Fierce and Loyal and all that is Good
The three of us gathered last night in the living room to watch a movie, a rare occurrence, as one or more of us is often occupied with other tasks when such a feat is attempted. It just happened to work out last night. Our poison? "Pirates of the Caribbean -- At World's End." We started from the beginning, skipping the "now on video" section, but watching the previews. I have one word for you:
UNDERDOG.
The movie will likely not win any awards, either for cinematography or acting. It looks like your perhaps-slightly-better-than-average family film with plenty of lines to make the grownups laugh. I'll probably go see it.
This simple little preview got me thinking some fairly deep thoughts about the nature of man -- and animal. The thing that struck me as I watched the preview was the way Underdog was portrayed. He is masked, fierce, protective -- the keeper of all things good and loyal. I sat watching this preview, and something struck me as profound and true.
Without thinking, I said, "Dogs are truly guardians of truth and loyalty."
Before those out there who ardently love another type of animal can take offense, please let me explain. I don't consider myself a "dog person." Those who know me know that I am an "animal person." I dare to anthropomorphize when I say I think all animals possess admirable qualities and by their nature express the truest form of those qualities.
Birds are the quintessential performers, entertainers, and pleasers. They can't help it. Think of all the birds that we humans keep as pets, and you'll understand that just their very presence is a source of entertainment with their vibrant canary yellow, peacock teals and purples, and parrot crimson. My friend in Kalispell has had a parrot for several years, and he grudgingly speaks for others who ask him questions, but when E asks him how he's doing, he enthusiastically responds, "Hello! Hello! Doin' good. Hola!" He so wants to please and entertain her that sometimes, he even dances a sort of parrot-jig on his perch as he speaks. He wants her to be happy and enjoy whatever he is doing. Birds are the attention-seeking pleasers. They love the attention if it makes us happy.
Cats are independent and capable. They enjoy our love, attention, and scratches under the chin, (well -- except maybe Mystic -- hehehe) and mourn for us when we are gone, but they get over it quickly. They find a paw to clean, a bird to catch, a human leg to gleefully attack when its owner unsuspectingly passes nearby. Cats represent, in my mind and heart, the truest, simplest form of independence and maybe even revelry.
And dogs. Dogs are the defenders, protectors, and unbending loyalists. Jet positions herself between me and the door, no matter what room I'm in. If I switch rooms, she follows. When I cry, even if she's in another room, she knows, and suddenly appears at my elbow, nosing me and incessantly licking. I find her simply sitting and staring, mooney-eyed and adoringly at me, Centerpunch and Bunny Zero. Just staring. She's never been in a position of having to defend one of us, but I know she would. I am so sure of this that when CP, BZ and I hike with her, CP always carries a pistol. If a mountain lion or other wild critter happens upon us, I DO NOT want to lose my dog. Dogs love unconditionally and without reservation. They are all in when it comes to devotion.
Now, I dare to beastopomorphize when I say: humans should think less sometimes, and just do what comes so naturally to the animals we love. Love attention and the pleasure your presence brings others, like the strutting peacock. There is nothing wrong with validating your own existence. By valuing yourself, you teach others your value.
Crave that attention, but know that it's okay to be alone, like the independent feline. Know that you are okay, even when it's just you. Your power is found in raising a little hell now and then. It is found in what you are and what you can do, not in whether or not there's someone there to tell you how to do it.
And when you love someone, do it all in, like the dog does. Don't do the human thing and wait for those you love to do something that disappoints or hurts. While, as humans, those things are a real possibility, realize that the dog loves what it loves, and understands that the rest is out of its control, and immaterial. That feeling of love feels so good, nothing else matters, and you will fight with all you are to protect it. By loving others, you teach them how to love.
UNDERDOG.
The movie will likely not win any awards, either for cinematography or acting. It looks like your perhaps-slightly-better-than-average family film with plenty of lines to make the grownups laugh. I'll probably go see it.
This simple little preview got me thinking some fairly deep thoughts about the nature of man -- and animal. The thing that struck me as I watched the preview was the way Underdog was portrayed. He is masked, fierce, protective -- the keeper of all things good and loyal. I sat watching this preview, and something struck me as profound and true.
Without thinking, I said, "Dogs are truly guardians of truth and loyalty."
Before those out there who ardently love another type of animal can take offense, please let me explain. I don't consider myself a "dog person." Those who know me know that I am an "animal person." I dare to anthropomorphize when I say I think all animals possess admirable qualities and by their nature express the truest form of those qualities.
Birds are the quintessential performers, entertainers, and pleasers. They can't help it. Think of all the birds that we humans keep as pets, and you'll understand that just their very presence is a source of entertainment with their vibrant canary yellow, peacock teals and purples, and parrot crimson. My friend in Kalispell has had a parrot for several years, and he grudgingly speaks for others who ask him questions, but when E asks him how he's doing, he enthusiastically responds, "Hello! Hello! Doin' good. Hola!" He so wants to please and entertain her that sometimes, he even dances a sort of parrot-jig on his perch as he speaks. He wants her to be happy and enjoy whatever he is doing. Birds are the attention-seeking pleasers. They love the attention if it makes us happy.
Cats are independent and capable. They enjoy our love, attention, and scratches under the chin, (well -- except maybe Mystic -- hehehe) and mourn for us when we are gone, but they get over it quickly. They find a paw to clean, a bird to catch, a human leg to gleefully attack when its owner unsuspectingly passes nearby. Cats represent, in my mind and heart, the truest, simplest form of independence and maybe even revelry.
And dogs. Dogs are the defenders, protectors, and unbending loyalists. Jet positions herself between me and the door, no matter what room I'm in. If I switch rooms, she follows. When I cry, even if she's in another room, she knows, and suddenly appears at my elbow, nosing me and incessantly licking. I find her simply sitting and staring, mooney-eyed and adoringly at me, Centerpunch and Bunny Zero. Just staring. She's never been in a position of having to defend one of us, but I know she would. I am so sure of this that when CP, BZ and I hike with her, CP always carries a pistol. If a mountain lion or other wild critter happens upon us, I DO NOT want to lose my dog. Dogs love unconditionally and without reservation. They are all in when it comes to devotion.
Now, I dare to beastopomorphize when I say: humans should think less sometimes, and just do what comes so naturally to the animals we love. Love attention and the pleasure your presence brings others, like the strutting peacock. There is nothing wrong with validating your own existence. By valuing yourself, you teach others your value.
Crave that attention, but know that it's okay to be alone, like the independent feline. Know that you are okay, even when it's just you. Your power is found in raising a little hell now and then. It is found in what you are and what you can do, not in whether or not there's someone there to tell you how to do it.
And when you love someone, do it all in, like the dog does. Don't do the human thing and wait for those you love to do something that disappoints or hurts. While, as humans, those things are a real possibility, realize that the dog loves what it loves, and understands that the rest is out of its control, and immaterial. That feeling of love feels so good, nothing else matters, and you will fight with all you are to protect it. By loving others, you teach them how to love.