In a way, I truthfully wish I had my dog’s personality. Now before you go thinking I’m some crazy lady that is sickly obsessed with her dog, here me out.
I didn’t have a dog growing up, but have always loved animals.
In fact, I quite honestly believe animals love me, too. My calm, quiet strength is something they find comfort in. Growing up I could often be found with more than one cat in my lap. Multiple livestock judges complimented my smooth attentiveness in showmanship classes. And I can name more than one critter that I have house sat for that loved me unconditionally for feeding and playing with them.
However, when my husband and I got our first pet less than two short months after getting married I did not have the same effect. To say that we jumped in head-first with an 8 week old puppy (me with zero experience taking care of a puppy) is understatement.
Sure the puppy was cute and all, but the constant attention-seeking, mess-making, ball of fluff had promoted me to being the responsible one before I was ready. Nonetheless we made it through the molasses of a potty training phase and moved into the biting phase.
Even for the animal lover I claim to be, I have to admit I lost my temper on more than one occasion with the little sock eating monster and piranha disguised as a black lab puppy.
Due to moving to Montana and both my husband and I switching jobs, our pup Chief became my main responsibility. Again I was in for a rude awakening. Within the first few days we were alone together I’m pretty sure he ate at least one sock and pooped on a city sidewalk on our way out of the office.
I’m pleased to say that over time though, we have come to terms with each other. I would even go as far to say that I don’t think I’ve ever loved a dog as much as this one. I may even be a little envious of his personality, too.
When we named him Chief, we knew it’d suit him well. The big paws, the in-control attitude, there was hardly any need to grow into it. Those aren’t the qualities I’m envious of though.
- Chief loves all people (especially little people).
- But he loves all dogs even more. Even when they don’t want to love or play with him…and he doesn’t get the hint.
- Chief takes the shortest path, even if it’s the one with the most resistance and obstacles.
- He is not easily intimidated.
- Chief goes after what he wants and paves his own trail (whether it’s the way I want to go or not).
- He can transition from play to napping to ‘hunting’ at the flip of a switch.
- When it’s focus time he is all business and isn’t done until you call it quits.
Now you’re probably wondering, “why in the world do you want those qualities?”
It’s because we are complete opposites and it seems it’s human nature to want or be attracted to what you lack.
- I wish that I could so unconditionally love all people.
- I wish that I could so unconditionally love all dogs, too 🙂
- I wish that I could pull up my bootstraps and take the shorter yet harder path, knowing full well it will require perseverance.
- I wish that I was not so easily intimidated by fear, hard things, or difficult people/situations.
- I wish that I could confidently, head held high, pave my own path knowing there will be some resistance. It is so hard for us enneagram nines to rock the boat.
- I wish that I had the on and off switches he has to effortlessly work, play, and rest when it’s that time.
- I wish I had the energy and drive that he has to work and please my ‘master’ well beyond quitting time.
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14
While I do catch myself lusting over the traits I lack, deep down I know that God made me oh so uniquely. I am who I am for a reason. Fearfully and wonderfully made.
I hope this made you laugh, smile, or even cry as you thought about the characteristics of a dog. Know that you too, are fearfully and wonderfully made.
