I am listening to NPR Fresh Air w/Terry Gross interviewing Michael Schaffer.... about his book about dogs. I'm reminded of an article I wrote ages ago:
This weekend I attended a blow out birthday celebration for a seven year old… dog. My friend Wendy threw a class-act party, complete with a cake, ice cream, pin the tail on the human – the works. Her dog is a seven pound Maltese named Bella. Bella, like many American dogs, has a sweet life. For one thing she has a better wardrobe than I do –diamond collars, Gucci carrying cases, dozens of sequined tops, mini UGG boots... This particular evening she sported a pin k tiara and a tutu to match. After she blew out the candle on Bella’s birthday bone, Wendy wanted to go around the table and have every guest tell his or her favorite “Bella” story. I looked over at her – she sat there beaming, tears shining in her eyes.
So I got home, still shaking my head. I looked at my dog – a mutt who looks like a mini sheepdog– and felt… well, guilty. Now I look at my Sir Sampson and see not him, but all the opportunities he will miss by being my pet. He will never herd sheep – or snap the necks of waterfowl, as he was allegedly meant to…. He will never lie on the couch of a pet analyst and unload his many worries…. You know, about his terrible owner, and how she doesn’t buy him gold food dishes or a Chuck-It or… dare I say it? Neuticles.
Am I a bad pet owner? Does the fact that I use the word “owner” instead of “Mommy” make that statement more answer, less question?
.... citing facts about the steep rise of pet ownership in america....
Naturally I have questions regarding this situation. Why now? Why America? Are we, US citizens, really so lonely that we need these mute, submissive “companions”? And if we are, why don’t we step outside and meet a neighbor? Why resort to animals?& so on & so forth. I post this excerpt to bolster my claim that this guy stole my book idea. I wish we had 48 hours in every day, and we were able see through all the grandiose and radical ideas floating through our brains. Maybe when I retire I can patent my various fledgling inventions between golf rounds and adult diaper changes. But for now... back to work.
:::: good thought pushing me : tomorrow is Friday : )
