Saved by the Dog

He has no idea what is going on right now. He doesn’t know hours or time or much of anything really, except that his humans and bacon mean a lot to him.

We are home with him MUCH more than we were before, except for his “dad”, who works from home anyway. He sleeps at my feet or next to me, depending on where I have placed myself in the house. Sofa – next to me. Dining table – under the old church pew we use as seating (that is where he is as I type this).

I am speaking of our dog. Our “good boy”. Our pal, fluffy friend and comforter in time of sorrow. Sure, we have other comforts, like food and television and meditation (in my case prayer). However, this dog, this creature somehow also brings light to the dark. Maybe it’s the fact that he is so oblivious, we can also be so for a little while, as we pet him and tell him how cute he is.

We walk him almost every night and he still barks at other dogs and gets too excited for his own good. He has a fan club of kids (and adults) in the neighborhood and many people know his name but others who do not still say, “ah, SHE’s so cute!” They don’t know him like we do, clearly. I cannot imagine what it’s like to not be his owner, and only be someone who gets to pet him every once and a while.

He eats kibble and pretty much anything else any one of the seven people living in this house are willing to share with him. Although he does not get THAT much people food. Usually just bits of bacon, other cooked meat (not too fatty) or bites of crackers, popcorn or apple. He still plays “fetch” occasionally and knows when the Lean Treats come out. He can do a few tricks but recently when I tried to teach him to “speak”, the saying “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was apropos.

Oliver (a.ka. Ollie, Olivier-ster, Smoochie, SuchAGuy, Mooley, Dog-O, Dog-A-Dros) is truly the best boy. So loyal and loving. So tolerant of the kids and their “hugs” (more like attacks) and constant attention. He was always by my side after I broke my leg last year. He was there for me when I was sad through separation and divorce. He is a good companion and listens really well. Okay, we all know that last part is only because he doesn’t talk.

I grew up with dogs but I have never loved a dog like I love Oliver. This is the most attached I have ever been to any animal I have ever lived with. He is truly a part of our family and we often call him “the sixth child”.

Today is his 6th birthday and we plan to celebrate by giving him extra treats. I have also encouraged the children to treat him to more space and alone time because I know he would enjoy that. I hope he’s not counting on it though…

I wish he could understand when I tell him how much we love and adore him. Instead we will just have to continue to show it. Thanks for being such a good boy, Oliver.