I've noticed that my dog, Frankie's life revolves around shoes. He doesn't chew them or steal them like some dogs do- he uses them in place of a clock and a calendar.
His day starts with waking up, diving on me (Dad lets him out of the laundry where he sleeps), peeing, having breakfast- and then sitting on my bed, waiting for me to put on my shoes.
Between studying, working, doing work experience at the Vet, errands and other social activities, no two days in my week are structured the same- so Frank has learned to use my feet to judge what day it is.
If I put on my walking shoes he goes crazy- his tail spins like a helicopter and he races for the door where we keep his lead.
If I put on my work shoes he lowers his tail and walks to the top of the stairs, where he sits with his head on his paws and sighs, making me feel like the worst mother on earth for leaving him. Sometimes, (to make me feel even more guilty?), he heads straight for his bed in the laundry while I lock the house up.
If I put on the shoes I wear to class and to and the Vet, he gets excited- he knows these shoes mean he might get to go on a car trip and come someplace with me. If I don't take him, he heads back to the top of the stairs and gives me that look that makes me want to cry.
And if I put on high heels, or boots, or even some kind of sandals- he just looks confused. It's interesting that he figured this stuff out, since he's not a particularly reactive dog to clothing in other ways- he doesn't care what outfit I'm wearing, which pants, or whether I have a hat or sunglasses on. Just the shoes. Probably because he's small and they're around his face height.
I was reading in a book the other day, about how a person's life changes when they get their first dog, including wardrobe and shoes, the impracticality of high heels. (The book was "Pack of Two" by Caroline Knapp- read it if you love your dog!!) I've never been a crazy shoe obsessed woman, but years ago when I was studying Event Management I practically lived in skirts and any shoes that weren't completely flat. Looking back it was not a particularly happy time in my life- I was heading in totally the wrong career direction, surrounded by people who had that kind of "socialite" personality I just do not have.
When I started Vet Nursing 2 years ago, it was just like entering a whole other world- you can't shovel hay in heels and a skirt! You need comfortable shoes to chase animals around all day. And forget dressing fancy at all because you're probably going to get peed on, pooped on or thrown up on. And yet I prefer life this way- animals don't ask you to be someone you're not. They're fascinating and honest, and in most cases sweet and loving. The people who love them are often that much nicer too.
So I'll never be one of those girls who spends $700 on shoes and freaks out if anyone touches them. But I do spend that much and more on Vet bills, and I will freak out if you touch my fish tank. :)
They say dog is a man's best friend, and diamonds are a girls best friend- but Frankie is definitely mine.
And if and when the time comes, I think I'd be quite happy to be proposed to with an engagement puppy instead of a ring!
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