Ever since I fell down the chairs a couple of months ago when sick, and all through Covid, I’ve been watched. Zinnia is almost always by my side, but now, she is always watching me when I move around, goes upstairs, or go outside without taking her.
We will never know some things about dogs, and one of them is precisely what they think. I never think I know that; I understand that makes me a tiny minority among dog owners. Was she alarmed? Puzzled? Confused? Rattle? Or is her love for me so great that she has decided to watch over and keep me safe?
I would love to believe the last choice, and sometimes I do. But when I think about it, it would be all those things, or just a few. My health troubles certainly got her attention; whenever I look up, she is either at my feet or staring at me.
Zinnia was bread as a thick and stocky hunting dog; she loves anything with water in it and doesn’t seem to notice the cold, but the kind of heat we had this summer (and will be having every summer, I gather) gets to her. I keep her inside and in air condition when the temperature receives humid and over 90.
I even curtailed her therapy work, which has resumed at the Mansion and will pick up soon at Bishop Gibbons.
I didn’t throw the ball for her much this summer. Instead, we took her for walks every day in the woods, where she can roll in the muck. Maria takes her more often than I do.
As Fall comes and the weather cools, that change. The dog who loves to watch me also loves to chase balls I throw in our pastures now that the grass is getting low.
She’s a beautiful dog, and; whatever intentions and thoughts are, I love her dearly; she is a great companion and pal. We do get the dog we need, and I have needed this dog very much this summer. She is just what I need.
That is an absolutely gorgeous photograph – the colors are just breath-takingly beautiful and the balance is perfect. And of course sweet Zinnia in the middle of that lush green grass just makes it even more perfect. Bless that sweet girl for taking such good care of you.
It is hard to really know what they think but it’s nice to think we know. I have a golden who lays on my bed with me when I’m sick and leaves only for meals and bathroom. Dogs are so devoted and unfailing in their commitment to us.
I know this will be a controversial statement but there is something special about the hunting breeds and many of the working breeds that make them such wonderful companions. They are breed to be with their people and it shows.
I agree, Ann; everything in America is controversial but that doesn’t make them wrong. I have had all kinds of dogs, must and purebred, there are some things – border collies and some therapy dogs come to mind – that only purebred dogs can do.