When Guy and I brought a dog into our lives, we knew she would bring joy, frustration, and lots of laughter. What we didn't know is that she would actually teach us things about our marriage and the ways we relate to each other. Aside from serving as excellent birth control, getting a dog has been a great teaching tool. For instance, I am always telling Guy how I would like him to show his affection more. Yes, he says he loves me, but why can't he show it? A hug or kiss when I walk through the door, or even a smile that shows me he's happy to see me would be much appreciated. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I voiced my opinion, it never seemed to sink in...until I related it to the way Lily greets Guy each time he arrives home. When she hears the garage door open, Lily bolts down the stairs and paces back and forth, wagging her tail until Daddy comes up the steps and she can smother him in kisses. There is no doubt in his mind that Lily loves him and is happy that he's home. When I paralleled this situation to my need for physical affection from him, I think Guy finally got it. Though he doesn't have a tail to wag, he's been doing much better at expressing his love the way I'd like him to.
On my side of the teaching opportunities, I was humbled by a witty remark Guy made over dinner the other night. Since I typically spend the afternoons home with the dog, she tends to hover around me and whine and bark until I give her what she needs. In fact, she is prancing around me with a needy air as I type this post. I expressed to Guy that I wish Lily could find ways to entertain herself that didn't involve me. He simply said, "I know how that feels." I had to laugh because it is so true. I've given Guy a lot of slack in the past because I'm always bored and looking for his companionship to keep me occupied. I've taken offense when he would rather do his own thing than sit around and do nothing with me. But now I realize, from the way I feel about Lily, that it's not that he doesn't love me. I love that dog as much as my own family members. But sometimes you just don't want to spend your time finding ways to entertain someone else. I get it now.
So, as I sit here and Lily pulls paper out of my garbage can and proceeds to shred it to pieces, I am thankful for her in ways she can never understand. She is more than a pet to me. She is my friend, and I can only hope she continues to teach me new perspectives on life.
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