I've been fortunate to have had dogs for 53 years of my life. With the exception of my first dog, my last sweet boy, Bocci, was my absolute best friend with the most affectionate, warm personality. And yes, he slept with his scruffy head on the pillow next to mine.
What a great column--can totally relate. About a year ago, we called you up one morning and pulled into Tulsa that afternoon... to see you and your chosen home city at that time. We are a package deal, Bob and I and Beau, our black 1/2 lab. You worked with us to find an outdoor restaurant and fun things to do that were dog-friendly. You showed the 3 of us so much cool Tulsa stuff: Woodie Guthrie Museum, Greenwood outdoor experience, Gathering Place, etc.! A total highlight of our trip. You were so understanding about where we were coming from as far as Beau was concerned.
And that's the way it is. Because... he was there when everything else was flying apart. He was there. Grounding us.
Daughter had dogs. She too has had similar issues. Dog was allergic to special food, pumpkin. Started feeding her cooked sweet potatoes, which is working. Sending hugs to both of you.
I grew up as one of five, and then, when my mom married again, six children. We always had dogs. Chaos prevailed but so did, as you say, warmth and life. I went for years without pets after my son moved on to adulthood but have had them now for the past twenty years. You are right, they can make everything feel more like home, more alive. And there is something about the way a small dog settles into the arms that gets that oxytocin flowing. I close my eyes and hurtle back in time to that brief period when I held my son that way. I say this even though not three weeks ago, I spent 24 hours cleaning up puke and bloody diarrhea and spent lots of money on lots of tests at the vet. I hope Maizie is feeling better. She sure is adorable.
🥰 Dogs. I still miss Ben so much, he would’ve been 25 in July. I was the same way about bringing him everywhere.
You and Mazie have a special bond. You helped her deliver her puppies and you saved one of their little lives. You’ve been through some shit together. ❤️
I loved having a dog as a child, but we lived in the country and the dog lived in the garage, and all I had to do was fill his bowl. Our kids want a dog now, but we can barely keep up with taking care of them! Walking a dog, dealing with hair indoors, baths, etc, would be too much!
I've been fortunate to have had dogs for 53 years of my life. With the exception of my first dog, my last sweet boy, Bocci, was my absolute best friend with the most affectionate, warm personality. And yes, he slept with his scruffy head on the pillow next to mine.
I never really considered the beneficial aspects of chaos, but you're right. I don't want to flatline.
What a great column--can totally relate. About a year ago, we called you up one morning and pulled into Tulsa that afternoon... to see you and your chosen home city at that time. We are a package deal, Bob and I and Beau, our black 1/2 lab. You worked with us to find an outdoor restaurant and fun things to do that were dog-friendly. You showed the 3 of us so much cool Tulsa stuff: Woodie Guthrie Museum, Greenwood outdoor experience, Gathering Place, etc.! A total highlight of our trip. You were so understanding about where we were coming from as far as Beau was concerned.
And that's the way it is. Because... he was there when everything else was flying apart. He was there. Grounding us.
Chaos reminds us of all that we don’t - can’t - control. Dogs, children, husbands, etc!
Such a heartwarming post. I have two dogs at home and one of them is semi paralysed and my whole life revolves around them
We’ve almost always had dogs and/or cats. They are our fur babies.
But how is Maize after her most recent trip to the vet? My tendency with our pets is to immediately presume the worst. Hope she is well.
Daughter had dogs. She too has had similar issues. Dog was allergic to special food, pumpkin. Started feeding her cooked sweet potatoes, which is working. Sending hugs to both of you.
My dog Max was a human trapped in a dog's body. Also I will look at the chaos in my life differently from now on. Thanks for pointing this out.
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I grew up as one of five, and then, when my mom married again, six children. We always had dogs. Chaos prevailed but so did, as you say, warmth and life. I went for years without pets after my son moved on to adulthood but have had them now for the past twenty years. You are right, they can make everything feel more like home, more alive. And there is something about the way a small dog settles into the arms that gets that oxytocin flowing. I close my eyes and hurtle back in time to that brief period when I held my son that way. I say this even though not three weeks ago, I spent 24 hours cleaning up puke and bloody diarrhea and spent lots of money on lots of tests at the vet. I hope Maizie is feeling better. She sure is adorable.
🥰 Dogs. I still miss Ben so much, he would’ve been 25 in July. I was the same way about bringing him everywhere.
You and Mazie have a special bond. You helped her deliver her puppies and you saved one of their little lives. You’ve been through some shit together. ❤️
I loved having a dog as a child, but we lived in the country and the dog lived in the garage, and all I had to do was fill his bowl. Our kids want a dog now, but we can barely keep up with taking care of them! Walking a dog, dealing with hair indoors, baths, etc, would be too much!