As I get to know you there’s something that we often have in common … we have canine companions. So, for the dog lovers, you’ll totally relate to this story (I hope).
My “first child” is MacGyver “Mac” a 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles. If you have visited me in Hope Valley office then you probably met Mac. He was the furry one asleep on a chair and probably snoring (very) loudly.
When I come through the door at home, Mac is always ready to greet me. He looks up with eager anticipation, excitement growing until his whole body is wagged by his tail. I kneel down and he pops up on my knee for pats, a lick (he licks me, not the other way around) and I tell him how handsome he is and I ask about his day.
Shamelessly, I do have a “dog voice” reserved for only talking to canine companions. (but, I don’t talk this way to cats … that’s another voice).
When I leave the house, Mac often looks at me with disappointment (I think) and my internal Mac voice says “You’re leaving me again, I kept you company all night, this morning you told me you loved me, and now you’re leaving me again.”
Yes, I have Dog Dad guilt.
But when I come home, it doesn’t matter what kind of day I have had, I’m greeted with the same level of enthusiasm. “You’re home, you’re home, I’ve missed you so much, you’re home, oh I can’t believe it, you’re home, I will never leave your side.” It’s quite a triumphant way to come home. Only occasionally do I get an enthusiastic greeting from my own children. But nothing that matches the energy and enthusiasm of my canine pal.
But I do have an overactive guilt drive. Recently I arrived at the office and my conscience kicked in. “I left him again. All he wants is my company.” What if I’m not the hero my dog thinks I am?” “What if I don’t live up to his expectations?” “Am I enough for him?” “Does he really know me, what if I’m not who he thinks I am?”
For the record, I have NEVER had these thoughts about any human relationship. And why these thoughts on this day!
On arriving home. A triumphant greeting. The hero has returned.
This pure heart. Eager to love. Excited to see me. The worst thing he has ever done is to steal a packet of Favourites chocolates and to eat them wrapper and all – and poop them out. Hardly a crime (except for the expensive vet bill).
Yes, I air kiss my dog and I don’t understand people who don’t.
And it turns out that I am enough.
I’m good enough for my dog.
He tells me every day. And I trust his judgement.
And it feels good.
David
— Husband, Father, shameless Dog Dad and Massage Guy —
