(#49) Uncle Bruce

While I don’t understand most of what comes out of humans’ mouths, we communicate in other ways. Like our eyes or the tone of Steve’s voice or the tug on the leash. All I need to see is the leash come off the Garnasium hook and I know we are off on an adventure. But I have learned a few words. If you were to say them around me, you’d get my attention.

When, for instance, I hear Steve or Hoppi say “Pooches!” I immediately think of my favorite little yellow building. I tilt my head and raise my ears.

Or when I hear “Kong!” I run to my doggie condo and wait for the delectable (like that word?) treat I know will soon come my way.

And, of course, there’s “Biscuit!”  No need to WOOF about that one.

Over time, I have come to recognize two words that Steve uses when we are on the beach. I could be lying on the sand or moving back and forth in full NTG mode sniffing paw prints and jelly fish. I’m totally into what I am doing. And then he says it.

“Uncle Bruce!” My head will pop up.

“Let’s go see Uncle Bruce!” And off we go to the walkway that leads off the beach. As we get closer, I see him. My tail begins to wag.

I first met Uncle Bruce when I was a wee pup. He had a canine partner who was the king of our part of the beach. I wrote about Maker’s a while back. He was older than me and has since gone over the Rainbow Bridge. I miss him.

I do know that Uncle Bruce is not really an uncle in our family but Steve likes to make names up.

I can see why Maker’s loved his person. Uncle Bruce treats all of us canines (and humans from what I can see) with respect.

He always greets us with his smile.  He is glad to see me and Steve. And he never Woofs about how we need to change this or that. He accepts us as we are.

Now, I know what you are thinking. You probably think I like him because he gives me biscuits. Nope. Steve’s the Biscuit Man in our neighborhood.

Uncle Bruce says my name as I move toward him, my tail wags.  He reaches down and scratches my ears, and then my haunches, and then I’m on my back, legs in the air in full belly rub mode. He talks to me and makes me feel comfortable.

Mostly, Uncle Bruce is a kind soul who knows how to communicate with pups and humans. I can see why Maker’s loved being his canine partner. A nice human with a big smile.

We need more people like that in our world.

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Thanks for coming back to my blog. You make me happier than biscuits!

My book, Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit, is still available.  I share stories and lessons about friends, family, and fun. And I speak about purpose as well.  (Steve says for dogs we might just want to call it “furpose.” He makes words up, I think.) Perhaps the book holds a biscuit or two for you!

AND if you get a chance, visit Steve’s blog at https://thegrowthandresiliencenetwork.net/. He’d like that.

WOOF!

The Growth and Resilience Network®
Steve Piscitelli. 2021©