A Dog’s Observation (Gracie’s Journal)

Gracie’s Quarantine Journal
Day (is anyone keeping score anymore???)

The other night my family piled on the sofa to watch a movie. Well, everyone except me—I was forced to watch from the floor!
I mean, I am just as much a part of this family as they are, but for some reason—a reason I will never understand—the brand new sofa in the big upstairs room is off limits to me! Sure, I’m allowed on the old sofa in the front room that no one ever goes in, and I can jump on the kids’ beds any time I want, and I have my own bed, and there’s really soft carpet upstairs to sleep on, but still….why oh why can’t I sleep on the new sofa?! It looks so comfy!

Sorry…I digress.

Anyway, while my family was watching the movie from the comfort of the big fluffy soft cloud like sofa, I heard a man on the movie say that life is like a box of chocolates cause you never know what you’re gonna get. (My family said that line with the man, then they laughed. I guess somehow they had seen that movie before)

Well, that sentence made me think about a few things:

First, I really wish I could eat a box of chocolates! But mom won’t let me ? She says chocolate isn’t good for dogs. But is that really true? Or is that just something humans tells dogs so they don’t have to share their chocolate???

Second, I think the movie man is right about not knowing what life—or even what each day—is going to be like.

In fact, maybe that’s part of the reason so many humans are struggling right now. I think humans (and dogs) really like knowing what they’re gonna get, and it’s hard when you don’t. And it’s really hard when you feel like your box of chocolates got turned upside down and stepped on!

I like having a routine and knowing what to expect. For example, I always know when it’s time to eat! And when it’s time to go for a walk. And I used to know what time the kids would come home from school and I would always watch in the window for them.

Knowing what’s coming and having a plan makes me feel happy and safe.

But recently, a lot of our plans have changed. Some in good ways: My once a day walk has turned into twice and sometimes three times a day walks! And my family goes to the refrigerator way more than they used to which usually means I can convince them to give me a little taste of what they’re eating (unless of course, it’s chocolate ?)

But some plans have changed in not good ways.
I can never tell anymore when the kids are gonna be done with school, so I never know when to be downstairs to greet them. And while I love having my family home, it is really hard to take a good nap when they are moving around all the time. And I haven’t gotten to go for a car ride in weeks!

I think mom is having a hard time with her box of chocolate life right now too, because some days she’s super happy and gets lots done (and makes videos with me!), but then the next day she might sit in the grass and cry.

She’s never done that before—so that must be something humans do during a pandemic.
I know eating grass makes me feel better when my tummy hurts! So maybe sitting in grass and crying helps humans feel a better?

I usually throw up after I eat grass—and boy does getting that stuff out make me feel SO much better!

Maybe crying is how humans get up some of the stuff that is hurting their insides.

It’s hard to see mom sad, but I’m glad she’s getting out what needs to come out. And at least I don’t have to clean up after her!

The next day mom will usually be fine again—then a few days later she might sit back in the grass and cry. And then the next day she’ll be ok again.

I never know what kind of day it’s gonna be or what she’s gonna need me to do. But whatever she needs, whether it’s playing outside, making videos, going for a walk (or 5), sitting in the grass, or snuggling on one of the approved beds, I’ll be there for her. Always.

I’m not sure if that’s what the movie man meant when he said the thing about life being like a box of chocolate, but it kinda seems like it.

If it’s not, then maybe he just meant that humans should eat a box of chocolate everyday.

Maybe mom should try that! And if she won’t let me eat chocolate, then I think she should at least let me sleep on the new sofa!

Stay safe and wash your paws,

Always,
Gracie

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