ears, two eyes, and only one mouth?

With love & cuddles,
Lottie



Lesson# 25 Never bark more than you listen or you may end up in hot water.

The lump

My parents tricked me! Instead of taking me on a fun car ride to the park, they took me to the veterinarian! They wanted to show the man the mysterious new lump on my belly. Don't they know how much I hate it there?

The awful smell was the first thing to hit me. The place looked very clean, but smelled like a mixture of bleach and other chemicals, in addition to the smell of fear. Humans probably don't notice this since their noses are not built for it, but animals give off a unique smell when they are afraid. Fear smells kind of earthy, sweaty, and sour. It doesn't make for a relaxing environment despite the good intentions of the people there.

The lady at the front spoke softly to me and even offered me a treat this time but I declined. It's hard to enjoy a snack when you're shaking from fear. After they weighed me I got to see the vet. He seemed nice enough, but he always pokes me! This time he decided that my lump needed to be removed and sent away to a lab for testing. My parents are hoping it is benign whatever that means. After the examination the man took me away and the next thing I remember was walking back down the hall and seeing my parents. I was so tired on the way home that I could barely keep my head up. Jenny told me that the vet gave me a sedative and a local anesthetic before removing the lump and sewing me back up.

That evening was rough. After the sedative wore off I felt the pain and whimpered frequently. Jenny stayed close by and did her best to soothe me, but things didn't get any better until the next day. The 2nd day brought discomfort and minimal movement. I found it hard to get comfortable and didn't do any jumping or running. My parents kindly picked me up and put me on the couch or chair whenever they noticed I wanted up. I've also slept a lot lately. It's just easier that way. My stitches were especially itchy on the 3rd day. I had to get sneaky with my scratching since Jenny was quick to stop me which was very frustrating. Things have improved each day since then.

I still don't understand why I got a lump, or why it had to be removed, but I know myself well enough to know that there is much I don't know, and will never know. The one thing I am most sure of is that my parents love me and will do their best to keep me healthy (even if it involves a small measure of deceit). If anyone wanted my recipe for happiness I would tell them that the two most important ingredients are love and health. As I learn more I will bark you the rest of the recipe...

With love & cuddles,
Lottie



Lesson# 24 Look after yourself and when you can't let those who love you help.

Inter-species friendships

Since I am a dog, the comings and goings of my life are directed by my parental guardians. Everyday they make decisions regarding my food, walking, bathroom, and sleep schedule in addition to grooming, and veterinarian visitations. Most topics leave little room for negotiation, however, there is one exception. I decide who I want to be friends with.

For instance, I am friends with Chief and Toby, but not with Hudson, Zoey, or the many other dogs whose names I don't know. I can tell that my parents would like me to have more friends, but I'm afraid that is up to me. Jenny has told me that I shouldn't limit myself to dogs. She has suggested that I remain open-minded, and receptive to forming friendships with animals from other species. She says it would be enriching and rewarding.

She has told me that there are many examples of inter-species friendships. Sometimes one of the animals is orphaned, and a mother from another species steps in to help, while other times neither animal is orphaned. She claims that friendships have existed, and will continue to exist, between cats and birds, cats and rats, dogs and cats, and she even told me a story about an orphaned baby Hippopotamus named Owen who befriended a 130 year old Tortoise named Mzee in Mombasa.

Since I have never met a hippopotamus or tortoise, I'll surmise that it is because they live very far away. Maybe I should try befriending a bird instead? Perhaps I could get one to teach me how to sing? What would I sing about? Or maybe I could convince a red squirrel to be my friend? She could show me where she's hidden her treasure. I wonder if I could find a bunny for a friend? We could chase each other around the yard! Why didn't I think of this before?


With love & cuddles,
Lottie



Lesson# 23 Remain open to exploring new and unusual friendships.