“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” Orhan Pamuk
When I think of it, I must have been a dog in one of my former lives… because, even though I never studied that dialect, I spoke doggie fluently from birth. It is a blessing that I deeply appreciate. Upon seeing a dog anywhere, I have to stop, shake its paw and enquire about its health and family. And I don’t care if the beasties are black, brown or yellow… they are all simpatico.
We should actually say “shake his or her paw” because these lovable creatures are not inanimate objects. Like us, they are made of flesh and blood, and as such they deserve our respect. By the way, if you did not know, dogs smile with their tails… and I have rarely met a dog who didn’t greet me with some vigorous tail wagging.
Throughout my life, I have had a few girlfriends… and some fibbed. Dogs never do that; and that is why that you have more dogs than women in Paradise. Dogs, unlike humans, never lie and never talk about themselves. They are just content to listen and smile benevently at your jokes.
They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.” – Jerome K. Jerome
Dogs incidentally are excellent romance ambassadors. If you spot anybody walking with a four-legged companion, it is extremely easy to start a conversation. Any dog owner will respond favorably when you engage him/her about his/her pet. They might not want to talk to a stranger, but a dog lover is no stranger. He is kin and therefore safe to talk and socialize with.
Dogs are incredibly smart and capable of extraordinary feats. They have been working side by side with humans in a variety of fields. Military, law enforcement, space, medicine, therapy… and they are always welcome and accepted with open arms. The same cannot be said for all bipeds.
Unlike humans, I have never (or very rarely) met a dog I didn’t like. Even though I was raised to “vouvoyer” the people I just met, I can instantly “tutoyer” a dog. I know that they won’t take offense and give me the cold shoulder. Instead, they are more likely to lick and kiss me.
Despite my fondness for hounds, I never had the pleasure to live with one. I have cohabited with cats (still do) but never with dogs. This might have something to do with the fact that cats require less maintenance… and exercise.
Occasionally, when I contemplate adopting a pooch, I cannot help but think about our cat. She is a princess and very conscious of her lofty status. She does not tolerate any four-legged intruder and throws temper tantrums whenever she encounters one. Introducing a canine (however friendly) into her kingdom might prove iffy.
Before departing I will leave with this heartfelt thought:
“If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am.” Charles Yu
Alain