Thursday, April 3, 2008

Things I learned from my pug - Henry

Happy Birthday, Henry!

Today, Henry celebrates his 6th birthday!  The boys are just one week apart in age and they have been causing a ruckus with us since Benny was 13 weeks old and Henry was 12 weeks old.  Like I did with Benjamin & Luna, I would like to share some of the things that Henry has taught me over the years.

It’s OK to ask for help

Because of his hip dysplasia, Henry has never been much of a jumper, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to get up on things.  While Benjamin and Luna easily leap onto things like the bed, Henry quietly sits by the edge of the bed and politely asks for a helping hand.  We are always more than willing to help him out.

Sometimes, we just can’t do it all by ourselves.  And if you ask for a little help, people are usually more than happy to oblige.

Blaze your own trail

When we lived in Maryland, we frequently went to a park where we could hike through the woods.  When we would get to a certain point, we would let Benjamin & Henry off their leash.  Benjamin, always stayed right with us and trotted along the beaten path with us.  But, Henry, however, was always making his own way.  The path was boring and he would always stray to the right or the left of the trail to see the sights that others missed by following the tried and true way.

To this day, he is still like that.  He will always choose the path less traveled.

Stretch

Henry starts every morning with a big stretch.  Just when I am about to move him to make the bed, he gives me a big ‘ole stretch.  What a way to start the day.  With a little something just for you before you are consumed by the stress of the day.

Think Things Through

Henry is not a pug to jump to conclusions.  He likes to make sure he is right.  For example, if someone is in the kitchen, Benjamin and Luna will come running.  Henry, on the other hand, will wait and watch and listen to what you are doing.  If he hears sounds like bowls clanking or the treat jar opening, he will come running, but he isn’t one to jump to conclusions.

While it is easy to be overcome by excitement.  It’s still a good idea to think things through because things aren’t always as they seem.

It’s not about being the best, it’s about doing what you love

Henry loves to swim and out of the three pugs he is by far the worst swimmer.  Benjamin and Luna could swim laps around him, but neither one of them really want anything to do with the water.  Henry certainly doesn’t like to swim because he is superstar swimmer.  He swims because he likes splashing around in the water.

There have been so many things that I have given up on or not even tried because I knew I wouldn’t be any good at them.  Henry has helped me learn that it isn’t always about being the best.  It is about doing what you like to do because it brings you happiness.