Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend.
Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.
– Groucho Marx
I am taking this vacation without Nellie. Since I only had a week and was flying, it was too complicated and expensive to bring her. And frankly, she is happier at home, in her own bed, curled up with her Aunt Shelly and Aunt Katherine, who are taking turns house and dog-sitting. I also thought it would be a good experiment, to see what a dog-less life was like, and to experience traveling without the ever-present responsibility that is Princess Nellie.
The first few days, I felt so free. I could sleep in, and didn’t have to jump up at dawn, throw on my clothes, and stumble outside for an early morning doggie potty break. I could go kayaking, and take hikes in parks where dogs aren’t allowed, without worrying about Nellie in the car, or Nellie being alone, or hot, or thirsty. I could walk the beach and pet other dogs, instead of avoiding them, since Nellie isn’t a fan of strange dogs. But after a few days, I felt adrift. I realize that Nellie is my anchor, my reason for getting up in the morning, my joyful responsibility. She is the only creature in my life who is consistently happy – She goes to sleep happy and wakes up happy, each and every day, no matter what.
Without Nellie, I am Outside of a Dog, a stranger to my life.
I have several friends who were long-time Dog People, and as they’ve gotten older have chosen not to get another dog. Too painful, say some of them. We want to travel, say others. But for me, coming home to No Dog is a strange and lonely experience. I miss curling up with her at night, waking up to her in the morning – the walks, the treats, the Rhythm of Dog.
What I have learned Inside of a Dog is that it is the responsibilities of life that give it meaning, and fulfillment. Yes, there is a freedom in being able to do whatever you want. And for me, there is a lonely shapelessness to that life as well. I am better, I realize, Inside of a Dog.
I am happier with Nellie by my side, running the beach, making me laugh as I watch her chase the waves, and stalk the gulls, and creep up to a pile of seaweed, poking it to see if it’s alive. If she were here, I would be thinking, “Oh, Jeez, Nellie. You’re a mess! Now you’re going to get sand all over the rental car, and make the seats all wet, and how am I going to clean you up in the hotel room without wrecking the towels?” and I would wonder if life just wouldn’t be simpler and better without a dog. Well, now I know the answer – No, emphatically no. Life is better with a dog – tucked into my arms, curled up at the foot of the bed, showing me the joy in everyday responsibilities.
I have enjoyed this short vacation by the sea, and the unstructured days, and the time to read, and write. And I cannot wait to see Nellie again, and give her the silly stuffed bird I bought her, and watch as her eyes widen and her tail wags wildly and she leaps around and seems to say, “A TOY? FOR ME?!!?” Wagwagwag. Outside of a Dog, books are pretty good company. But Inside of a Dog, Life is Good.
Wishing You Safe and Happy Travels, and Days Full of Doggie Love,
Andi
Love the kisses from Nellie photos!
Click on the picture to see her adorable Flipper Feet! 🙂
Very well said, Andi. My thanks again. I love and use that Graucho quote.
Not only does Nellie give shape to your firmament, but your writing gives shape to mine. Welcome home….literally, as that too, takes shape.
Thank you Cheri!
Boy howdy, you got it right – inside of a dog, life is good. My 4-legged friend is always happy to see me, whether I have been gone for days or just for minutes. And her happiness is infectious. She can make me smile by just looking at me or giving me that little tail wag of hers. She is the best cure for the blues and the most persistent fitness coach ever. Yup, inside of a dog, life is good.
Thanks Laura! “Fitness Coach” – a new title for Princess Nellie!
Right now I am smiling. You might remember my writing about our Cora–the Pizza Piglet. We’ve had her for just over a year, and you capture so perfectly why it’s so good to have a dog! We have a great off-leash dog park near our home, and seeing all the dogs explore, play, and greet each other is such a joy. I am so glad you have your Nellie!
Cora the Pizza Piglet is THE BEST name for a dog EVER!
Hi Andi,
You wrote your feelings in a lovely and compassionate way.
True, coming home to a dogless home is not an option for me.
Jerry
Hi Andi–
It’s okay to take a short break once in a while, though. 🙂 I am conducting an experiment myself, and it’s already a little too long. I’m away for nearly 10 mos as a writer-in-residence, and for the first time in my entire adult life, I don’t have my dogs. No. Dogs. None. I brought the cats, but not the dogs. DID YOU HEAR ME? It is so weird, as you say, not to have them with me, to be out on trails for a jog all by myself in the woods, to run an errand and not have to rush back or what have you. Of course there is freedom, but there is also an awful lot of silence and a tremendous lack of structure and rhythm. My partner, whom I also left behind (we had been living apart for the year prior to THIS, so he had been dog-less, cat-less, and me-less; he felt it was his turn to have at least some of the pets) has them and is readjusting to having to deal with worrying about whether they are okay all day. But one of the reasons I left them is that I didn’t know how they would do with apartment living after being in the Boulder-area mtns their whole lives. I DIDN’T have to get up in the morning and take them for a walk, because I could just let them outside, and go for a hike with them later. Here, it would be a leashed walk around the manicured block with two barbarian large breeds. Also, I have been given an office in a library and I wanted to be able to work late there, and I didn’t know how the dogs would do with that, cooped up on the second floor while I was gone. So it was semi-selfish decision, but I am paying the price in loneliness… 🙁 Cheers to you and Nellie. May you be home for real soon.
Andi, have never met you or read you until tonight, through my friend Jasmine’s FB page. After two of your posts I am enamored by your thoughtful, lyrical way of writing and expression. I too am owned by a dog..have been most of my life..a learned trait from a family of dog lovers..and I can’t agree more about how much they have each meant to me..filled me up with the rhythm of life, given me shape and form.
Thanks for this reminder..all the best, jane
Hi Jane,
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting, and for your kind words about the blog. Please thank Jasmine for me for posting it on Facebook – I really appreciate you both spreading the word!
Princess Nellie is sending you wags, and says hello to your dog/owner 🙂