By Michael Glenn
Part of my job as editor is to read, edit (shocker, right?) and schedule news stories to go out on time and keep the publication going.
This Thursday, I received a story about an impressive dog show that takes place every year at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The opening photo in the emails was a dog beautifully flying through the air, chasing a toy he really wanted to catch. The dog was participating in the dock diving competition, one of the many parts of the show.
I finish editing and processing the article to go out the next day, and look over at my dogs, asleep in their usual spot near the coffee table at 1:30 p.m.
Wouldn’t it be nice to be a dog?
I’ve always loved dogs. If you’d ask me whether I’d only live with dogs or cats, I’d choose dogs in a heartbeat. They’re fun, loyal and make great companions.
Whether I’m getting back from a long day of work or if I was gone for a while, I’d open the door to my dog Buddy running around the living room to greet me. My other dog, Becca, would maybe get up from napping, but most of the time would rather continue her sleep than do anything else.
I’m used to dogs. I’ve grown up always having a dog in the house. When I was around four, we got Becca. I don’t remember a whole lot from when she was young, but we essentially grew up together. She’s a rescue and can have some trouble getting along with other dogs, but was very active. She loved going to the lake, going on walks and running around as fast as she could in our backyard.
Now, however, is a different story. She’s turning 15 years old this year, a high achievement for any dog. She is having difficulty being her old self as a senior canine, but sometimes you can still see the active, loud and crazy dog she once was.
Buddy, on the other hand, is the sweetest dog you’ll ever meet. He doesn’t bark at people, only at random sounds no one else can hear. It’s difficult to describe him, but just imagine a stereotypical American suburban dog. He loves to chase after squirrels and rabbits, and is astounded at how the former can climb up trees while he’s left scratching the bottom.
We also got Buddy as a rescue when I was in Fourth grade, when I was 10 or 11.
Now, Buddy just turned eight and has more energy for a mid-life dog than I have ever seen. He’s just as active and loves to go on walks, car rides and be the star of the show whenever I have any of my friends over.
Dogs, in general, have been shown to be great emotional and supportive companions anyone could hope for. They are incredibly intelligent and can help calm people or assist someone who is disabled.
There’s a real treat in a human-dog relationship, a larger one than the dog biscuits you may give one.
I’ve been working at home and my dog decides to jump on the couch where I am or beg for attention. Of course, I’m inclined to give it to them, causing me to pause what I’m doing and relax for a little.
Sometimes, my dog decides that my bed is his bed, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I was told that moving my dog when they are asleep is against dog law, as I could disturb them while I’m trying to get comfortable.
These little moments cause us to crack a smile or laugh in times when we are wired on a computer screen or focused on whatever task we have that day.
Those moments are powerful because they remind us that our time is meant to be enjoyed and spent with people (and animals) we care most about.
If you have a dog, cat or any other pet, give them some extra attention today. They deserve it, and you’ll feel better for doing it, too.