We were out of town last night and had no WIFI Internet connection, so I had to post my blog from my iPhone, which is a challenge for fat fingers on a tiny keyboard, but I managed.
Today was a travel day. Jilda, her sister, her niece and I hit the road before lunch and made it home around 3 p.m.
We'd gotten some steps in before we headed out this morning, but more steps were needed after we got home.
The road always makes me weary, so a nap was the first order of business, but after that, we decided to walk. Both Taz and Caillou were beside themselves. The collie kept barking and pulling my sox off as if that would get me ready more quickly.
As we approached the back gate, both dogs were running rings around us barking with pure joy.
Once outside, I realized one of our chickens had hopped the fence and was cruising outside for bugs that had popped out to enjoy the sun.
I alerted Jilda, and we were in the process of herding the chicken back through the gate when Caillou realized we needed his assistance. He charged the chicken as if he were herding a wandering cow, and the chicken freaked. I hollered at Caillou in a tone that was harsher than I had intended. I wanted him to stop chasing the bird. But the tone of my voice broke his heart. Without realizing it, I'd crushed the joy of his experience of walking with me.
He lowered his head and ran back through the gate and into the doggie door. Dang, I thought, that's not what I wanted to do.
After getting the chickens back in the pen, I went inside. He was at the foot of our bed lying on his mat. I chided myself before sitting on the floor beside him. Petting him for a long while, and talking in soothing tones, I finally coaxed him outside, and we finished our walk. By the time we got our steps in, he was fine.
It's easy to forget how sensitive animals can be. Harsh words can cut deep, but they are quick to forgive, and I'm thankful for that.
Today was a travel day. Jilda, her sister, her niece and I hit the road before lunch and made it home around 3 p.m.
We'd gotten some steps in before we headed out this morning, but more steps were needed after we got home.
The road always makes me weary, so a nap was the first order of business, but after that, we decided to walk. Both Taz and Caillou were beside themselves. The collie kept barking and pulling my sox off as if that would get me ready more quickly.
As we approached the back gate, both dogs were running rings around us barking with pure joy.
Once outside, I realized one of our chickens had hopped the fence and was cruising outside for bugs that had popped out to enjoy the sun.
I alerted Jilda, and we were in the process of herding the chicken back through the gate when Caillou realized we needed his assistance. He charged the chicken as if he were herding a wandering cow, and the chicken freaked. I hollered at Caillou in a tone that was harsher than I had intended. I wanted him to stop chasing the bird. But the tone of my voice broke his heart. Without realizing it, I'd crushed the joy of his experience of walking with me.
He lowered his head and ran back through the gate and into the doggie door. Dang, I thought, that's not what I wanted to do.
After getting the chickens back in the pen, I went inside. He was at the foot of our bed lying on his mat. I chided myself before sitting on the floor beside him. Petting him for a long while, and talking in soothing tones, I finally coaxed him outside, and we finished our walk. By the time we got our steps in, he was fine.
It's easy to forget how sensitive animals can be. Harsh words can cut deep, but they are quick to forgive, and I'm thankful for that.
You have a kind heart....
ReplyDeleteI know that your fur baby knows that, too.
Forgiven before you asked, I'm sure.
Smiles,
Jackie
Awe, his feelings were hurt eh? I am sure all is well by now.
ReplyDeleteNot too sure about Doxies. They are so bull headed they just keep doing whatever and then look at you like I know you love me anyhow. But I'm glad your pretty baby was able to continue the walk with joy.
ReplyDeleteNot too sure about Doxies. They are so bull headed they just keep doing whatever and then look at you like I know you love me anyhow. But I'm glad your pretty baby was able to continue the walk with joy.
ReplyDeleteThey do forgive quickly...to bad we all can't have that quality.
ReplyDeleteIt is the same with children. They take words directly to heart. Pets and children need to know that they need not fear and it takes so little to scare them. We often say things in a tone that scares too. I am glad you took the time to reassure your dog before calling back out. I'm sure he would have come right away but you made things right.
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ReplyDeleteGreat dog story. They do have a deep understanding. For a big guy you are a Teddy Bear.
ReplyDeleteNow had Caillou been a cat, you yelling would have been ignored! But a sweet Collie, not so much...
It's easy for any of us to loose it and hurt feelings without realizing it. Sometimes I think I'd be better off just keeping my mouth shut, but I don't. All we can do is try to make up for what we've done.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a Collie. They are such great pets. But yes their feelings can be easily hurt. But they are also smart enough to play that guilt trick on ya if they know it will get them "special attention". Just like children. ha. Great picture!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Aww, poor Caillou, he was just trying to help. Animal have feelings too and I've witness that in our cows and cats. Dogs are very sensitive and aware. They are amazing animals and quick to forgive but I think they do remember.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
JB
True that! Our two (litter-mates) are different that night and day: Little Grace's feelings are easily wounded ... she'll go curl up like an opossum; it's easy to imagine her weeping. On the other hand, Macie - had she the ability to do so - would give us a middle digit and wait for me to grovel!
ReplyDeleteYes, I know exactly how this happens. Sometimes a sharp tone is intended to keep an animal safe and it scares them much more than desired. Ours are also so very sensitive to every change of tone in our voices.
ReplyDeleteWe are at sea now and on board with us are ten service dogs and their humans. It is heartwarming to see the teams working together.
Doggies are so sensitive and always forgiving. I remember my Katie laying down and feeling so sad when I berated her. I had to go to her and sit with her and talk with her and hug her. She forgave me but it always has stayed with me. I can't picture my life without my furbabies
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by TNS and commenting. I really enjoyed this post and you are so right. They are so sensitive but also completely forgiving. Your post inspired me for my Monday's post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCaillou forgives you--& so do I!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture of you and that pooch.
ReplyDeleteAwe... dogs really can have a soft heart...how nice you went back and made him feel better xox
ReplyDeleteAwww. Dogs are like that.. they take your displeasure to heart but yes, they're so willing to forgive. Your harsh reprimand was probably out of character for you toward him, so it worried him. Had he been a cat, and if he had fingers, he'd just offer you one of those instead. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you took the time to soothe your pup's hurt feelings. They really can be super sensitive critters, not just to getting hurt, but empathising when we're sad or hurting, too. Better than some people.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful dog and such a sweet story and lesson in love and forgiveness. Glad it turned out OK for your walk with your fur buddy!
ReplyDeleteAw, poor thing. Such sensitive souls. But it seems you are, too, since you noticed and took the time to make him feel better. Sweet story.
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