Despite the fact that I am biting at the bit to write about societal conflicts, I am choosing to write about true companions.
Despite the fact that I should be refining and completing my children’s book, I am choosing to write about true companions.
Despite the fact that I don’t have a heck of a lot of inspiration to write about anything that wouldn’t offend someone in this moment, I am choosing to write about true companions.
I am not referring to Marc Cohn’s song, ‘True Companion’, although some of the lyrics could apply.
I am writing about our pets.
Our dogs and cats, maybe fish and rabbits.
This is in honor of the pets who fill voids humans unintentionally leave. The pets who offer unlimited attention, comfort, and loyalty. The pets who we sometimes, yet hopefully not too often (if at all), take for granted.
My reminder was evident over the past two days – not that I needed a reminder.
Our home was disrupted. I was having work done in my office which resulted in an array of daily essentials and decor being strewn throughout. Being one who likes everything in it’s place, it was disconcerting, yet necessary. Let me tell you – we often don’t realize how much we accumulate over the years until we need to disassemble it and make room elsewhere. Wow! It can be a wake-up call and maybe a reminder that a minimalist mindset might be something to consider.
You might have to know her to understand, or you may need to be a dog (or pet) person to get it, but my pampered pooch was clearly concerned.
Anytime something changes in our living space, she reacts. Whether it is bringing something new into the home, or rearranging items – she takes notice and isn’t shy about letting me know.
Having had dogs my entire life, this little bundle of emotions is quite unique – and fascinating. Every feeling she has clearly shows. She has no concept of poker face and actively ‘shares’ what she thinks about what is going on at any given moment.
Those who know, know. There is an unspoken language between a pet and it’s human. There is communication, an understanding. There is a love and loyalty that no human would ever be capable of delivering.
We endured the disruption. If you think you don’t have a routine, like I did, think again. Sometimes we have routines and rituals that we are not even cognizant of because they’re habitual. It just happens, without thought – until there is the slightest change.
As I moved through this, I was reminded of what a true companion means.
I am blessed with a just shy of 6-pound canine delight. I can grow slightly annoyed at times by her constant desire for attention (no matter how much she gets) – to play ball, beg for bully sticks, or for us to simply look at her with undivided focus.
Yet she is a ‘true companion’.
As I moved from room to room, changing seats while working, she was by my side, confused by the shift in routine – but by my side. She wasn’t thrilled and no matter what diversion I offered, she wasn’t happy unless I was involved. I’d throw the ball for a few minutes and when done, she wouldn’t play alone. I made sure her favorite bed and toys were close by, but she still pouted and gave me the saddest puppy eyes more times than I can count.
She’s also a diva, who knows how to push my buttons, often fondly referred to as a ‘little s%^&”.
I move – she moves. I walk – she follows. I speak – she tilts her head. Never am I alone.
How rare it is when she is not under my feet. If she isn’t, that’s a concern because she’s definitely up to no good, busy being a naughty, naughty little dog.
What is a true companion?
Your dog, your cat. Maybe your fish, your hamster.
We are their world. They live only for us. No matter what we are up to, they simply anticipate our attention and soak up any love they receive – even if it’s just a glance, a quick pat, or a positive word. We have so much to accomplish every day, much to do – they only have us.
Never take them for granted. Love them unconditionally – as they do us.
