Certainly, I didn't think we'd be able to keep him. Radar was a digger. Deep holes. Unevenly spaced out. And lots of 'em--all over our backyard. If you let him stay out for five minutes, he'd have time to pee and time to dig 7 new holes.
But now he's a great dog. And every day, he's teaching me something things like:
- Be optimistic. Radar races to the back fence, sure that this time, he's going to get a squirrel. (He never does.)
- Soak in the whole experience and savor it. When Radar goes for a car ride, he has his head stuck out of the window and he's sniffing away.
- Be happy with what you have. Radar eats the same food, twice a day and every day. He doesn't complain. Wouldn't it be a more pleasant world if we were like that?
And above all, if there is some pine tar to tramp around in, or a deer carcass to roll around on, do it. After all, you only live once.
What have you learned from your dog or cat? A dog hair-covered mind wants to know...
Your Radar is a love! I am in awe of how our dogs can change our lives and our moods in the most subtle way! My Tootsie has taught me how to stick to a schedule, as well as, listen to our inner voices more. When she starts fussing at 3:00am, it's not always because she wants to go out. Sometimes it's just "I'm out of water" or "I really would like a hug right now." I'm also learning patience from this girl...something I need every day! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNoExcuses--Thank YOU for sharing about Tootsie. Our lives are definitely enriched by having a dog in our lives.
DeleteHe's beautiful! I miss our Golden so much, even though I adore the two furries we have now. Radar is a handsome guy. :) Tell him happy birthday from me!
ReplyDeleteLisa--Goldens are great, but "silvers" are gorgeous, too. (I'm talkin' 'bout the new 'do. ;)
DeleteAw, happy birthday to Radar! Libs has taught me that toilet paper is for unrolling over and over and over again, that pooping under a bed can go undetected for months if you go in a room that nobody uses, and never--NEVER--pass up a lap for cuddling. (Even if you're in trouble for pooping under a bed!)
ReplyDeleteCathy--Luckily, none of our furniture sits high enough for Radar to get under and poop. Yeah, I imagine Libby never has to stay in "the doghouse" for very long... She's too cute for that to happen.
DeleteGoldens are wonderful. I love how they lean on you for a scratch and will not leave until you quit, even then they nudge once or twice to confirm you are done.
ReplyDeleteJoeh--And also, goldens figure that since you have two hands, you should pet them with both hands.
DeleteHow did you teach Radar to stop digging?
ReplyDeleteOur dog is a challenge but she keeps us moving. She is tough, too tough. She slip her face under the eye this week and just kept right on going.
Claudia--We didn't. We rent our backyard out to the military, to model foxholes...
DeleteHappy birthday to Radar!
ReplyDeletePat--He had a special type of food this morning--canned--to celebrate.
DeleteWhat a sweet pup. I have learned from my cat that if I wait to feed him his canned food until 9 pm. he and I will both sleep later in the morning. He munches dry kibble all day.
ReplyDeleteLinda--You could always train Kitty-No-No to wake up Bill. ;)
DeleteMy sweet, sweet Juno taught me that while dog noses are black and rubbery, they do not taste a thing like licorice Crows at the movie theater.
ReplyDeleteI am sure Radar would never teach you such a lesson.
Val--Radar only pokes his nose at us after he's been digging... digging with his paws AND his nose.
DeleteBoth Bogey and Winston are surprisingly persistent, masters of "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again"!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
How cute, Sioux! Thanks for putting Radar on our "Radar." :-)
DeleteWhat a cutie! Happy birthday, Radar.
ReplyDelete