Growing
up I didn’t have any brothers. I did have two “sisters.” When I was born my
parents had a beautiful red golden retriever named Shannon. She had a gentle
soul and was a good influence on me (for example she always used the sidewalk
and never ran into the street after her ball). I was in first grade when she
passed on so I don’t remember much of her besides what I see in pictures (I
have a mostly terrible, sometimes amazing memory). Pictures of her in my tent
with me, next to me on my first day of school, accepting a tennis ball from me
when I was just a toddler and so on and so on. I never had any invisible
friends (from what I can remember), but I did imagine that Shannon was the closest thing to an older sister. My parents had adopted her long before I ever came
along and needless to say losing her was extremely tough on everyone.
A few years
went by and apparently I was going through dog withdrawal and starting asking
my parents for another dog. I would sometimes even crawl onto my mom’s lap and
make panting noises as if I was a puppy. I might not have had imaginary
friends, but I definitely had an interesting imagination that’s for sure. Finally,
my parents relented. When I was in third grade (I think…) we drove a few hours North
to pick up a white fluffy golden retriever that we named Daisy (middle name
Roo).
If
Shannon was equivalent to an “older sister”, Daisy was definitely a troublemaker
“younger sister” that was spoiled just like youngest children usually are.
Despite emergency trips to the vet and other mishaps she was also a wonderful
dog and companion to all of us. She was always there waiting for you with a
wagging tail and a kiss so you could hardly stay mad at her. After I left for
college it became evident that Daisy was no longer a happy go lucky puppy
anymore and after receiving treatments for multiple types of cancer it was then
her turn to leave us. Just because you’ve experience something before, it doesn’t
mean it’s any easier the second time.
After
that quite a few things happened: years passed, I graduated from college and also
got married and moved to Kentucky. Now my parents were really empty-nesters. With
my own new-found happiness I really wanted to share that feeling with my
parents somehow and the opportunity came in Zeus. Long story short, Zeus was a
dog I met and loved immediately. The time came when he needed a new home and I
thought he would be perfect for my parents and they in turn would be perfect
for them (there I went running away with my imagination again, making up
stories in my head about how happy they would all be together). He came into my
parents lives around the time that he was a year old. It was definitely a leap
of faith for my parents to uproot their lives and schedule in order to add
another addition into the family as well as to overcome the fear of once again opening
themselves up to loss.
After
having female golden retrievers for so long, it was an interesting adjustment
to learn the nuisances of a male dog of a mixed breed. Now after almost a year
everyone is well adjusted and happy. Zeus loves their backyard to run in and is
obsessed with playing ball. He follows my parents around everywhere and they have
a mutual affection for him. My mom texts me funny pictures of Zeus and when I
talk to my Dad on the phone he frequently thanks me for bringing Zeus into
their life. It may sound incredibly silly to those who have never had a dog
before, but the simple joy and love they can bring about is truly astounding.
And now
for another dose of my imagination… I’ve always wondered what goes on in a dog’s
mind and what they would say if they
could talk (there is a book I distinctly remember my mom reading to me about a
dog talking after eating alphabet soup, so it could happen) and whether or not
they have feelings.
In honor
of the goofy, gangly “little brother” I’ve gained in Zeus I’ve tried to tap
into his mind in order to write a funny little story from a his point of view.
It’s also a reminder to not take for granted the joy that the simple things in
life can bring. Enjoy.
A Morning in the Life of Zeus
(Ricky Bobby Ginger Pye Caboose):
My
internal alarm just went off. I wonder how long I’ll have to lay here until she
opens her eyes and acknowledges me. She’s facing me this morning and I know she
can see me from her pillow, now if she would just open one darn eye. Maybe if I
sigh loud enough. Ah ha! Gotcha! I just saw her eyes flutter underneath the
lids, this is a good sign. Now I just have to act cool so she thinks it was her
idea to wake up. I was a little skeptical at first of my new bed, but now I can
see the true benefit. The edge gives me a great post for observing to the point
where I can easily act like I’m sleeping still. Thank you Mommy.
Finally,
one leg is inching its way from underneath the covers; followed by the other
leg and now the entire woman. YESSSSSSSSSSSS. And I’m up and have resumed my
position by her side. First I’ll follow her to the bathroom and then I’ll be
one step closer to the highlight of my morning. I don’t understand why it takes
her forever to get down the stairs. Two leaps and I’m rounding the corner to
the kitchen and the back door. It looks a little chilly out there, but I
already see a couple birds and a squirrel that I would like to introduce myself
to so let’s get the show on the road. Come on already. Argh.
My ears
hear the sweet sweet noise of the door unlocking. I inch my way over to the
right just a hair, the door opens a sliver and I’m out. Phew. Now that I’ve
stretched and trotted over to the grass the question is squat or leg lift? I’m
feeling a little lazy this morning so I’m gonna go with the squat. Not much of
a stream there, probably because Dad wouldn’t let me have any more water last night
even though I was unbelievable thirsty from that peanut butter flavored
toothpaste. Darn him. How would he like it if I had banned him from a
thirst-quenching beer during the football game last night? Same thing if you
ask me. Unfortunately, I haven’t discerned how to use these gangly paws to open
the refrigerator. Maybe that can be on my to-do list today after the ‘rents
leave for work. After my nap of course.
Now that
I’ve relieved myself it’s time to make to make the mandatory lap around the
yard and make sure there isn’t anyone that I haven’t said hi to yet. Rounding
the pine trees I see one of my squirrel friends and something circular and
orange. Could it be my bouncy ball? Is that my ball? Holy crap… I think it’s
one of my balls. Time to investigate. Oh, nope. False alarm, it’s just a piece
of paper. A post-it note. Hmmm... I think it’s trying to say that even though
it’s not my ball it would be okay to put it in my mouth and give it a taste.
Hmmm… not too crunchy. Easy to chew. Yuck. Crud, what in tarnation was that? Oh
tastes like glue. Hmm… to continue to eat or not? I think not. Moving on.
Alright,
back to finish my round of the yard. Not much to see here. All I know is that I’ve
worked up an appetite. Oh right, it’s breakfast time. I could get used to this
leisurely schedule. I see Mom through the window with her tea in the hand. How
long are you going to make me wait out here lady? Once again, door barely ajar,
squeeze myself through, now where is my breakfast? Oh, there it is, right where
you always put it. Man she is good. Too bad it’s also the same stuff as always.
Huge disappointment. Better eat it fast so I don’t have to even taste it. Great
strategy, although it’s a little dry on my throat. Need some water. Ahhhhhhhhhhh
much better. Uh oh, Mom looks like somebody made a mess with the water over
here you better get over here and wipe it up.
Okay,
time to find my main ball-throwing man. I’ll just trot over here to the living
room. Nobody. Downstairs bathroom. Nope. Better run up the stairs and see if I
see anything from up there. Two leaps. Can’t see or hear anything from my perch
up here. How long am I going to have to wait to get a little ball action around
here sheesh. Better go back downstairs and see if maybe Mom wants to play. Looks
like she’s heading for the stairs. Must beat her up them. Phew. I’m a little
tired from all this action.
I think I’ll just lie down and watch her get ready.
Ooooohh maybe if I use my sad eyes on her she’ll give me a few pity throws in the
backyard before she leaves. Or maybe I can get outside and get in the car and
go with her. Much better plan. There’s nothing I love more than a good car
ride. Except maybe my ball, but that’s a given. I am feeling very sleepy. I’ll
just close one eye and watch her with the other so I don’t miss anything. I’m
bored already. I think I’ll just close the other just for a second….
