Dog Attention

I don't want to be too graphic. This is a family-rated blog after all. But the dog has taken an unholy interest in my undergarments. Let's just say he knows where the laundry hamper is and leave it at that. 

I figure he's either trying to tell me he really loves me or he's very angry that I'm not spending as much time with him as I used to. Either way, he's got my attention. 

The dog getting my attention is a good thing. In general he forces me to walk more, spend more time outside, rub his belly. This is good for both of us. Like Mary Oliver says in Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night: (Percy Three):

... his four paws
in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.
Tell me you love me, he says.
Tell me again. 
Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over
he gets to ask it.
I get to tell.  

Much has been written about animals and spirituality. How they are unburdened by ego like we are and are simply in the moment. This could be true. But much has also been written about what animals are up to when their people are away from home. If our pets are a marker of what an egoless life could be we should take note, but a guarded note. There's little spiritual purity in the domesticated life. Take the wild away completely and, ego or not, there's some unhealthy behaviour going on. 

I'm off to work now, but before I go, I will do a thorough check to make sure all my clothing is safely tucked away. Thanks to my dog, it's my new spiritual practice. 

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