This month, Dr Airdre Grant ruminates on the meaning of canine companionship, drawing the conclusion that many have long suspected.
In the pandemic, I walked my friend’s dog, Clover, around the block and in doing so became aware of the many canine conversations in my neighbourhood. All the dogs know each other, who does what, who is friendly, who is overprotective, who is unhappy. The dog owners know them too – who nips, who barks, who races up and down a fence line, who wags their tail. The dog world is very much a part of any community. There are a lot of conversations that go on at the park or on the beach. I like to think those sensitive doggy noses have a code for people. ‘Here comes Long Black,’ they might say in their doggy way, ‘Double Shot Espresso is looking a bit dusty, must have had a big night. Oh look! Decaf Soy Latte is approaching Cappuccino, what’s that all about? Cappuccino never talks to anyone. So much simpler to sniff a puddle of wee, have a quick butt inspection and boom, you can keep walking. Humans, they sigh,’ as they tug on leads. ‘Such slow learners.’
Dogs bear witness to our lives. They bring us love, charm, and company. When the pandemic began, there was a big upsurge in pet fostering as people, now working from home, sought the companionship of animals they felt they previously didn’t have time to care for properly. Across the land, dogs rejoiced as families stayed home. Cats were not convinced.
It was referred to as crisis companionship. Suddenly thrust back onto our own devices and confined to quarters, we thought about pets. We looked to them for friendship in a darkening time. We knew we could count on pets to supply that with unflinching loyalty. Let’s hope those animals who got new homes were kept in their warm homes and treated with kindness, regular food, and pats.
The truth is, we love our pets. They ask so little and they give so much. Currently, my friend George, a small, docile terrier, is lying on the hospital bed of his master, who has had a stroke and cannot move but derives a great deal of comfort from having George’s warm body snuggled up. George sighs gently, licks his hand, and sleeps with him. He will wait for as long as it takes until his master is back with him for walks and games of ball toss. This unflinching loyalty is deep and good medicine for my friend who was fretting for him.
Many pet owners will understand the sentiments of Queen Victoria who was very sad when her beloved spaniel Dash died. She wrote this moving epitaph which sums up why we love our devoted canine friends “Here lies DASH, the favourite spaniel of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in his 10th year. His attachment was without selfishness. His playfulness without malice, His fidelity without deceit.”
Fidelity, attachment, playfulness. You couldn’t ask for more in a friend.
Photo: For the love of dogs Photo Lyn McCarthy Niche Pictures