In my early school days, one of the first rhymes I learned alongside my classmates was “This Old Man,” which goes:
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my drum.
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone.
This old man came rolling home.
While “paddywhack” may refer to a type of dog food, acquiring loyal canine companions can be costly, especially for pure breeds. A friend of mine once remarked, “Women often say that all men are dogs, yet they overlook that dogs are the most devoted creatures if treated right.” Reflecting on this idea, I find that a good book can be likened to a good dog—easy to pick up but difficult to set down. There’s a humorous tale of a man at the cinema who noticed a dog sitting beside its owner, reacting to the film’s emotions as if it could engage with the story.
After the movie, he remarked on how the dog seemed to enjoy it, to which the owner replied, “That’s odd because he absolutely hated the book!” This illustrates how a quality book captivates readers much like a playful dog captures hearts. My father once received a dog from my friend, which quickly became a local favorite at our family’s food stall. Patrons adored the dog, even tossing him bits of bread. However, they learned to be cautious when exiting, as the friendly pup had a tendency to nip playfully at their heels.
This humorous situation underscored the notion that sometimes our expectations can lead to unexpected results. My journey with dogs began in childhood when my cousin taught me to read using the newspaper comics. Out of characters like Mandrake and Superman, my favorite was the Phantom, a masked hero from Bangala who fought crime. The Phantom had a loyal wolf named “Devil,” which became the name of my first dog.
Throughout my life, dogs have been a constant presence. Interestingly, unlike many dog owners, my dogs don’t resemble me. Studies suggest that pet owners often choose animals that reflect their own traits, yet I found myself drawn more to the spirited “Devil” than a more noble “Hero.” Disturbingly, researchers noted that even cars and their owners can share striking resemblances, highlighting a fascinating yet unsettling trend in our choices.
Engaging with a dog can significantly reduce stress levels. Studies show that petting a dog lowers cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, while boosting oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Dogs not only provide companionship but also contribute to better mental and physical health, ultimately benefiting children’s social skills.
Growing up, our dogs played protective roles, especially during our time in Antigua. Now, in Trinidad, despite the loss of our older dogs, we’re contemplating bringing in a new addition to the family. My daughter has two young dogs who are fiercely protective of the home, yet I feel a desire for a more robust dog outside, akin to a Golden Retriever known for loyalty.
Considering my age as I approach 80, I must weigh the commitment carefully, ensuring whatever breed I choose aligns with our family’s lifestyle. With divine grace guiding me, I am reminded of the importance of cherishing each moment, much like Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s sentiments regarding life’s journey.
