Dog Whisperer

He ran as fast as the legs of an 11 pound dog could carry him,  bounding across the rocks that made easy passage fording the stream. Then, with one mighty leap he hurtled onto the waiting leaves.

Only he hadn't calculated that the top layer of leaves would not hold his weight. His next step was on three legs, his right hind leg held gingerly in the air.

We were in the middle of a hike, about a mile from our cars. His "mom" was carrying her 2 month old baby in a carrier on her chest. There was no room for two there.

I hoped it was just a momentary issue. Having been a dog owner for several decades, I had witnessed many a scare that soon was merely that.

But this seemed different. He was not one to easily allow others to pick him up. This time, he put up no struggle. And when I tried to put him down gently after a short respite, he would have none of it.

Soon he began to shiver. We had at least 20 minutes before we were back to the place of beginning. And I thought he was hurt and scared.

So I began talking to him. I asked him if he could spot any animals along the way. Birds. Deer. Chipmunks. Bear. Then we discussed how he felt about the baby. And about the older brother's girlfriend.

I tried to speak in somewhat soothing tones. And to keep the conversation going uninterrupted for as long as possible.

I didn't want him to focus on his discomfort. And, for the main part, I think we did well together. The shivering largely stopped. It was as if he did engage with me.

This morning he and his "mom" went to the vet. It turns out he has a torn ACL (who knew dogs even had an ACL?). And surgery seems a necessity.

But I want him to know I enjoyed our time speaking yesterday. He was good company and a wonderful listener. He taught me a real lesson in the very small distance between us.

Dog whispering.