The semi-retired life of celebrity, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog
I liked this recent post by Jon Katz, “Animals Mirror Our Lives.” He talks about since losing his dog Rose, how his relationships with his other three dogs has changed. He now calls his Lab, Lenore, his Ride-A-Long Dog because she goes many places with him- though she didn’t before. Izzy now hangs out with his wife Maria in her studio and Freida protect the farm (which had been Rose’s job).
It made me realize how my relationships have changed with both my dogs since I made the decision to semi-retire Frankie this year.
I find myself talking to Frankie even more now that I am in my studio more. I am taking more brief little breaks to just sit and be with Frankie—holding her or petting her—telling her how much she means to me. I sometimes just sit in my desk chair and watch her sleep. It brings me such deep contentment to see her so peaceful. I think about how I love my work with her and how I didn’t want to slow down in it—but how I felt she wanted to slow down. So I felt strongly I had to honor that for her and in turn realized I too was honoring myself because I too had been wanting to slow down. Subconsciously I was wanting to write a new book, but not finding time—and here Frankie was mirroring to me what it is I wanted. What a smart dog.
My relationship with Kylie is growing deeper once again. With not as many appearances with Frankie, I am home more now, which means more walks with Kylie. And with her recent knee surgery her walks are essential to her healing. We’ve got a good six weeks to go yet with her therapy walking. Kylie and I had just started to develop a bond as we worked together in her puppy and obedience training when she was a pup. But as many of you know that was all put on hold when Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD and an unexpected, but welcome journey was ahead of me in sharing Frankie with thousands of children. Even though it it winter here in Wisconsin, it has been mild, and now as move closer to spring, I soak in the sunshine and my time with Kylie.
I was also yearning this past year for a simpler life in 2012, more time one on one with my dogs—and how interesting that is all falling into place. If only I had gotten out of my own way sooner to see that yes, indeed, my dogs were mirroring for me all along what I was yearning for.
Kylie out for a walk today
