I have been very blessed with great dogs all my life, so the title is a positive tribute.
But this one has a surprise twist, that I just discovered recently, and continue to observe with my current dogs.
Some dog breeds like the border collies I have enjoyed, are known for their intelligence, and especially their relating to people.
My last two were rescues, and after a few years we certainly got closer, almost suddenly.
Then, after a few more years, we became even closer.
Indescribable, but so real, so miraculous.
This article focuses on the amazing capacity of some breeds of dogs to understand human words.
Sometimes the only limit seems to be time spent teaching a new word or phrase.
I enjoyed their sensitive, polite, effective ways of endearing me for treats from my plate.
Then I would calmly and quietly say, “That’s all”, and the dog would immediately walk away and lie down.
Now, for the first time, I have pyrenees—Goodness and Mercy, and their offspring Jojo.
Big dogs, big on love, big on 911 patrol of 32 acres, enlarged by Jojo who jumps the fence and enhances fear on the coyotes and endears herself to the neighbors.
Everything about pyrenees is BIG.
These pyrenees have a big capacity and a big need and a big demand for love and affection to match their size.
And I give it to them, and they are satisfied.
So they understand love, lots of loving.
But they don’t understand the word ‘love’.
I now observe and verify that my pyrenees actually do not learn and understand any human words—except for one word.
And they love it, love it, love it when I say that one word over and over and over while I give affection just the way they like it.
In fact, they can be lying 20 feet away (waiting for the next 911 alarm in dog code), and when I say the one word, their tale lifts off the ground.
But the word is not the same for each of them, and I often say the wrong word because they look alike.
What’s the good word(s) for my pyrenees, Goodness and Mercy ?
You guessed it—“Goodness” and “Mercy”—their names—they’ve got that down !
Simple Dogs—Loving Dogs—Profound Dogs—and I love them.
If you don’t give them enough love, the two can stand crosswise in your path until you do.
It remains to be seen if I can live out my days without another border collie.
You see, “Surely Goodness and Mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”
They’re three years old, and I’m 75.
Hmmm.