The annotation gave me a chuckle thinking of all the times I've specifically gone out of my way to make sure my dog has the option for comfort in the form of a multi inch memory foam dog bed(or human bed) only for them to drop themselves with a massive 'THUNK' to lay on the cold linoleum. Of course, occasionally I decide I want to go sleep on the ground in a tent and am often surprised that my back feels better in the morning, so I suppose I understand where they're coming from in those moments more than I admit to myself at the time as I roll my eyes.
The option is the key for me so it makes sense they would feel similarly about the intersection of comfort and choice.
You poignantly examine that nuance as always in ways that leave me with plenty to ponder over a similarly (many time over)reheated cup of tea.
It felt like a very necessary footnote, haha! Every dog has different preferences, every home has different resources, and I never want to give the impression that superficial bonuses like blanket burritos and cozy beds are the *most* important thing for our dogs to feel fulfilled. But I really couldn't get over how much happier Scout seemed this morning. I like your distinction about choice a lot. 💛
I love what you’ve written here, Hayley. Such a beautiful piece describing the “luxuries” that so many pet guardians do to provide their pets with love and care.
The annotation gave me a chuckle thinking of all the times I've specifically gone out of my way to make sure my dog has the option for comfort in the form of a multi inch memory foam dog bed(or human bed) only for them to drop themselves with a massive 'THUNK' to lay on the cold linoleum. Of course, occasionally I decide I want to go sleep on the ground in a tent and am often surprised that my back feels better in the morning, so I suppose I understand where they're coming from in those moments more than I admit to myself at the time as I roll my eyes.
The option is the key for me so it makes sense they would feel similarly about the intersection of comfort and choice.
You poignantly examine that nuance as always in ways that leave me with plenty to ponder over a similarly (many time over)reheated cup of tea.
It felt like a very necessary footnote, haha! Every dog has different preferences, every home has different resources, and I never want to give the impression that superficial bonuses like blanket burritos and cozy beds are the *most* important thing for our dogs to feel fulfilled. But I really couldn't get over how much happier Scout seemed this morning. I like your distinction about choice a lot. 💛
I love what you’ve written here, Hayley. Such a beautiful piece describing the “luxuries” that so many pet guardians do to provide their pets with love and care.
Thank you so, so much for taking the time to read, Christine!