Today’s guest blogger is positive thinking pooch Winky Wong.
Mom’s on deadline editing stories for the August Guideposts so I thought I’d take over her iPaw—I mean, iPad—and help with her blog. You’ve probably heard that she busted her knee a few weeks ago. That’s meant a lot of changes in her daily life—and mine.
Even though dogs are generally better at optimistic thinking than people are (what dog isn’t always hoping that a treat might drop from the sky?), there’s one thing we just don’t do well. And that’s coping with change. We’re like kids that way. Structure and consistency help us feel secure.
All the disruptions in my routine have freaked me out but I’m trying to look at them with a more positive attitude. I miss our walks and our trips to the dog run to play with my BFF, Millie. I can’t figure out what’s with those strange silver sticks Mom’s hobbling around with (I keep sniffing them for identification purposes). When Mom leaves our den now I have no idea how long she’s going to be gone (and I can’t tell whether I have time to sneak up on the big bed).
Then again, there have been some positive developments. Like the nice people who take me for my walks now. Cynthia and Sharon praise me for being sweet and smart. And Chris always greets me with a big “Hi, gorgeous!” What girl doesn’t appreciate that, especially when she’s getting on in years?
I got to spend a weekend in the Berkshires with Millie and her family (Mom stayed in the city to rest her leg). I love the country! There’s a big lawn, lots of hikes (here’s a picture of Millie and me on one of them), wild critters to chase and plenty of sticks to chew. Millie’s daddy, Ed, even throws burgers on the grill for us. (I don’t know why he feels like he needs to cook our meat.)
I see more of Mom because she isn’t out and about as much as usual. It’s so nice to spend a lazy Saturday hanging out on the couch together. (However, I still think that I should occupy two couch cushions while she gets one—after all, she’s a small woman and I’m a big dog.)
Last but not least, there’s the Magic Bowl. Normally after we get home from our walks, I have to wait for Mom to put away my leash, wipe my paws, take off her shoes and prep my food before I can eat. It’s a looong wait for a hungry dog. Now I head for my bowl as soon as I get back to the den and breakfast or dinner is already there. It’s magic!
I’m still not completely convinced change is good but it’s getting better. Or maybe I should say, the way I’m looking at it now, my bowl is half full.
P.S. If you love dogs, check out the new digizine my mom and her coworkers put together, The Joys of a New Dog. Millie and I are in it too!
