Body Bound

 

In the Star Trek episode, “Return to Tomorrow,” the cast find themselves in the presence of three spheres that contain the essence of telepathic beings that have been in this state since their planet was devastated.  They wish, for a temporary basis, to swap with three people to once again feel what it is like to have a body, to experience life and to see if they can create artificial bodies for themselves.  I remember seeing this episode as a child and it always stuck with me the idea that if we were to lose our capacities, we would ultimately end up like the three beings – a sentient mind without the functionality of the body, forever bound in a sphere.

Science-fiction is funny in a way that when you are introduced to the thoughts, concepts and imaginations of the writer, the stories always seem fantastical, providing us with new ideas to think about.  In the time since that episode first appeared on television (1968), our world has changed considerably.  While we may not (yet) be able to move our minds into newer bodies, technology and science has provided the ability to extend lives beyond the lifespans of the 1960’s.  When my parents were children, no one would have believe that one of the greatest people in astrophysics and cosmology, Steven Hawking, would see the universe bound to his wheel chair, communicate through a speech generating device and produce theoretical breakthroughs.  Man’s ability to persevere, succeed and overcome obstacles is amazing!

But what happens when you have had a lifetime of multiple physical skills and then, at a mature age, things stop working as you have been used to?  How quick can one make the required adjustments to overcome the new challenges before them.  Blessed with sight, sound, mobility, etc., it is hard to fathom how to handle diminished or lost abilities.  As a 58 year old, I can safely say that there are times where I can “feel” like my body cannot do some of the things that it used to, has aches and pains that come and go, and, does not react quite as quick as it did 25 years ago.  Growing up, we had a German Shepherd, Tippi, who at a later point in life began to show signs typical of the breed – hip dysplasia.  As the condition worsened, the vet finally told us that she is mentally sound and knows that she will have to begin dragging her back legs.  Sadly, we made the “humane” decision to put her to sleep.  What we can do for our pets, we cannot do for ourselves.  From a religious point of view, our life is precious.  While science helped Mr. Hawkins and for many people, it has helped to allow new chances on a productive life.  For others, not so much.

When I was younger, I was fascinated by the beings in that Star Trek episode.  It made me think that once the body goes, we are left with only our essence…our minds.  The only way to preserve that seemed to be answered in a made for TV sci-fi episode.  I am definitely not telepathic, so that would not be a solution and I would be trapped in a “vessel” until science could figure out how to create an artificial body to drop my brain into.  Whether a sphere, or some other container, the key word would be trapped.  At the end of the day, the real lesson is to take care of ourselves, remember to stop and smell the roses and be kind to the other people we meet along the way.

The Focus of a Dog

We often laugh at the inability of a dog to focus.  I was able to observe this, recently, while walking the dogs.  Our older dog, Lucy Lou, happily walked alongside me.  We were having a nice conversation when she politely excused herself, sniffed around and then did her business.  Sadie, who was originally my Mother-in-law’s dog, just turned three and is like the Beatles song, “Here, There and Everywhere.”  She trots ahead on the grass, head slightly lowered, which means she is prepping herself…then she hears something, smells something, sees something (real or imaginary) and instantly forgets why she is outside.  Lucy Lou gets distracted, generally speaking, when another dog nears us. 

Watching the two of them moving about their environment, I began to see traits, which to me, seem completely human.  People that are younger, or new to some aspect of their lives, are truly like Sadie.  I am not referring to the need for someone to walk them.  More so, the traits related to being curious, being hyperactive, easily excited and trying to do many things at the same time.  Young children definitely react in this fashion.  When our girls were little, I remember Debbie going shopping and buying much-needed socks for them.  She carefully put the socks in a box and we figured that for the child opening the gift they would be excited at having to pull out the many items.  When it came time to open the gift, the socks went flying out and the box became the toy that they were excited about.  That is, until the next gift, or a morsel of food came drifting into view.  In the workplace, the same goes as you see the eager, young faces running around, happy to jump in and help.  I remember one fellow that was so excited to get involved in ALL applications the group was working in (not possible unless one wanted their head to explode).

As for the Lucy Lou traits, which tend to be found in people with experience, or, how can I put this delicately, those that are more mature.  I am at the point in my life, where I tend to think that I fall into this category (mature? Age-wise, but always action-wise…just ask my daughters).  Instead of running around, distracted by whatever comes dancing or floating in front, this group has a bit more focus.  They tend to pick some path to follow, changes course when it meets the need, takes care of their business and keeps on track.  People of high success tend to focus on no more than three priorities at any one point in time.  When I was younger, had more energy, and was in a more Sadie-phase, I remember looking at the “older,” Lucy Lou-phased employees that I worked for and wondered why they did not go out for the lunch plus beers, or after work outings…they were more deliberate and focused in their actions.

There is the old tale of two bulls on a hill overlooking the herd.  The young one, all excited, says, “Let’s run down the hill and be with one of the cows.”  Where upon the elder bull calmly says, “Let’s walk down the hill and be with them all.”  OK, this old story is slightly sexist, but it makes the point.  We can live in the Sadie-phase, and run helter skelter trying to accomplish many things; or, in the Lucy Lou-phase and move deliberately and with conviction to fully accomplish (aka, succeed) in a few.  After all, as I concluded my walk, I realized that I guess we can learn new tricks from old dogs.

