People have questioned me about his name, Socrates. Why Socrates, they say, does it have something to do with you being a writer? What a big name for such a little dog!
A trainer told me once that he won't know his name; it's too long, that a two syllable name is the max — well, he responds to Socrates every day, several times a day! Not a problem.
Besides, it turns out, Socrates was the right name. He has been my wise four-legged teacher, friend and man in my life!
Here is a being that is totally dependent on me for his daily sustenance yet I'm the one who serves him! It's okay; it is truly a symbiotic relationship!
In the beginning, I trained. But who is training who? I often thought to myself. How I missed the cues so often, when he tried to tell me — Mom, I have to go out; Mom, I need attention...
There were consequences and I did learn my lessons.
I read an article that indicated that the majority of dog owners talk to their pets, tell them they love them; that they have several names for them other than their given name. I can tell you that reading this made me feel very connected to my fellow animal lovers and parents.
Socrates taught me structure with his routine. Up until I had him, I did what I wanted, when I wanted. It made me have to think of someone else first and to consider the steps of my morning and in planning my entire day that followed.
He is truly like my child except that he doesn't talk back, come home late, drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, socialize too much or not enough for me — or associate with the wrong crowd. And he is not going to ever bring someone into the family that may detract from peace and harmony.
I know that dogs need and want discipline — they need to be dominated... to have respect, want to worship owner — who wouldn't like that?
The dog whisperer says it's exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. I can handle that!
So what if he likes to eat human food... why can't they make great food for dogs? It took awahile but I found some and I am content that he is happy and satisfied!
Here are some other thoughts I have:
- I could do without the experimentation and exploration by mouth during our daily walks? It can get really out of hand!
- There must be something big about this elimination process thing... because my life revolves around his schedule!
- Sometimes I almost read him, saying, I'm only a little dog, so why does she expect so much? I like to run, play, and jump, pee, poop, go outside whenever its nice out, bite everything until I stop teething, I'm nosy and I enjoy attention and more attention from every living creature on earth, I have a ton of energy, I love having my belly rubbed and I need to be taken care of as I am totally dependant upon your kindness — that's all! What's the big deal??
I love my baby boy, my pumpkin, my love bug. If you have one, I know you relate. If you don't and can't, then consider that you may be missing a terrific life experience!
Thanks for listening...