pets

Shots of the dog Suki, and an update.

I’m six weeks a dog owner now, and it has been a wonderfully exhausting transition period. I sleep better for the three walks a day. I plan to get a fence built in the spring, but I still think two-a-day is a good number. I quite like our walks in starlight.

I’m out and about more than I’ve been since my kids were little and more than that, I’m observant with it. I’ve noticed so many things about my neighbourhood that I’d not paid much attention to in previous years. My neighbourhood walks without a dog were more purposeful – I usually had a place to be, or an exercise goal to achieve.

Walking with the dog means I’m learning to be in the moment more. Suki’s not end-goal-driven when we’re out. She’s interested in the process, in the walk, the smells, and the sounds. She’s a fully present creature. I would take more pictures of her in motion as we ramble, but one of us is not so good at not pulling on the leash as yet.

I tried compensating with a harness for a minute and a half, but those aren’t necessarily the best idea for strong dogs that like to run. Luckily, I maintain good balance while I’m being dragged.

I get angry sometimes when she pulls or lunges, but that’s an instinctively human reaction best quelled. Any issues she has on the leash are my responsibility. Dogs only know what we’ve taught them. Anger, however, is one of those emotions we like to offload. Blame is easier than personal responsibility.

It’s easier to get angry at others than to look at ourselves. Easier still when the other is our responsibility. I wonder why that’s so?

Luckily, Suki has big, brown, eyes that make getting angry at her nigh impossible. She also has resting sorrowful face. Plus, she’s only two. She’s still an excited baby dog. Getting angry at de facto puppies is like getting angry at babies or toddlers. They may not be doing things as we want or wish, but they only want to make us happy.

I’m going to work on her reactivity towards other dogs. She loves other dogs so much, that I sometimes worry she’ll explode from excited wriggles. She wants nothing more than to jump, leap, and play with them as soon as eyes meet. Unfortunately, that’s not always an appropriate or appreciated response. Some dog owners don’t like it, and my shoulder isn’t always a fan.

That she’s cute and is all heart curbs most reactions to her enthusiasm. I do keep her under control. But I feel like a meanie.

She’ll be able to burn off more energy as the weather improves. Nothing wrecks dog walking like Arctic cold fronts followed by torrential rainstorms. There’s a limit to how long Suki’s owner is willing to withstand inclement conditions. Though dog guilt is a powerful motivator.

Do you suppose dogs know they’re adorable? Do you suppose they know how hard it is to stand fast against the whine?

happiness is a post-surgical onesie
not so zen
sad eyes
when you won’t leave the stitches alone
Suki and The Spay
Suki in the crate
no sweet potato, thanks
it’s a ruff life
sweet dreams and a tail
Shots of a Serene Suki
sad eyes – walk me
pretty girl
suki smiles
contemplation
The Headshots

15 thoughts on “Shots of the dog Suki, and an update.”

  2. Oh she’s so pretty for real❤️❤️! You’re so right…warmer weathers are so much better for dogs.

    I found the harness works better than a collar with the tugging and it’s no pressure on their necks. You can also try coming to a complete stop for a few seconds when she tugs. Hopefully, she’ll eventually realize, she’s going no where when she tugs 😊. Have fun!

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    1. Thank you. She really is a love ❤️

      I’d forgotten that things like relationships take time. You’d think with my affection for plants that’s something I’d recall. I think perhaps too much of my memory is taken up with old commercials and “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” quotes.

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  7. Why we get angrier at those we’re responsible for? Really appreciating the question. Ideas:

    Maybe compassion for their plight and guilt we choose not to fulfill every whim? Maybe guilt at knowing we’re snuffing out some of their spark? Maybe recognizing we can do things differently—meet their and our needs for authenticity—but at the expense of fitting in with social expectations? How do these guesses land?

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  8. Dogs are very comforting and I believe they are usually a wonderful addition for anyone. I’m in transition to finding a home after being homeless for a year and I want a dog for my new home. Subscribe to Creative tent living WordPress.com

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