Posted Friday 16 February 2007

Why I Like Dogs

Mount Shasta, May 9, 2003: "Because they have beauty, and they're friendly. And also," Adrienne told me this morning, "Because they have that ... that wildness in them."

I agree. I think that's why men generally like dogs. Dogs are friendly and, no matter how domestic, there is a wildness in them. And isn't that exactly how every man, including myself, wishes to be?

Our dog Tulip is female, but the dog nature is unvarying. And here's why I like dogs ...

Dogs are friendly. Unless you are an intruder, and need to be killed, generally a dog assumes that you are good, that you are likable. So already, we're off to a good start.

Dogs are enthusiastic. No matter what's going on, it's the dog's favorite. Food? His favorite! The woman comes home? His favorite! The man comes home? His favorite! Play ball? His favorite! Go to the post office? His favorite!

Within their compass, dogs are loyal. Sure, things there are that will make any dog run. Can we say less for ourselves? I think not. But, short that ungovernable terror, the dog is in the game on your side completely, totally, utterly.

Dogs are beautiful. Further, every dog is an athlete. Further, they move with grace. When they grow older, one of the reasons it touches the heart is that we see in them, as we see in ourselves, the loss of grace.

Dogs have a wildness. Domesticated, sure. But civilized? Never. Not now, not later, not ever. They are animals!

And I figure that makes them ...

Much more honest than ourselves.