animal companionship

Love and Companionship Outside My Window

A special friend outside the basement window

With the days getting longer and lighter each night I leave the blind about half-way open on the window on my side of the bed. A purple sheer hangs over the window so there is some privacy.

I love it as the sun rises in the east and the light filters into the bedroom in the morning. Also, since John made me two wren houses and hung them on the side of my writing cottage, it’s when I first open my eyes that I take a moment, and while still lying in bed, that I hope one of these days I’ll see a little feathered head going in or coming out of one of the birdhouses.

No little feathered heads today, so I got up. But when I pulled the sheer back, there was a different surprise waiting for me. There were two Morning Doves huddled together on the wooden beam that is part of our rock wall area that leads down to our semi-exposed basement. 

It’s been cold the last few nights dropping down into the lower 20s. I assumed it was the male Morning Dove —since he was bigger— who had his body slightly over the female bird trying to keep her warm. But whatever the case, it touched my heart.

There are many mornings as I’m just about to turn the handle to the patio door to go out to my writing cottage that I see the doves on our deck, or drinking from the birdbath, or eating from the bird feeder —always together. I often just stop and wait until they eventually fly off. I just admire their love for each other.

Eventually, I made my way downstairs to workout on my Pilates machine, and who would I see once again? Well, this time it was just the female Morning Dove sitting right outside the basement window on a large rock. She stayed there for the longest time, just as content as could be. It was so nice having a workout buddy, though I was doing all the ‘work!’ 

But it reminded me again, especially poignant these days being isolated at home, we are never truly alone. Sometimes all it takes is just pulling back the curtain to know and feel that there is love all around.

xo,

Barbara

 

 

A Man and His Dog

Each and every time I see this scene play out in front of my house it causes a swirl of loving emotions in my heart. Often times, I will stand at the kitchen window or front door and take the time to watch this man and his dog walk by – it’s such a sweet moment that brings me so much joy.

For many years, having two dogs of my own, I didn’t interact with this man and his dog if I was outside. It was hard to do so because both my dogs were often barking at the ‘intruder’ walking by.

About three months ago I was putting something away in my car when I saw them coming down the street. I waited. I wanted to catch a closer glimpse of this tiny dog who is often decked out in either a purple polar fleece coat or this red jacket she is wearing in the photo.

I also wanted to know her name. I enjoy finding out the names of dogs and so often they seem to fit just perfectly. Not having a dog of my own right now, it makes me happy when I can interact with another dog if even for only a few short moments.

The man shuffled toward me and was chuffing on a cigarette as he often is. I suspect that when he walks the dog it’s also his smoking break and perhaps he’s not allowed to smoke in the house.

I said, “Your dog is so cute. What’s her name?”

The man’s face lit up as he excitedly said, “Her name is Ruby!”

“What kind of dog is she?”

“She’s a min-pin. She’s our second one. We rescued her.”

“She’s adorable. I love seeing you walk by with her.”

“She’s a good girl,” he said.

“I can see that.” Crouching down to the dog’s level I said, “It’s nice to meet you, Ruby.”

She wasn’t so sure what to think of me and hid behind the man’s legs. So I let her have her space.

The man bent over and picked her up. I could then see her face which was as tiny as could be with her dainty ears that bent forward and her soft black eyes. This endeared her to me even more.

“What a sweetheart,” I said.

And off he shuffled, inhaling another puff of his cigarette as Ruby’s spindly legs paced beside him.

I smiled watching them walk away. Her name fit her just right, I thought. Ruby with her red coat quite magical is she as she just does her thing being a dog and this always impacts my heart with so much love.

XO,

Barbara

Is this When My Love Affair with Animals Began?

barb and kitty eI don’t remember much from being a little girl. Well, yes, bits and parts, it’s details I don’t remember like so many others seem to. This has always bothered me because John can remember so much of his childhood – even when he was 2-years old.

The other day, my mom gave me this photo of me as a little girl with our cat Tiger. I love to see photos like this trying to remember details. What was going through my head at that age? Is this when my love for animals began?

But the cards were against me and my love of animals, when I was diagnosed with asthma. One of the biggest culprits to bring on my attacks was animal dander — especially from cats. It seemed such a cruel trick for someone like myself who loves animals.

As a child, I remember we had to find a new home for our poodle, Pixie. Turning blue and freaking my mom out all the time was taking it’s toll I suppose. I say that lightly, but if I could get in my head at that age, I’d likely have taken not breathing well over having a pet.

That is how it would play out when I got married and had a home of my own. I wanted a cat so bad. I was willing to deal with the “inconvenience” of my lungs not being able to take in air very well.

To some, I know that sounds odd. But being around animals is what makes my heart sing. It never seemed fair that I had to deal with this health challenge when I love animals so much.

For many years, John and I had cats. Jezabelle, Conway, Tigger, Sally, Tucker and Dani. Not all at one time of course, but three at one time.

It really wasn’t until the last one, Dani, passed away quite a few years ago that we decided no more cats. It would also be a few months later that I realized how my breathing changed for the better.

Having dogs, luckily, are a different story as their dander does not bother me nearly as much. So I guess this is the compromise – dogs and happy lungs. I can live with that.

But, oh, if I had my way, I’d have a whole farm of animals to tend to. Maybe in my next life. And please, dear universe, grant me wonderful lungs then too.