Dekker – A Service Dog with Answers
How Does Dekker ‘Write”
Many people have asked me how Dekker ‘writes,’ sharing his wisdom every month in English. The only words that may seem legitimate from a dog are “Woof, woof”.
But he clearly is a service dog with answers to many of life’s problems.
I suppose it would be easier if our furry companions spoke our native language (or we spoke theirs), but then it would be so easy to argue, or rewrite, or discount what they are telling us because, after all, they are only dogs (or cats).
A Service Dog With Answers
Learning to listen to your animal is more like a prayer than it is conversation.
I know many people think prayer is primarily saying a lot of words, some from religious traditions, some from the heart, some from childhood as we spout back what was given to us at bedtime to implore angels to protect us as we sleep.
Prayer, however, is a lot more about listening than it is about talking.
To sit in meditation or practice Centering Prayer, or even to take a stroll along a forest path, draws us into a silent holy space where we feel the presence of the Divine.
It is in listening in these sacred places that many a life path has been redirected. It is out of silence that great art and music emerge, and it is in listening that relationships grow stronger.
Woof Wisdom
These pieces of “Woof Wisdom” are offered with the hope that you might begin listening with new ears to what your furry companions are just waiting for you to transcribe.
Paula Wants to Run Away
Dear Dekker,
I am a teenager and my biggest problem is my parents don’t understand me at all.
I don’t like their music or their friends. They are vegetarians and I hate vegetables
except for french fries.
They don’t allow cola in the house and you would think
it was booze or something. It’s only a soda, for crying out loud.
I am thinking of leaving
and making my own way in life.
‘Why not be happy’ is my motto. Don’t you agree?
Thank you, Paula
Woof Paula, I do agree that happiness is a wonderful goal. There is a problem with your plan however.
Happiness is not ‘out there’ where you go to chase it like a squirrel. You will only end up in a tree. Or worse.
Happiness lives inside you. Inside your body. Inside your heart. Have you made room for it to live and breathe inside?
My person makes room for me to be comfortable inside her home with spaces to rest and play and to just hang out. I can see that that there are many things she has given up to make me comfortable.
If “Happiness” were a dog would it find space in your life or is it crowded out with all your other stuff?
Your parents are training you to provide comfy spaces inside yourself so that happiness will be welcome and want to stay.
Yes, make your own way in life, but make it an inner journey. Leave outside to the squirrels.
Jasper Wonders if he is Too Old to Go Back to School
Dear Dekker, I am 67 years old and I really want to go back to school.
I never finished my education when I was young.
Is it too late for me to return to the university?
I want to study either ancient history or art.
I love both of these fields but I am afraid my brain is stuck.
You know what they say – “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Is this true?
Thank you, Jasper.
Woof Jasper. Woof, woof! You are barking up my alley right now. My tail is wagging but I guess you can’t see it.
I wish people would let go of this saying. They don’t know what they are yipping about.
I know many old dogs and the very special people who love them. The key to education is not about age.
The key is about love.
Love is patient. Don’t rush new ideas and you will learn just fine.
Love is kind. Give yourself what your heart yearns for and your brain will follow.
Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. When you love an old dog and he poops on the floor, you clean it up. Do the same for yourself when you mess up an exam in ancient history.
Be gentle with yourself if you get a poor grade. Throw it away, breathe and begin again. And Love perseveres. If you love education as if it were a bone, you will protect it and never let it go. Anyone who has ever loved an old dog will want to scratch your ears and cheer you on. Woof!
A Service Dog Answers New Parents
Dear Dekker,
WE are expecting a new baby. Our first.
We are so excited but I am concerned about our dog, Lucky, and our cats, Millie and Finn.
They have been our only family since we got married and they pretty much own
all our extra space and time.
Will they feel rejected when we don’t give them
so much attention?
Will they be safe with the baby?
Do you think we should find them new homes?
It would break our hearts.
Thank you, Jack and Jill
Woof, Jack. Woof Jill. Your new baby is going to do much better with parents with whole hearts. Lucky, Millie and Finn are part of that wholeness.
What a lucky child. When you are too exhausted to sing yet another lullaby, Finn will bring his purrs and Millie will offer her soft fur to cuddle.
Lucky will keep his keen eye on everyone the way he has done for both of you.
Try to see your new baby from their point of view. A new critter in the house! That counts as more attention in their eyes – something that smells and makes noises and moves.
Give them space to get to know each other. Trust their instincts. But don’t expect Millie and Finn to share their litterbox.
Housebreaking your new critter will take a lot longer than it did for Lucky.
If you enjoyed Dekker’s writing, you will find more along with information about service dogs HERE.
Click on NEADS to see where he got so smart