A Tail of Two Dogs

Five years ago, there was a change in the Zeiler household with the addition of a new family member – Lucy Lou.  We adopted Lucy Lou after three years of not having a dog.  She was perfect for our family.  She was estimated to be two years old, house broken and well mannered.  We all fell in love with her.  While she brought positive energy to our family, Bec (who took the loss of our previous dog very hard) really fell in love, and made sure each day included Lucy-time.  When the girls are away at school, Debbie and I send semi-daily photos.  Running daily errands, she happily went with Debbie for a ride.  She has even made it to TV!  The cool thing about her, her demeanor, her attitude, was that when you took her for a walk around the neighborhood, everyone knows her.  Walking at the park always garnered compliments.  She has even been to visit Gab at college, to the delight of Gab and her friends.  Everyone knows Lucy Lou (she has been a featured topic for me as well).

And then came Sadie…Sadie is my mother-in-law’s dog.  She was adopted as a puppy and came with  The girls quickly started referring to her as “Sadie, Sadie, Crazy Lady.”  For my mother-in-law, she fit the bill, as she became her constant companion.  As the perfect lapdog, Sadie would sit on her lap while watching TV and sleep in the bed with her.  Lucy Lou and Sadie got along great together and were inseparable.  They would play together and hang out together, always happy for that play date.  When it was time for Sadie to go home, like the little child that cries about not wanting to leave, she would not let my mother-in-law put her leash on.

all of the energy of a dog her age.

Last December, that all changed…When my Debbie’s mother got sick, Sadie stayed with us.  We hoped this would be a temporary situation.  As things have turned out, she is here to stay.  At first, it was like living with Ricochet Rabbit – always in motion, always looking for attention, always in your face.  Sadie does not have the same cuteness factor as Lucy Lou.  One of the girls told the story where they were out and someone saw Lucy and comment on how beautiful she is.  And then, Sadie’s head popped into the picture and the lady said, “and then there’s you.” 

Like humans, the dogs have distinct personalities.  Sadie is the hyperactive child that constantly needs attention.  Because of this, when you move, she comes running over thinking that it is time to play, or when you give attention to Lucy Lou, she inserts herself in front so that she gets petted.  Lucy Lou, on the other hand, is more laid back.  She will sit there looking at you, waiting for you to acknowledge her before she comes over for attention.  When she is done, she walks away.  They do have one common thread – they are both rescue dogs that have been “adopted.”  You never know what baggage they will bring into the relationship.  With Lucy Lou, her background seemed a bit sketchy, but she ended up being a perfect fit for our family.  We, in essence, are Sadie’s second family.  As I am writing this, I have noticed that she has begun to become a part of our family and starting to meld into our routines.  She is still quirky, but, heck, who isn’t.

Two Tired Best Dog Friends

Lucy Lou

Eight years ago, our daughters watched in horror as our four year old Alaskan Malamute, Oreo, was hit by a car.  Gab was in shock, Bec cried for days and Debbie refused to drive by that spot for years.  I was ready to get a new dog right away.  I am not sure why, but maybe because I grew up with two dogs (a Norwegian Elkhound, Holly, and a German Shepherd, Tippy).  Bec looked up at me and asked through her tearstained faced, “How could you have another dog after going through this before?”  It broke my heart, as Oreo was very much a part of our family.  When we first decided to get a dog, we researched options as a family, visiting pet shops and breeders.  Part of the deal in getting a dog was that the girls had to be responsible to take care of the dog, otherwise it would end up being my pet.  The girls agreed, and did take care of Oreo, and Oreo was a constant companion to Debbie in both the house and when they went out.

The Pros and Cons of Dog Ownership:

• Pro – teaches responsibility for our children (they must commit to helping)
• Con – having a dog takes up your free time
• Pro – unconditional love
• Con – they are dependent on you
• Pro – they greet you at the door when you come home long after your children stop doing so
• Con – you cannot just go away for a weekend, until you find a someone / a place to watch your dog
• Pro – they are by your side through the good time and the bad times
• Pro – they make you feel good
• Pro / Con – you become emotionally invested in your dog

Five years ago, my Mother-in-law had a Pug, Irving, and was at the doggie park when she met a woman that fostered dogs.  At that point, I had already started looking to adopt a dog and was looking online (petfinder.com) every few days.  The rest of my family was also beginning to feel that it was time to have a new dog.  My mother-in-law called that a foster mom had a cute dog with her and we should come and meet them.  We went and met the dog – a mutt.  This dog had been abandoned and abused before being found in a muddy pen in the south and brought north to find a forever family.  We fell in love with this cute, funny and happy looking dog.  After filling out some paperwork, there was a home visit / interview to make sure there really was a match.  Lucy Lou came to our home for a visit and has stayed here ever since then.  That was five years ago this upcoming week, a great addition to the family, and, in the words of Gab and Bec, “she is perfect!”