The Vegas Voice 3-21

Woman’s Best Friend?
By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit
am crestfallen, dejected. But let’s stick with
I crestfallen.
The word origin is animal-related, and my
unhappiness has everything to do
with an animal, and with an article I read concerning the
emotional life of dogs.
It’s no secret I’m a dog lover. When I started writing, we
cohabitated with two beautiful Labrador Retrievers, Bette
and Davis.
They inspired my first book, How Old Am I in Dog Years?
I believe they lived happily to the ripe old ages of 15 and 16,
respectively. I also believed they loved us.
Now there’s Sam, a 17-pound rough coat Russell Terrier,
my first small dog. I’ve discovered a small dog is a different
experience.
First of all, I can lift him, which I do, frequently. And while he’s in my
arms, I plant kisses on his head, and he, in turn, licks my face.
Sam sleeps in our bed and cuddles. Sam follows me around the house.
When he wants my attention he’s jealous if my focus is elsewhere.
I’m his primary caregiver and he’s clearly attached to me. He
forgives me for giving him sink baths. I adore Sam and was convinced
the feeling was reciprocal. Until now.
I thought he loved me for me. Because he senses I’m a good person
who occasionally feeds him table scraps and takes him to the dog park.
Because I rub his belly and tell him he’s a very good dog. I thought
our bond was unique, and in his dog brain, I was special. Wrong!
Said article revealed an inconvenient truth. Yes, my dog loves me,
but not because I’m me. He can’t help it. It’s in his canine DNA!
Apparently, dogs have an amazing ability to bond with other species.
Raise a dog with humans, it’ll bond with humans. But raise a dog with
sheep, it’ll bond with sheep. Or goats. Or penguins. You name it.
To quote, “dogs have an abnormal willingness to form strong
emotional bonds with anything that crosses their path.” I could be
replaced by a robot had Sam been introduced to one when he was still
in doggie diapers.
This knowledge is most disappointing. I almost feel
betrayed, although I realize it’s not Sam’s fault. But now
I’m confused. When Sam stares up at me with those big,
brown, soulful eyes, is he appreciating me, or might I just
as readily be an elephant?
But humans must be resilient. I wish I could unlearn this
new discovery, but I can’t. I can only hope one day animal
research will prove to be like health research.
Last month eggs were banned, and caffeine put you 24
hours nearer death. But research this month says to eat eggs
several times a week, and coffee gives you an edge when
playing “Jeopardy.”
So I’ll diligently read the newspaper, searching for studies
that negate the previous findings. Ideally, the next wave of animal
scientists will uncover evidence that dogs are uniquely programmed to
bond with humans. Particularly with women in their 70s.
Susan Goldfein’s newest book, How to Complain When There’s
Nothing to Complain About, is available at Amazon.com, BN.com,
Read her blog at: www.SusansUnfilteredWit.com. Email Susan:
SusanGoldfein@aol.com.
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