| A Dog’s Love

As much as I hate to admit it, I have a doozie of a cold. Some same a summer cold is the worst kind and the hardest to shed, but I hate all colds. Usually I ignore them and go on my way blaming some sick kid I saw at the office. But this time there is no one to blame, and no one feels sorry for me. No one, that is, except my dog Belle.

Last night I woke with a cough followed with what I thought was a death whoop. When I finally cleared what ever it was that got me coughing I hear Belle panting by the bed side. I wondered what was wrong as she usually sleeps through the night and never lets my wondering around in the dark disturb her. But last night she followed me to the bathroom, sat, panting, at my side as I found some more vit-C tabs. I offered her a drink,but she refused the water. She continued to follow me back to bed. Mary asked what was wrong with Belle. I had no answer but put her up on the bed with us. That did not comfort her; she continued to pant.

Veterinarians tell us that panting is a sign that dogs are in pain or stressed about something. Neither Mary nor I could find a thing wrong with Belle. But she wouldn’t stop panting or be comforted. This continued until we were all up, had breakfast, my cough was gone (almost) and things seemed back to normal.

Then it dawned on me. Belle was worried about me! In the past if I clear my throat at night she comes over to the bed and waits for me to put my hand out and tell her everything is OK. She had never heard me cough so much or croak a death whoop! I’m glad I hadn’t taught her to call 911, or we would have been awakened by red flashing lights.

Messengers in Denim has a chapter on pets; I’ll not attempt to copy it here or summarize it is this small space, but I do want to remind readers that dogs serve an important function in today’s society.

Studies have shown what pet owners have always known; having a pet helps us stay healthy. Doctors have discovered that adult pet owners live longer, recover faster after an illness or injury, and are happier than adults who do not have a pet. Kids who have a close relationship with a pet have an easier time coping with the stresses of life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in a February 2009 statement about ways to love your kids said, “Owning a pet can make children with chronic illnesses and disabilities feel better by stimulating physical activity, enhancing their overall attitude, and offering constant companionship.”

Psychologists and psychiatrists have discovered that pets can help their patients get better faster. It seems that people seeing therapists are more comfortable talking about sensitive issues while holding, petting, or just being near a pet. Many therapists have dogs in their offices and use these dogs to help their patients relax. Belle’s grandmother works with a psychotherapist in Hudson, Wisconsin. I haven’t met Belle’s grandmother, but if she’s anything like Belle I’m sure she’s an excellent therapist.

There are many who do not believe that dogs can think or have compassion, but they are people who have never felt the love of a dog. Dog owners are dog lovers; and dog lovers treat their dogs with respect, immunize them to common dog diseases, give them good diets, get them good medical care and most importantly, they train them. Undisciplined dogs, like undisciplined kids, are no fun to be around; they fight, bite, bark, jump up on others, and often get in real trouble.

I had not intended this to be a pre-log to the book I am writing, Love Your Kids Enough to Treat Them Like Dogs, but, that’s what happened! Just promise me you won’t hold your breath until it’s finished!