Stick-to-itiveness, Rocky style

The closer the election gets, the more I love my dog. And once it’s over, I’ll love him even more.

Recently my Rocky has gotten me thinking about a certain quality, one he demonstrates every time we’re out on the non-campaign trails (= daily).

In humans, it’s just about always considered a good thing. In dogs, maybe not quite so much. What is it? Stick-to-it-iveness. By that I mean, in canine terms at least, something like “the compulsion to find and carry, absolutely with a show off swagger, a stick, preferably a very large one.”

Not all dogs have this, of course. Our previous labs enjoyed sticks now and again, but Rocky truly revels in the sport. Only thing is, and here we get to the adjacency/contrast aspect of this blog, there’s a definite downside to his prancing around with a big barky thing way back in his mouth. The first problem is generally that he pokes one of human companions, sometimes dramatically but usually not in a life-threatening manner. When this happens, he is often spoken to harshly, but is generally undeterred and keeps on his way, head held high. Stick-to-it-iveness means not giving up easily, remember.

The second problem is worse, because it can mean a trip to the vet. I’m not sure if there’s an actual term for the affliction, but it’s happened to Rocky a couple of times, just recently in fact. One day I notice that he’s yelping out in pain when I pet him around the ears, and also when he’s at his food dish. “Surely, “ I reason, “something’s not right!” Once at the vet’s, a few other possible ailments are ruled out, and then comes the pronouncement that it’s most likely an infection back in the jaw, caused by all those jagged edges of wood. After a few days of antibiotics, he’s back to his cheerful self…and ready to befriend more sticks.

Shouldn’t he know better after awhile? Kind of like learning to stay away from porcupines? I guess a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do.

Good thing that we humans never ever engage in activities that we know will likely bring us some harm down the road. The present always brings imperatives; the future is often just a dim possibility.

Sticks aside, Rocky is a mighty fine dog, and I can’t imagine life without him. Especially now that my husband is travelling frequently, his steady presence and his warm welcome whenever I get home shine brightly through the days.

Not to get too schmaltzy or anything, and I bet other dog enthusiasts out there will understand, permit me to quote James Taylor’s song “You’re Got a Friend” for a moment.

“Winter…

 

Spring…

Summer…

or Fall..

All you’ve got to do is call*, and I’ll be there…”

So come what may on Tuesday, Rocky will be by my side. He has my vote, always.

 

*Generally I’m the one who is doing the calling, but you get the idea.