I heard Steve say it to one of the humans in the big building with the flying machines.
“I think I ran out of dog.” That’s what he said, “I think I ran out of dog.” And he was correct.
It had been a usual visit; nothing out of the ordinary. We went through the area where they make us walk through a little archway. Steve always says something like, “Roxie, I hope they don’t have to pat you down.” He laughs and the uniformed human chuckles, too.
Whatever. Though a belly rub would bring joy.
As usual, we went to all the areas where humans were waiting to leave. (Some said that had been waiting to leave for longer than they wanted to wait to leave. I just tilted my head. No idea what they meant. Heard the word delay and cancellation.) There were a lot of touches, belly rubs, and instructions for me to sit, stay, and get up. Kinda like doing squats over and over again. Every so often I would lie down and make believe I had fallen asleep.
Why don’t we just stay here and people will come to us? Or maybe you can get one of those chairs with wheels and carry me to the next stop.
Nice thought but Steve had other ideas. So, I’d hear, “Roxie! Time to go.”
I continued to make believe I did not hear him.
He then leaned into my ear and whispered, “Biscuit.”
Off we went to the next area.
Our last stop is always right outside where we started. I get a chance to rest and watch people pass. Often they stop and speak to us and give belly rubs. (To me. Steve never gets belly rubs. Oh, well.)
“Roxie, I can tell from your eyes you are tired.”
No kidding, Sherlock. I’m dog tired! Happy and dog tired.
“Guess, I ran out of dog today,” Steve said. “And, you know, I am tired, too. How about we go home?”
Gladly, I did my last squat upward and we walked toward the car.
Steve ran out of dog and looks like I ran out of human. Gave our all for the good of the humans we met. We make a good team!
Remember, when you run out of dog or run out of human, stop and listen. The body is telling you to take a rest. Be kind to yourself-and those on your team.
WOOF!
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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.) The book holds a biscuit or two for you or for a friend!
WOOF!
The Growth and Resilience Network®
Steve Piscitelli. 2022©
Roxie Moves Beyond the Biscuit 