Monday, November 21, 2011

Dogs, friends, and memories

Luke, always with a smile on his face
I dare not venture very far down the path of speculation into the mind and memory of a dog.  There are some things, however, that can be observed pretty objectively.  It seems very clear that dogs remember certain people.  I went to an adoption event in Front Royal on Sunday.  Luke was there and he clearly remembered me and greeted me with much enthusiasm.  Luke is with another foster home now, a better one in terms of care, attention, and adoption prospects, but he still remembers me.  He also remembered a woman who had fostered him for about a month while we were on vacation, giving her a lot of love.

I took Thora along as well.  The last of her puppies has been adopted, but she still remembers the woman who pulled her and the pups from the pound.

She was there today with a new foster, this 4 month old black female shepherd pup.  I picked her up for some cuddle time, which satisified my need for a puppy fix for a few more weeks. 

Thora always remembers the woman who saved her and greets her like a long lost friend, exressing her appreciation in a very obvious way. 
Mercedes (front), and Trace (rear)

Dogs also have and remember their dog friends, of course.  Mercedes and Trace had been joined that the hip around here for the last two or three weeks.  Mercedes followed him constantly and harassed him into play relentlessly.  Trace was adopted today, and I'm very glad about that, but I always wonder what the dogs think when one of their friends leaves with someone else from an adoption event, or goes off in the van with me in the morning and doesn't return later in the day. 

Dusty and Clue
Dogs have friends, I don't doubt that.  Some dogs love all others and are happy to play with anyone.  Some are a bit more selective in their friends, preferring a few special ones among many acquaintances.  That was the case with these two, Dusty the shepherd on the left, and Clue, a Saluki, on the right.  Dusty is a former foster of mine, adopted out over four years ago.  Clue was a friend of hers who unfortunately died recently, very suddenly.  From Dusty's point of view, it must be as if he just ceased to appear where they used to meet.  I wonder what, if anything, dogs think about about.  They seem to know when a friend is growing old, becoming ill, and is nearing death.  But sometimes dog/dog friendship is severed suddenly and for no apparent reason from their standpoint, either a sudden death or due to human intervention, a move or change in routine.

It's remarkable, and a testament to their adaptability, that dogs take so many changes in stride, not regretting the past or what they've lost, but just looking forward to what is now and next. 

Dedicated to the memory of Clue, and Huck's dad, Randy Michie, both lost this week, both loved, missed, and not forgotten.

5 comments:

BudsBuddy said...

I believe a dog never forgets the person who saved its life. Beyond that, we can learn a lot from them about living in the moment. Dogs are the ultimate buddhists!

Condolences to the families that are grieving this week.

Shayna said...

Shika was at a loss with out Mallory for about 6 months to a year! Even after bringing Rocky home. Although she did immediately take over alerting to the door and all those things she previously left to Mallory. Shika never alerted to people at the door before that. It was as if she new it was now her job. I do believe she missed her old pal for quite a while.

Risa said...

Deepest and sincere sympathy on the loss of good friends, both human and canine.

Jennifer Q said...

I absolutely loved this post. This is something that crosses my mind quite often. I truly believe dogs have friends and don't forget other dogs. Echo is ecstatic everytime we are reuinted with one of my foster dogs--and it's clear they both are happy to see each other.

I took Echo to the vet with me yesterday when Lucy was going for her ultrasound. When they took her out of the room, he ran over to the door and sat there waiting for her return. When she came back in, he walked over to her and started licking her face. It astounds me really.

Which brought me the recent realization that sometimes dogs just DON'T like other dogs. It's funny that you said they pick and choose (as us humans do). I have never known Echo to not like a dog... but, I have noticed he enjoys some more than others. However, he absolutely DESPISES my current foster, Ladie. Not a clue why, but he HATES her. In the car together, he will sit as far away as possible from her. He's just an instant grump and looks at me like, "Mom, please get her away from me". Oddest thing to me really...

Lindsay said...

Years ago, I had several cats and a dog. one of the cats was best friends with the dog. we had both for many years. when my dog passed away, my kitty never fully recovered. it was obvious and heartbreaking to watch. she loved the other cats, and us, but none could replace the dog. My kitty died about a year later. I have no doubt that they are happy to be back together and cuddling.