Greyt Lessons

It goes without saying that I’m totally smitten with greyhounds. And I know my hounds very well. Recently though, it’s come to my awareness that I have unique connections with each pup.

I was in awe of Josie. She was our first and so she was way ahead of me on the nature of greyhound/human relationships. She patiently taught me much I needed to learn and, looking back, I realize some of what I learned was at her expense. I have some things to apologize for when we meet again. It was undoubtedly obvious to the veterans that I was a newby, and yet, Queen Josie was a benevolent teacher who never took advantage of my naiveté. When I got home in the evening she would kindly get off the couch and grace me with a wag or two but would then return to the couch. Any further interaction required that I go to her. She taught me that I needed to be worthy of a greyhound’s affection.

Buddy wanted only gentleness – well, that and pizza. He was an amazing ambassador, always ready with a friendly greeting. He tried to trust in the safety of the world but had a marked timid streak and frequently needed anchoring. There was no such thing as discipline in Buddy’s world. It would have crushed him, so it’s fortunately he was perfect. He taught me the power of gentleness.

Cissie and I had a strong spiritual connection from the very beginning. She picked me out of a crowd - walked right up and put her head in my lap at Kanab – before I knew she was the very dog we’d come to pick up. She was the one whose grief matched my own when Josie died. She was the one with whom I “sang” for healing and yet, she had an independent streak a mile wide. She was coy and elusive when it came to cuddling but was delighted when I pushed myself on her and pulled her into my lap to snuggle. From her I was reminded of the indomitable nature of Spirit.

And then there was Aero. Physically, he was a wreck, but true to his nickname (Red Skelton) he was the ultimate canine comedian and wished only to bring joy to all he met. Nothing pleased him more than to hear laughter that he’d elicited. It made him positively glow. He taught me the wealth to be found in laughter.

Frosty was the Dutchess. She never sought to rule in any obvious way but both Tory and Sadie (the cat) discovered it was a bad idea to get in her face. She was so much “bigger” than her physical being suggested. Since her departure, the magnitude of her “presence” is even more obvious, reminding me to celebrate each moment as if it were your last.

Tory has both pannus and epilepsy so I’m likely more protective of her. Some might even say servile. I think it’s really the chicken or the egg question, but I suppose it’s possible I’ve created the demanding little princess that she is. If she decides it’s cookie time, she simply marches right up and barks at me. I sigh dramatically and fetch one for her, but one blip in her aura puts me on high alert. I’m well aware that her life may not be a long one. She makes me content to serve.

And Arlo. What a dufus! He’s a combination of Buddy’s sweet spirit, Aero’s humor and his own penchant for juvenile delinquency. But he’s not without a conscience. When we come home at the end of the work day to find him sheepishly watching us from his bed in the corner, we never have to look far to find what he’s been up to. What do you do with a charming imp who continues to break the rules but who then puts himself in time out? And I wonder if it’s that same charm that sways me to allow him to put his front feet on my shoulders for hugs twice a day? That certainly would not have been allowed 10 years ago but then, come to think of it, we’ve had no other greykids who asked. From Arlo I get many, many opportunities to practice patience.

Each pup' needs are different. Each has unique ways to enrich my life. Each shapes the human/hound connection to suit them. Would that I can be a student as enlighted by the lessons as my four footed teachers are sincere in their offerings – and their love.