I sometimes wonder if gnawing on a bone is for dogs more akin to whittling or smoking for us. Basically, is it a hobby or a need? Either way, it seems pleasurable and passes the time, and Joey has found a great way to pass his time.
Going out back has been very exciting for Joey lately. He’ll pop wheelies and throw himself at the back door to demonstrate what an emergency it is. Lately, though, it’s not about “doing his business,” as we dog owners say, but rather a new piece of business he’s gotten into. A sideline, if you will.
Joey has a hole. It’s not just any hole, though. I do believe the dog is digging himself a gold mine. Or perhaps searching for oil. I don’t have the heart to tell him that we don’t own the mineral rights to our yard, which is probably just as well since we all need our projects. I have this blog. Joey has his hole.
Sometimes, he moonlights. I’ll look out and see his dark form hunched over in his corner of the yard, his front paws excavating ever so carefully. He’s a meticulous digger, unlike some dogs who just tear at the soil. Joey has this focus when he digs. Perhaps he likes the feel of the soft black soil and the way it rains out across the grass and onto the patio.
Dogs are so like us in their emotions and interests, but I never really thought of them as being hobbyists, and it seems Joey really is. There is nothing there to unearth, nothing dead and delicious underneath the soil, yet he clearly thinks about digging and can’t wait to get back to work on it. If Joey could gnaw bones (he can’t because of what that poisoned dog food did to his kidneys) I suspect it would fall into the hobby category, like whittling. So now, unable to gnaw, he whittles the earth.
Dog needs a hobby, right?
[saveagrey]
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
Be First to Comment