Dog dreams and expectations

When you get a dog most people have a picture in their minds of how their life with their dog will unfold. Whether you’re imagining hanging out, going to the farmer’s market, cuddling on the couch, or you’re a top-level dog sports competitor picturing ribbons and titles, the dream is there.

Reality, of course, always stomps pretty firmly on “what might have been.” We’ve just recently come to the realization that all of Hope’s plans and dreams for her Frenchie are unattainable.

Slapped with reality

Torque, Hope’s French Bulldog, is probably the most trainable and well-trained dog ever in the family. He loves to do “stuff” with Hope. Any stuff. Walks, agility, obedience, Rally, sniffing around. You name it, Torque’s up for the game. 

He was just starting to hit his stride when the pandemic closed down the world. By the time activities resumed, his socialization had back-slid tremendously. He was so excited to be back in class, around people and other dogs, his brains leaked out his ears. 

Just when we were getting back on an even keel, he had emergency surgery to remove his eye. His breathing hasn’t been the same since. Now his excitement causes panting and wheezing. Not to mention he’s now a senior at 10 years old.

Reluctantly, Hope has come to the conclusion that Torque’s in-person performance career is over. We may still try for virtual titles. The dreams haven’t died, but they’ve been drastically changed.

Quality over quantity

A friend of ours is faced with a worst-case scenario. About a year ago she and her husband got a much-anticipated and welcome Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. They enjoy showing their dogs in all kinds of dog sports - conformation (that’s the beauty pageant part), obedience, and Rally. They had big dreams for him.

He is a gorgeous dog. He’s smart and funny, adorable and a bit naughty. He’s pretty perfect. He enjoyed the show ring, learned fast, and is a joy.

Then he developed a persistent limp. Everybody, veterinarians included, thought it was a shoulder injury. But treatment didn’t help, and they pursued further testing.

It turns out that their 18-month old puppy, practically perfect in every way, has cancer. The most rigorous treatment would only add a couple months to his prognosis. Our friends have chosen quality of life over quantity. They’re doing their best to enjoy every happy moment with their practically perfect puppy.

Live like a dog

It’s only people who plan for the future. Dogs can’t. They live in the now, when this moment is the only one that counts. Torque doesn’t know Hope planned other things for him. He only knows he’s happy and comfortable next to his mom on the couch. Our friends’ dog doesn’t know anything’s wrong with him. He knows he’s safe and loved, and happy.

It’s natural to make plans and have dreams. As long as you’re able to adapt to whatever life serves up. It’s not always the dish you expected, but that doesn’t mean it can't be delicious.