Ribbons, Bows and Dog Tales
No, I did not misspell the word “tales” (I went to a Catholic school where the nuns taught us how to spell correctly, or else!). This photo is just a very partial collection of doggie bows for my Shih Tzu, Abbie, along with numerous articles of doggie clothing. Now I know that some people don’t approve of anthropomorphizing pets and believe we should just accept them as they are. I don’t have a problem with that because there’s enough room out there for us to each have our own opinions. Choosing to give our pets family status generally means that our pets are given favored estimation to increase their physical and emotional well-being, so in other words, it’s a lot less likely for these dogs and cats to suffer from abuse and neglect.
If your pet could talk, what would he or she say about life with you? I think about that with Abbie, as she has been coming to work with me since she was nine weeks old. As my sidekick, she has heard all sorts of confidential conversations from my patients, as well as being a better judge of character than I am. She knows to stay clear away from people in psychosis, manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder and those with a history of physical aggression and violence. She also stays away from toddlers and hyperactive kids, fearful they will crush her.
Abbie quietly “listens” to tearful confessions of loss, trauma and depression with her front paws under her chin and occasional, appropriate eye movements on an adjacent chair. Her presence is felt and appreciated by most people, who will come in to the office very upset and then at the end of their session, will say something like “Abbie, you make me feel better”. Wow, what would Freud say to that? The only license she has is her dog license, but it appears to have some therapeutic effectiveness!
Abbie looks forward to going to work and in fact on weekends, gets a little bored without the hourly change in human energies. She still doesn’t well tolerate the UPS or FedEx guys who deliver, despite them making valiant attempts toward her acceptance. I think she perceives them as needless interruptions in otherwise calm afternoons. Likewise, when the driveway is plowed or the gardener mows the lawn, she vociferously lets them know they didn’t ask her permission to do so. She is, above all else, a true creature of habit.
Abbie’s tales would center around my husband and I, as well as family, and her “extended clinical family” as we comprise her “pack”, even the UPS and FedEx guys. The point here being that her tales, like ours, are a composite of every “snapshot” perception which is assimilated and accommodated into a reality. Realities, like memories, can change over time but the emotional “residues” of our experiences do not. That’s why the nurturance of emotions is so critical for ourselves, and our pets.
So getting her dressed up with her custom made bows allows for the special grooming time we have together, twice a day. A time where she has my undivided attention, to carry her through the nine hour days where my undivided attention is given to others. The bows by themselves don’t make the difference, but they are one vehicle to help her know how she special she is.
If you are interested, the custom made bows are impeccably made, reasonably priced with excellent service by Mary Beerman, and can be ordered online, at www.perfectdogbows.com.
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About Dr. Virginia
As a licensed Psychologist practicing Cognitive therapy, I work with my clients to help them identify the personal issues that are preventing them from achieving a more satisfying and well-adjusted life.
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Abbey Even likes other four legged creatures whom come to visit her for therapeutic relief. In a sense she has her own clientele she services.
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