Navigation

Early this morning the fog was so thick I could only see a short distance past my nose. You may be surprised to learn that I didn't mind. It's kind of a metaphor for how I live my life. I'm used to living in the present and don't think too far ahead, because I've learned that circumstances can change as often as the weather. It took four tries before I found my current home, and my instincts tell me that it will be the last.

Jenny wears glasses so that she can see well past her nose, but I don't think they work in fog so I doubt she sees much past her nose either. I'm not sure whether she lives moment to moment like I do, or thinks ahead by days or even seasons using a kind of mental map. I suspect she thinks ahead in an attempt to control or quickly respond to events that arise. I'd like to tell her how futile such attempts are. If I could I'd tell her to trust her instincts as I trust mine for they have never failed me.

Regardless of how differently we live and think I enjoy navigating the fog of life with her.

With love & cuddles,

Lottie

Lesson# 35 Navigation requires instinct and foresight.

Patience

I think I'm losing my patience! I spend most of my time waiting for my parents and it's driving me crazy!

Example # 1

Due to the mild weather lately I've been able to go for long walks. I'm very happy about this as there are always many things to smell and investigate. My only disappointment has been waiting for Jenny. She can't always keep up, especially when I'm running up hill in deep snow. Sometimes I'm tempted to bark at her so she knows I want her to hurry up, but I never do (I don't want to push my luck). Instead I do my best to keep going. I know that she's trying to be quick and can't help only having two legs. Poor thing! She reminds me that most dogs walk beside their owners and that I should be grateful that she lets me run ahead of her. The arrogance! I'm pretty sure I could wriggle out of my harness, but I know this would upset her so I try to be patient.

Example # 2

Frequently my parents ask me if I want to "go downstairs for a movie". They know this is one of my favourite activities. Since I'm always in the mood for a movie, I run downstairs as fast as I can (even in the dark) and wait for them on the couch. Meanwhile they take forever getting their sweaters, making tea, bringing down cookies... it's almost enough to drive one to insanity! To speed them up I demean myself by crying loudly in the most annoying way I can muster. Then when they do make it downstairs I get so excited that I run back and forth on the couch wagging my tail and snapping at the air before lying on my back for a belly-rub. Daddy has started calling me "snapper" in a silly voice when I do this. Apparently I remind him of a snapping turtle.

Example # 3

I love the sound of the coffee maker! When I hear coffee brewing I know that "coffee & cuddles" are sure to follow. I'm always eager for cuddles and since coffee is hot and takes awhile for my parents to drink, I get to stay with them even longer than usual. You might think this is a sure thing, but sadly it is not. Sometimes the coffee finishes brewing before they notice, so I have to jump around and whine to remind them. If it wasn't for me they might forget about it all together and remember it hours later when it's cold and ruined.

Now that you've heard all the facts, I'm sure you'll agree that my parents can be exasperating. At least I've kept my dignity intact by remaining calm. Despite such tribulations I know they are minor, and I'm lucky to have moments to look forward to and people to share them with. I will continue to do my best to be patient.

With love & cuddles,

Lottie

Lesson # 34 Patience requires effort, discipline, and empathy -- and it is worth it!