Son, Jeremiah, and daughter-in-law, Caroline, have a crossbreed named Luna at their new home in Oakland, California. She barks a bit. Mostly at the many squirrels who climb the branches of the redwood trees in their back yard.
I told Jeremiah that since Luna was part Old English sheepdog, she had bravery and protectiveness built into her. She is doing her job keeping danger away and goodness near.
Here is a photo of our Bilbo, taken earlier this month after his winter’s growth of luxurious hair was cut back for the summer.
Bilbo the Brave returns from the beauty shop. A bit embarrassed, but reporting for duty. Photo by Connie.
Let us not misjudge or denigrate the things our dogs do. Every nuzzle, every paw scratch, every self-perfuming in carrion, every bark, is a gift for the ones they are sworn to love and protect.
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Love this post and it is so very true. I have never “trained” my dogs to be my protectors. But several of my dogs over the years, have arisen to take on that role of protector. I have even seen it being passed from the older dog to the younger dog. I have a greater respect and appreciation for every wayward bark (my neighbors once thanked me for my dogs barking as it had alerted them to someone trying to break into their house), every pause or backward glance on our walks, and every letting me know when something is not quite right. I may not always understand or see why they are doing it, but I do appreciate it.
Marybeth:
Thanks to commenting. I sure miss our chats at the dog handling clinics.
It is truly a wonder to think of what our dogs give us. When my mother was living alone in her later years, there was a bit of crime in her neighborhood. Police came to give advice, and the first thing they said was that the best deterrent to anyone meaning harm was a good barking dog. That tells you something.
Give your dogs some good hugs. And see the eyes of God in their eyes.
Peace,
John