A Scritch Behind Her Ears
A guest columnist: my daughter’s friend and residence mate - Jenette
Golden retrievers are highly intelligent dogs that have been ‘man’s’ best friend for years. This dog shows a great respect and love towards its friends, companions and owners. Although they are traditionally used on farms or as guard dogs, many own them merely as enjoyment or as a loyal companion. Golden retrievers possess traits such as short attention spans, friendliness, loyalty, total reliance on others, and complete happiness. In some cases, people can become the equivalent to a golden retriever. This person is usually full of energy and requires a plethora of attention and personal contact; however, this is not always an unpleasant occurrence.
In one case, a perfect example of a human golden retriever is my roommate, Caitie. Caitie, an energetic teenager, has an extremely short attention span, similar to a golden retriever. A small bouncing ball could deter her from working on a major essay for hours. Although this regular occurrence has become second nature, the other day she was distracted from an important conversation because of a “Canadian Monopoly” board game. This became the new conversation for approximately 15 minutes. Golden retrievers tend to notice the smallest details in life- as does Caitie. Despite the many distractions that this limited attention span causes, there is never a dull moment when Caitie is near-by; in fact, Caitie rarely sacrifices the spotlight, just like a well-breed retriever.
Golden retrievers are well known for being friendly towards all people, no matter the race, colour or gender. Friends come easily and are kept just as effortlessly. Despite the time restraint or obstacles, golden retrievers will go that extra mile to sniff, or in Caitie’s case say hello, to the elderly woman sitting on a park bench. Caitie prides herself in being friendly and courteous at all times. However, she is sometimes unable to take the hint that some people do not appreciate random addresses, but this never discourages her. Caitie displayed this characteristic one day when an elderly women was sitting by herself at the mall. Despite the errands that were priority, she sat and talked with the women until there was a smile on her face. Although there are much better things to be doing, both the golden retriever and Caitie will gladly sit with you and keep you company for no apparent reason. Time is precious, but friends are much more valuable.
Like many dogs, golden retrievers are extremely loyal to the ones they love and cherish. Despite the hardships and rough times, golden retrievers will stand by you and continue the friendship. Many claim that dogs are unaware of what is happening, yet I believe that they are quite aware of the fact. Through rough times, Caitie has always been there to support her friends through thick and thin; in fact, she will support you even if she disagrees with you. If need be, Caitie will stay up all night long and simply play video games with you, or even participate in a conversation about childhood television shows into the wee hours of the morning. This is a true friend.
One of a Golden Retriever’s unique characteristics (or any dog for that matter) is its complete and total reliance on another human being. Sadly, this is also the case with Caitie. The poor girl needs constant supervision and it has been deemed my lot in life to be the supervisor. She requires help with everything. When she first came to university she didn’t know how to make Kraft Dinner, and I ended up making it for her that night and every other time she wanted it. One day, she decided to be ambitious and make it herself. I told her I didn’t mind doing it, yet she was quite adamant about proving that she was finally ready to make it on her own. I succumbed and retreated into my room, expecting to be summoned for help eventually; however, the call for assistance came quite sooner than I anticipated. Not even two minutes into Caitie’s ordeal, was there a knock at the door - she couldn’t open the box.
Although cruelty to animals is something I do not support (I have two beautiful dogs, myself), cruelty to Caitie can be rather amusing. As most people are aware, when an animal is struck, or injured, they cry out or whimper. Caitie is the same way. Poor Caitie has a low tolerance for pain and bruises as easily as a haemophiliac. Not only will she cry out in pain, but also it is usually accompanied by some strange guttural sound or a noise resembling, “Ah-Geuy”. Although some may find this rather disturbing, this familiar whimper will often be followed by a girlish giggle, and then another and another. This comparison can also tie back into the loyalty a golden retriever has despite the abuse inflicted upon it.
When analyzing the characteristics of a friend, it is amazing to find the similarities between them and a golden retriever. Although some may find it insulting to be compared to a dog, the comparisons are quite flattering. The loyalty found in a dog is quite similar to the qualities found in Caitie, and you will never find a friend more loyal and loving as she. Many consider dogs as man’s best friend, but in my case, Caitie is my best friend, and there is less communication issues. With Caitie, there are fewer fleas and more laughs, and she even enjoys a good scratch behind the ears from time to time.
