Understanding My Dog

Bloganuary writing prompt

If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

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I purchased Bonnie Jo, my Australian Shepherd, as a puppy. My husband worked all day, and we were home alone. I talked to her all day. We played games, learned tricks and obedience, and she became my emotional support. She instantly knew when I was having a bad day, was depressed or things were golden. Although she did not speak English words, she would let you know an answer by the tilt of her head and look from her eyes. She could definitely tell you off with a look from her eyes.

We did not have sheep when we first got her. But there were cows that would wander into the yard and eat or trample the bushes and flowers I had planted. Bonnie Jo was very good at pushing them out of the yard and away from our place. Upon completing her task of getting rid of the cows, she would return full of pride in her accomplishment.

She was four when we got our first sheep. I did not train her to herd sheep, being told she was too old to train. Every day she walks with us to do chores, fix fence, and other tasks. Where I am she is. I gave her the nick name “Bowling Ball”, as times when I was working with the sheep, she would decided they were too close or not where they were supposed to be and charge in, scattering the sheep in all directions.

Her main duty she decided was guardian of the deck. Our home had a large deck on the backside of the house, she would lay outside watching for anyone or anything to come near, the rise to chase off the stray sheep, cat or bird. Nothing came onto her deck without her permission.

Like people, years go by and she is much older, fifteen years now. She no longer can jump up on the couch to sit with me in the evenings to watch a show. Nor, can she jump up on the bed to sleep with me or get down alone. Last year, she became deaf unable to hear my words, so she learned some sign language. She has joints that are swollen with arthritis from years of running, playing and jumping around. I give her special food, supplements for joints and digestion. There is still a spark in her eyes when I go to do chores, she trots along from pen to pen as I care for the sheep. Every once in awhile she feels like chasing a sheep just because she can.

I want to know when it is time for me to make the big decision. I do not want her to suffer more than she can bare. I want to know when she is ready to cross over the rainbow bridge. If only she could speak the words. I will continue to watch the spark in her eyes, as this is the only way she can let me know.

amtolle