vi inspiration by Fern
Ferns longer version of inspiration
What moves us animal lovers? Does a particular brain cell determine pet preference? Our mother was not particularly fond of dogs; she tolerated them while we were growing up because Dad insisted on having barking protection. Mother preferred human babies. She would fawn over every baby that crossed her path. Couldn’t wait for her daughters to have babies…we had puppies instead. Obviously, we didn’t give birth to puppies; that would be a very different book. We love dogs-all dogs.
I’m convinced dogs choose their people one way or another. While my husband was at the local Humane Society seeking out a dog he saw online, another dog stopped him by putting his paw right through the crate to prevent him from walking any further. The dog’s action worked. In a private screening room this 55-pound dog leaped into his lap. He lifted his pleading eyes to meet my husband’s and the look of this dog captured his heart.
We named him Tony the Tiger because of his orange and black brindle coat. Since Tony only barks and licks on very rare occasions I find myself often wondering what he is thinking. I imagine he spends much of his time eager for a walk or a car ride. He’s a wonderful, handsome dog who came to us chipped and trained.
His only real shortcoming is hogging the bed at night. This is the first dog we have ever let sleep on our, um, his bed. We find ourselves in nightly competition for mattress real estate. He is especially drawn to babies and children. Could the spirit of my mother who has passed on be implanted somewhere inside of our dog? It makes you wonder.
Dogs have the influence to give us a healthier, more fulfilled life. Our dog has enriched the relationship between my husband and me. There’ve been one or two occasions where we stayed together for the sake of the dog! My sister and I have also discovered a renewed respect and connection to each other after realizing our common affection for dogs.
The more love and training you provide the greater the rewards. Take a look at your dog. What do you think your pup is thinking? I enjoyed describing and creating interpretations of the diverse expressions dogs convey to humans. There is nothing like that innocent look or the look of the dogs featured in our book to make you want them.
If I could just get Tony to do the laundry during the day instead of lying around, I would have it made! Look into the eyes of an animal and you will see, hear and feel a whole other language.
~F. Goodman~
