People of the Dog

by Irene Daniel

There's no people like dog people. About a year or so ago, I became acquainted with a group of neighbors who exercise their dogs in a local park at a certain time of day. My dog Maggie, the Labrador that I adore, is a very social animal; much more so than I am. And she broke the ice for me, in getting to know various collies, boxers and other mutts, and their people (not owners). We got to know one another well and supported each other's efforts in work and art. We are our own community.

Almost 2 weeks ago, my left eye collided with my husband's huge closed right fist at a high velocity. Since he outweighs by at least 200 pounds, this sucker-punch sent me flying about the room before landing in a bloody heap upon the floor. It hurt a lot. Still does. However, this is a topic for another post, as there is just too much to unpack there right now, and I need to sit with it for awhile before I can write about it, or write well anyway.

So today, instead, let me unleash this burning desire to tell you about my dog people, who I honor by calling them, The People of the Dog (or POD). Many friends have responded to my recent needs with armfuls of loving support, but none with the immediacy and intensity of my POD. I only had to tell one or two people in our group, and they mobilized our tribe into action. They came with food, moving boxes, money, organizational skills, packing expertise, referrals for needed services, rides to the doctor and to the LAPD, as well as taking Maggie for walks. They packed my entire kitchen and helped me organize what remains to be done. Identifying next steps and who to call for what, helped me to replace my monkey-mind with some semblance of serenity.

And did I mention that they brought food? And I don't mean just food, I mean really good local LA food! Fresh tamales from a Mexican deli in East LA, cheese ravioli from Casa Bianca -- right in my 'hood, and pastries still warm from the bakery down the street. I wasn't hungry until they showed up with all this food -- really good food!

And they still call and check up on me every day. And as other friends from different places in my life and in my heart showed up this week-end (most of them are dog people too), I experienced the greatest blessing of all -- the opportunity to watch new friendships bud right before my eyes, in my own home -- all because they came to help me. How cool is that?

And to think that, before Maggie, I used to be a cat person. I still love cats, but there is something about the way my dog changed my life that is uniquely canine. And I believe it is this:  Dogs introduce us to other dog people; and dog people so absorb the love and loyalty of the animals we care for, that we must find someplace to put it all. And that place that is to be the receptacle of all this dog love, is in the lives of other human beings.

They say that, if you want a friend in this world, get a dog. Not only will a dog love you in ways that no other being can, they will always lead you to other people who will love and show you the truest colors of friendship; all because they love -- and especially are loved by -- a dog. Any dog.

If you love and care for a dog, good for you. If not, what are you waiting for? Start looking for love in all the right places. Start by looking into your dog's eyes. But first, you have to get a dog. Go to the pound and pick up as many pounds of eternal love, loyalty and devotion as you can handle.

So, whether Labrador or Shepard, Chihuahua or Chow, Beagle or St. Bernard, not a thing in this world will ever love you like your dog. You not only will have a best friend, but a best friend who brings you new, and loyal, friends. And the dog and the friends will be there for you when you need them the most.  Where else in this world can you get a deal like that?

                                                                                      Irene Daniel, Copyright 2014, All rights reserved.