Golden retrievers are highly intelligent dogs that have been ‘man’s’ best friend for years. This dog shows a great respect and love towards its friends, companions and owners. Although they are traditionally used on farms or as guard dogs, many own them merely as enjoyment or as a loyal companion. Golden retrievers possess traits such as short attention spans, friendliness, loyalty, total reliance on others, and complete happiness. In some cases, people can become the equivalent to a golden retriever. This person is usually full of energy and requires a plethora of attention and personal contact; however, this is not always an unpleasant occurrence.
In one case, a perfect example of a human golden retriever is my roommate, Caitie. Caitie, an energetic teenager, has an extremely short attention span, similar to a golden retriever. A small bouncing ball could deter her from working on a major essay for hours. Although this regular occurrence has become second nature, the other day she was distracted from an important conversation because of a “Canadian Monopoly” board game. This became the new conversation for approximately 15 minutes. Golden retrievers tend to notice the smallest details in life- as does Caitie. Despite the many distractions that this limited attention span causes, there is never a dull moment when Caitie is near-by; in fact, Caitie rarely sacrifices the spotlight, just like a well-breed retriever.
Golden retrievers are well known for being friendly towards all people, no matter the race, colour or gender. Friends come easily and are kept just as effortlessly. Despite the time restraint or obstacles, golden retrievers will go that extra mile to sniff, or in Caitie’s case say hello, to the elderly woman sitting on a park bench. Caitie prides herself in being friendly and courteous at all times. However, she is sometimes unable to take the hint that some people do not appreciate random addresses, but this never discourages her. Caitie displayed this characteristic one day when an elderly women was sitting by herself at the mall. Despite the errands that were priority, she sat and talked with the women until there was a smile on her face. Although there are much better things to be doing, both the golden retriever and Caitie will gladly sit with you and keep you company for no apparent reason. Time is precious, but friends are much more valuable.
Like many dogs, golden retrievers are extremely loyal to the ones they love and cherish. Despite the hardships and rough times, golden retrievers will stand by you and continue the friendship. Many claim that dogs are unaware of what is happening, yet I believe that they are quite aware of the fact. Through rough times, Caitie has always been there to support her friends through thick and thin; in fact, she will support you even if she disagrees with you. If need be, Caitie will stay up all night long and simply play video games with you, or even participate in a conversation about childhood television shows into the wee hours of the morning. This is a true friend.
One of a Golden Retriever’s unique characteristics (or any dog for that matter) is its complete and total reliance on another human being. Sadly, this is also the case with Caitie. The poor girl needs constant supervision and it has been deemed my lot in life to be the supervisor. She requires help with everything. When she first came to university she didn’t know how to make Kraft Dinner, and I ended up making it for her that night and every other time she wanted it. One day, she decided to be ambitious and make it herself. I told her I didn’t mind doing it, yet she was quite adamant about proving that she was finally ready to make it on her own. I succumbed and retreated into my room, expecting to be summoned for help eventually; however, the call for assistance came quite sooner than I anticipated. Not even two minutes into Caitie’s ordeal, was there a knock at the door - she couldn’t open the box.
Although cruelty to animals is something I do not support (I have two beautiful dogs, myself), cruelty to Caitie can be rather amusing. As most people are aware, when an animal is struck, or injured, they cry out or whimper. Caitie is the same way. Poor Caitie has a low tolerance for pain and bruises as easily as a haemophiliac. Not only will she cry out in pain, but also it is usually accompanied by some strange guttural sound or a noise resembling, “Ah-Geuy”. Although some may find this rather disturbing, this familiar whimper will often be followed by a girlish giggle, and then another and another. This comparison can also tie back into the loyalty a golden retriever has despite the abuse inflicted upon it.
When analyzing the characteristics of a friend, it is amazing to find the similarities between them and a golden retriever. Although some may find it insulting to be compared to a dog, the comparisons are quite flattering. The loyalty found in a dog is quite similar to the qualities found in Caitie, and you will never find a friend more loyal and loving as she. Many consider dogs as man’s best friend, but in my case, Caitie is my best friend, and there is less communication issues. With Caitie, there are fewer fleas and more laughs, and she even enjoys a good scratch behind the ears from time to time.
posted by Musings from Idle Acres | 12:12 p.m.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home