Dekker, a Service Dog with Wisdom
If you are new to reading “Dekker’s Page” of canine wisdom for people problems I pass along his welcome to you….”Woof Woof!”
Dekker always responds to comments, from both people and their pets. and if your cat, or hamster, or parakeet has any questions, do send them along.
Dear Dekker,
Ordinarily, I would be outside working in my garden
but it is raining cats and dogs outside. Sorry, perhaps
I should say squirrels and mice? I never know
what to do on a rainy day. I hate staying inside.
Any advice?
Thank you, Lucy
Woof woof, Lucy…You paint a vivid image of what the rain looks like. At least to you.
If it were me I would want to be out where all kinds of critters are pouring from the heavens.
I actually enjoy getting wet so it makes no difference to me what the weather is. When it snows or when it is hot enough for steam to come from my nose—its all the same to me.
My suggestion is that you learn to shake it off and go out anyway. Do you need lessons on shaking things off?
Dear Dekker,
I just read where you advised Lucy to shake things off
as if that were easy. Everything seems easy when I hear
you woofing about it. What do you suggest when things are difficult?
For example, my girlfriend just walked out on me,
saying it was all my fault just because I forgot her birthday.
I tried to explain but she didn’t want to hear me.
Now that is a lot more difficult than the weather,
regardless of what critters are raining down.
Ousted Oscar
Woof Woof, Oscar
It sounds like you feel abandoned and are looking for someone to blame. That feeling is difficult to hold.
It may be too late to do much about your girlfriend, but if she returns try what I do.
Sometimes my person will go into a different room and leave me on my bed which is in the corner behind her chair.
If I get up and follow her quietly she doesn’t send me back.
The secret is in the silence.
Do you ever spend time with her without any barking or yipping?
My suggestion is to give her time alone and then move quietly into her space and look up with your big blue eyes.
Be careful not to yip. Just be.
Dear Dekker,
I recently retired and I don’t feel useful anymore.
I have no office to go to, no job title, and no paycheck
at the end of the week. But the worst part is having no purpose.
What am I supposed to do?
I can’t spend the next 20 years
sitting here like a
bump on a log.
Thank you.
Useless Yurgin,
Woof woof, Yurgin.
A bump on a log has a purpose – at least to me. I can rub against it and get my back scratched and if it is little enough to chew, the bump will clean my teeth.
Did you ever think you might be called to be a bump in someone’s life?
There may be a person (or a dog) who can appreciate you for exactly who you are.
Joy comes not from ‘doing’ anything but from ‘being’.
I guess that is why people are not called human doings, but human beings.
Dear Dekker,
I have been having a lot of difficulty with my health lately.
I can’t work like I used to, and everything
in my body hurts. The doc wants me to
make some major changes to my diet
but I have eaten the same way for decades.
I can’t make all the changes he wants me to.
I get so discouraged that some days
I just want to die but I know
that isn’t the answer.
What do I do?
Stubborn Steven
Woof woof, Steven.
I am so sorry. I know what it is like to have to make changes because your body isn’t like it used to be. When I was younger I could eat anything anytime.
‘Bring it on’ was my motto!
Then I began barfing (that’s what my person calls it).
She took me to the vet who changed my food to something not nearly as yummy and there are no more special bones, treats or kongs filled with great stuff. I loved those!
Now my person manages what I consume.
I know if it were up to me I would stick my nose into anything edible within reach.
Although I miss the treats, I feel a lot better and I am grateful for my person.
Do you have a person who could help you keep your nose out of a cookie jar?
If you do, be sure to be extra nice to them. A big slurpy kiss will let them know how much you appreciate them.
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