Could it be true that dogs, especially calm, undemanding, infallibly house-trained ones, gentle the atmosphere? Yesterday was certainly one of the most chilled out Christmas days I have ever experienced. I felt no stress in any direction, not even to get out of sleep clothes, which I didn't actually do until just before dinner, when my niece and her boyfriend were already here. Before that, my husband, son, daughter and I had awoken, opened gifts, ate a breakfast of waffles and strawberries that our daughter made for us, then everyone dozed or played with their gifts. Later we binge watched a bit of
Weeds using the Roku set up our son gave us, cooked a meal with no time pressure, chatted and debated the merits of things, told jokes and laughed uproariously with one another, and through it all, from Christmas Eve night onward, Nina was there.
Nina is the dog that belongs to my upstairs neighbor. My daughter regularly takes care of her, whenever our neighbor, a recent empty nester, gets a notion to travel, which she does often. We have all fallen in love with Nina, and I do believe she contributed greatly to the very laid back atmosphere of our day. It was one of the best Christmases ever, I allowed it be just what it was, and somehow, when my daughter took Nina home at close to midnight, we all missed her big round eyes gazing into our souls. My daughter, who is virtually her co-carer at this point, and who Nina clearly adores, feels somewhat victorious that we all melted at Nina's charms. I know what that's about. My girl is looking for babysitting when she gets her own dog. "It will be your first grandchild," she tries to tell me.
When I saw the picture and saw the dog I was wondering how all this time you had a dog and I didn’t know about her.
ReplyDeleteShe looks more like a celestial being than a dog. And yes, dogs do bring so much to a room. Cats too. Even ungrateful ones. ;-)
My dog is an extremely soothing presence in my life. Out in the world she can be a real jackass, but when calm at home she is fantastic. Again how I wish I could find someone to care for Ziggy Stardust like your daughter does for Nina and others.
ReplyDeleteThere are some dogs which are really absolutely just very special souls. Not as many as dog-owners would have you believe (in my opinion, at least) but when you find one, you never forget that dog. I had one like that and I still cry when I think of her death.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why but everyone I've talked to just had the most chill Christmases. All of us in my family have agreed it was true for us. And thus- so enjoyable!
I am glad you experienced this too! After the year we've had, we all certainly have earned a pleasant and peaceful celebration. Especially you and yours!
Dogs make life better. They give such unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteI think animals add immensely to life. I’m glad you had a relaxing holiday. It sounds just right!
ReplyDeleteShe's the best kind of dog, soulful.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sweet that she loves your daughter. It can be disturbing to them when their parent leaves for a while, but she seems so very at ease. I think you probably did as good for her as she did for you.
I just fell in love with Nina. How is that possible from 3000 miles away? I don't know, but here I am enjoying her furry sweet presence. Your Christmas day sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas sounds absolutely perfect and little Nina is adorable. What a sweet and wonderful life! XXOO
ReplyDeleteNina came from Santa.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you had a relaxed Christmas, Angella. Nina is a beautiful little dog.
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