I’ve noticed when I praise my little
Chihuahuas you can almost see their little chests puff up with pride as their
behavior improves to outstanding. Compliments can come for things like doing
their business in the yard (instead of the house), looking adorable, or quietly
following me, my wife, or daughter, to make us feel loved (usually for the sole
purpose of a human doggy treat, which occasionally happens).
There is nothing like the appreciative
face licking of a small dog. Rosco and Chico give facial slobbering, which can
include wetting of the mouth, nose, or side of face. Getting your face [too]
close to the boys is the main reason this action occurs. This is the main way
Rosco and Chico have of showing their love and appreciation for all your
kindnesses to them.
Here is a visual image of the boys showing
their gratitude. Imagine someone taking a rag that had been soaked in rancid
water for three days. That same person takes that cloth, and quickly runs it
across the middle to bottom portion of your face. No opportunity for breathing
is granted.
Whenever I am alone in our home and have to
leave to perform some errand, I always make sure I leave Rosco and Chico with
these words as I exit, “I love you both. Be good.” With my sense of curiosity,
I always wonder what goes on once I leave. Without a hidden camera above their
cage in my daughter’s room, no one will ever know. Chances are there is a lot
of resting with a little barking and fighting added in for good measure.
I’m changing the subject again. Since my wife
and I have only been able to successfully conceive and give birth to one child
(due to eight miscarriages), it seems like our hearts have always been seeking
something to replace the children we lost. When we met Rosco and Chico, the
connection did something to the whole family. They would become our canine sons
([a stand in] for more real
children here on earth).
Though we know our Chihuahuas are just dogs,
over the years we’ve praised them just like children for the all the positive
things they’ve done (like using the bathroom outside the house), and being calm
and quiet. Their personalities have bloomed so much over the years. One
constant has been the unconditional love we have all received since day one.
If you have ever looked at old religious
paintings, one will notice pretty much every saint has an orb of light
encircling their head. This must refer to their holiness and purity. At times
when my little angelic Chihuahuas are sitting in front of the glass screen door
something special happens with the sunshine that makes me want to praise them
for what I see.
When
the sunshine hits their translucent ears, which are sticking straight up, they
sit up. The look is that of small canine saints that belong in a painting in an
art gallery somewhere. Their glowing
halo is very visible at that moment. For just that moment, my knees get weak,
and I feel I’m in the presence of something extraordinary.
How often have I used criticism (rather
than praise) with someone to invoke a change? Humans thrive on praise also. I
really should follow my own advice. Can praise make your problem with someone
else a victory in unity?[i]
 |
| Rosco, Chico, Lola snuggled together (bottom to top) |
[i] Adapted from Dear
God, Please Make Me the Person My Dogs Think I Am, chapter eleven “Bloom
with Praise,” by Robert A. Kinker
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