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If You Want Something, Speak Up

Dagney taught me to make noise and get attention

By Brenda MahlerPublished about a year ago Updated about a year ago 4 min read
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Image from author's photo album.

Dagney’s behaviors shine a spotlight on how I communicate reminding me that words are not always necessary to send a message. She doesn’t use words but makes it clear what she wants.

Dogs have a way of getting our attention. Dagney scratches on something, anything nearby. At night when she needs to be let out, she scratches on the bedroom mirror. That noise, similar to nails on a chalkboard, gets me out of bed. During the day, a scratch on the door signals a potty break is eminent.

Recently, Dagney’s intelligence amazed me after we moved her treats to a cupboard above the stove. She scratched on a lower cupboard, laid down and waited. Not knowing what she wanted, I observed her behavior. At first, she sat and stared, trying to channel a message telepathically. When that was unsuccessful, she let out a small whine and looked at the top cupboard, then scratched one more time, laid down, and released one more whine. I would have had to be unconscious not to understand what she wanted. Apparently, she knew the new hiding place for her treats.

Dogs let us know what they want and need. They don’t play mind games or hem and haw around hoping we eventually figure it out. We should follow their lead by making ourselves heard. Have you known people who do not speak up? The worst are those who then become disgruntled when their desires are not addressed. Instead of simply asking, they whine.

OK, to be honest, I used to be that way. I would assume my husband should be able to figure out what I wanted, and when he stood clueless, truly innocent behavior on his part, I became unhappy; he might say mad, but I simply wished he knew me well enough to anticipate my desires. However, after takes notes from my dog, I realized by simply asking and waiting patiently, usually, my wishes are fulfilled.

It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves in this busy, multitasking, world but if we don’t speak up, nobody will come to our rescue.

After watching Randy pamper and spoil our dog, I realized she speaks up and communicates. There was a time jealousy tore me up wondering why he was more responsive to the dog than his own wife. So, I tried her straight forward, nonconfrontational method. I announced my presence, stared in into my husband’s eyes, smiled, introduced a topic and waited for him to respond. He became slightly unnerved, then curious. So, we had a conversation. Once again, I learned a lesson from my Dagney.

Asking nicely is one of the lessons my parents taught at a young age. The phrase, “Say please” is a constant refrain in our home with small children around. Nothing frustrates me more than a grunt to get attention and a groan to express displeasure. Even Dagney knows how to ask nicely.

Though Dagney does not speak the same language, she communicates. More than once, she has laid near her bone that rested just out of reach and whined to notify me there was a problem. She was saying, “Mom, will you hand me the bone?” The word whine has negative connotations because children whining is annoying. But in Dag’s language, she is asking for help.

If an intruder enters her territory, usually when she is looking out the window, she makes a low, shallow growl. We translate this to mean, “Mom, did you know there’s a stranger outside?” It’s amazing she senses a presence, before it is visible to us. We have been delighted to follow her gaze to watch deer eating off the feed block, a fox passing through the pasture, and once a moose grazing in the yard.

Sometimes we all need assistance, but it can be difficult to ask for help. In my experience a caring friend is usually available to help. It is important to open ourselves up to others and let them support us. The burdens of our world are heavy and become lighter when the load is shared just as the joys are more enjoyable when shared. Dagney told me this.

If you enjoy dogs as much as I do, you might enjoy Dagney's book - available on Amazon.

Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style

Between the covers readers will enjoy

  • 38 chapters
  • 87 colored pictures
  • 40 inspirational quotes
  • Dozens of life lessons
  • Journaling activities
  • Tons of laughs

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About the Creator

Brenda Mahler

Travel

Writing Lessons

Memoirs

Poetry

Books AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.

* Lockers Speak: Voices from America's Youth

* Understanding the Power Not Yet shares Kari’s story following a stroke at 33.

* Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style explains how humans can life to the fullest.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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Comments (1)

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  • Babs Iversonabout a year ago

    Lovely story! Dagney knows that if you don't ask, the answer is always no!!!

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