Relative Perspectives

As promised, my update on the relative dog vs cat perspectives seems timely.  Miracles do still happen.  They are both still alive and well, though somewhat injured in paradigms and pride.  The interaction between Moisai Dei (Bubba, as I call him) and Haddie remind me that, in this world, things are not always what we would like them to be.

Take Bubba for instance; he is the center of his world, and thinks he should be the center of everyone else’s world too.  He immediately greets one of the pack when we come within 20 yards of his space (I think that’s about as far as he can see clearly).  The digit attached to the south end of this north-bound dog wags excitedly at just a glance from one of the subjects in his pack.  It will even wag for those who aren’t in his circle of friends, as long as his pack is nearby for backup.

Family is important to Bubba.  When one member leaves,  he is disjointed, and the concern shows in his expressions and his actions.  If his “mom” leaves, even for a short time, he sits by the door, watches out the windows, even whines a little until she returns.  No other arms can console him - not even his stuffed-racoon can ease his pain.  Any attempts to distract him, though they may be appreciated, do not deter him from his mission of bringing his family into unity again.

This is definitely a one-person dog.  It is clear to see who is the Alpha in his eyes.  Without her nearness and rapt attention, this four legged critter is not whole. You can almost see the weight of the world drop from his body when she returns.

Late last night I attended Bible Study and when I returned I was greeted with wagging tail, joyous leaps and even a whine or two - so I think I’m making progress at being a full-fledged member of Bubba’s pack.

As he ran excitedly between his “mom” and me, I could almost hear him telling her that the prodigal pack-member had returned, prepare the special meal.  Kathy had been baking cookies all evening and I’m sure he just wanted one to celebrate my return.  Or, Bubba’ gladness at my return may have been a covert operational distraction to avoid going to the doghouse!  (As it turns out he had already stolen a cookie off the cooling rack - sometimes temptation is just too much to bare!)

If you’ve ever watched a baby sleeping, you’ll understand the peace and contentment I see in Bubba when his pack is together and he is totally at peace.  All it takes is a slight shiver when his “mom”  or I are looking, and he is wrapped snug and warm in his soft blanket for a snooze.  At four pounds, and not an ounce of fat on his bones, (and, because he is a south-of-the-border pooch anyway), it doesn’t take much to cause shivers.

Watching Bubba’s world leads me to ponder:  Isn’t family a wonderful thing?!  I mean, here is a unit of people, bound together in love and commitment, whether by blood and/or by choice, who share, care and support each other in any situation.  Each with their own story, their own perspectives, yet willing to unite through thick or thin - sacrificing self for the good of the whole.

I envy Bubba for his straight-forward, simple passions.  I yearn for the deep, peaceful sleep he so easily falls into.  I wish my life were as simple.  Motivated by acceptance and love from his pack, Bubba is one lucky dog.  He is loved, cared for, warm, fed and happy - most of the time.  Here’s where Haddie comes in.

Bubba hasn’t quite figured out how Haddie fits into his pack yet.  He knows she belongs, somehow.  Both his “mom” and I give her attention.  She is getting braver now and joins him, at his level, on the floor -  yet she is slightly taller, wider and outweighs him 3+ to 1.  He wants to play, but her hisses stop him short.  She hasn’t quite gotten a handle on that kind of spring-board energy.

He’ll gladly chase her, if she’ll run.  So far he hasn’t caught her yet.  I really think she eggs him on sometimes - like she wants to be chased.    I’m thinking they both want to play with each other, but neither has quite figured out the rules yet.

We’re making progress - the pack is expanding.  Now we just have to get by the sibling rivalry.  Bubba is not good at sharing attention yet.  If Bubba doesn’t come when Kathy calls him, all Kathy has to do is call Haddie and then Bubba comes running.  Heaven forbid Haddie might get a smidgen of attention in his place!  Hopefully he will figure out that there’s more than enough attention to go around.