OUR DOG
I don't think of myself as an "animal person", but sometimes I want to weep with gratitude for our dog.

Tonight we decided to stretch (with our favorite instructional stretch dvd to accompany us), and of course Nico came out from her hiding place under Tucker's desk (she likes small confined spaces) and trotted right to the spot in between our yoga mats. Maybe she just likes the music. Maybe she just likes having us down on the floor with her. Maybe she wants to stretch too (I seriously sometimes think she is trying to mimic us).

She often gets in the way, inhibiting our range of motion, but sometimes I can't help just giving up on the stretching for awhile to thank her for loving me. It's so sweet when she puts her furry body right up against me and begs to be spooned. She is an affectionate dog, but not in a stereotypically doggy way -- she often maintains a catlike aloofness, and does not pester us for rubs and pets and playtime the way other dogs do, so it does feel "special" when she solicits affection and physical closeness. I love the way she reminds me that THIS is what's good: laying down on the floor, stretching your paws in the air, rubbing your spine into the ground, enjoying soothing music and sighing with contentment. All of us together, like a pack of lazy dogs.

New Year's Resolution: more dog time, down on the floor, breathing deeply.
posted by Trixie at 12/29/2005 10:44:00 PM -