LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fridays are Golden

We have only two dogs.  Yet sometimes it seems there are dogs everywhere you step.  They instinctively know how to be underfoot.  Interestingly enough, they are not always together in the house.  Lucy will always be where the people are.  Sometimes Ellie will just go lie in her crate.  I often wonder if that's the only way she can get away from Lucy who always wants to share Ellie's space.  Perhaps, like me, Ellie needs a certain amount of time and space for herself.

Lucy loves to use Ellie as a pillow, sometimes even a sofa.





I'm not sure if this is an act of affection, or if Ellie is so squnched she has no other place to put her leg.



Ellie has never gone to lie in the same bed as Lucy.  But never once has she snarled or otherwise made Lucy feel unwelcome to share her space.  Lucy has been known to fall asleep, her head on Ellie's back and growl if Ellie suddenly gets up.


I often wonder how people without pets ever manage to get away from the worries of life.  So often I will sit or lie on the floor with the dogs and before long I feel better.  Their heads on my knees, so happy to be with me helps me put life in perspective.

George Bird Evans had a quote about dogs that I love:
I think we are drawn to dogs because they are uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.  They fight for honor, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death.  Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying.

I do worry a lot.  About our country, about our planet, and most especially about the growing intolerance that abounds.  I often wish I were more like my dogs.  I'm thankful that my time with them takes me away from my worries.


HAVE A HAPPY AND WORRY-FREE WEEKEND, EVERYONE OF YOU!

19 comments:

LoieJ said...

I've been telling people that I'm happily petless these last 4 years. Now I don't have to worry about the pets. But your point is well taken: There were times that being with the pets was very calming. But now I'm able to go visit our mothers (ages 93 and 94) and the grandkids and even NC and not worry about what to do with the pets.

Elora said...

And they seem to know our faults and love us in spite of them! Lovely post!

Elora

Busy Bee Suz said...

Both of your girls are so special.
I DO love that quote too, and as much as I complain about my critters, they bring a lot of joy into our lives.
Have a wonderful and worry-free weekend.
Suz

Taradharma said...

well, I have 3 dogs and they are always underfoot. But I get great pleasure out of watching their uninhibited behaviors -- the chihuahua humping the pit bull! It's a laugh riot.

For all the hassles they bring, they also bring love, warmth, acceptance, and a balm to sooth my worry. Like you, I do worry about what we are coming to , what we may become. Quick - grab and snuggle a doggie!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What an enjoyable post, and what a great quote too!! I may have to borrow that...Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Barb said...

I'm thankful for Lucy and Ellie, too! Now that my own Golden Girl is gone, I depend on yours for a my weekly doggy fix. Have a restful weekend, Carolyn.

Toni aka irishlas said...

Two of our three are always underfoot. The old guy is quite content to have time to himself.

Animals do help soothe our worried souls, don't they? And they do it so effortlessly! And unselfishly, too.

D.K. Wall said...

Imagine how underfoot our world is - laughing. I do agree with you about the psychological value of being surrounded by dogs. Just a little time with them, and I can feel stress pulling away.

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

I don't know what I would do without my dogs. I too often feel much better after sitting with them. They are allow on the couch but sometime they just don't want to sit on the couch with me, so I will go and sit on the floor with them.

How Sam Sees It said...

I think dogs have it all figured out - what a cute pair they are!

Sam

carolina nana said...

I love my dogs and like you I can't imagine not having pets around.I have a magnet on my fridge that says " I only hope I'm the kind of person my dog thinks I am". Unconditional love is special.
have a blessed weekend

KGMom said...

I am so in agreement with you about how dogs help us manage. Our (new) dog Ziva is so warm and comforting, it is just a delight to sit next to her.

abb said...

Such beautiful girls. And there is no way in the world your TWO dogs could possibly be underfoot more than my ONE dog! Stella-dog is impossible!

Jayne said...

I miss having a dog, but with Sam's issues regarding allergies and such, we've not had very good luck with those we've tried to have. I love that quote, and like you, wish our lives were sometimes as carefree.

KB said...

I agree with you - I cannot imagine my life without a dog or three sharing it. They show me how to live fully and happily.

I love the anecdotes about Lucy and Ellie. What an interesting dynamic they have!

Enjoy your weekend.

SouthernSass said...

I love my dog Rascal and spending time with him does make me feel better - more at peace and relaxed. Have a great weekend with your wonderful girls!

Vicki Lane said...

So true about pets -- I can't imagine life without their companionship.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments everyone.

PS - I agree there is freedom in not having pets but we are fortunate to have a wonderful dog walker if we're gone during the day and a woman who boards them at her home when we are away.

Herd - It must get pretty raggedy andy around there sometimes, especially if the cousins are visiting.

troutbirder said...

Exactly. Their devotion comes without reservation. Loyalty unbounded. Friendship forever.