Open Mike: Butters in the Park (OT)

Penny and Butters smiling for the camera. Photo by Leann Boucha.

I took the whole everlovin' weekend off this week—didn't do a lick of work for two days. And in the middle of it managed to sleep for ten straight hours, which is a rarity of rarities for me. It left me feeling like I'd found what Ponce de León was looking for. I needed the downtime. 

In the Dog News Dept., I'm happy to report that our newest family member, Monsieur le Beurre, is progressing very well. You might recall Butters came to us with some problems. He had a gut parasite, a bad scavenging habit from his time as a stray, and pronounced issues with separation anxiety whenever we tried to leave him alone. And he wasn't, uh, housetrained.

But Xander and I—and Butters—have been working hard every since. And with excellent post-adoption support from the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) in Waukesha, we've been working smart too. He's healthy and getting happier every day. After a brief regression he seems to have gotten the hang of house training. I'm learning a lot about dogs and about the latest and most advanced positive training techniques. I think his understandable fears are diminishing—he's learning to trust that he's safe and has a permanent secure home here.

Butters and I met our favorite dog behaviorist at the park on Friday for his first off-leash experience since we got him. It was great to watch. Leann had told me from the first that Butters is "socially aware" with other dogs—and she's right (well, naturally). A pent-up desire to meet-and-greet with other dogs, and the frustration it causes when they can't, can contribute to "leash reactivity," and it was obvious that Butters was enjoying mingling freely with his own species. He was like the cool kid in school who can adapt to any situation and fit right in with the crowd. Made friends with both humans and dogs. For me it was just nice to see the easy and natural way he fell into enjoying himself. And he got to stretch out and really run, which he doesn't get to do here except when he and Lulu are scrambling through every room in the house chasing each other.

Of course Butters was tired out after all that unaccustomed exercise. He collapsed in the car  on the way home and slept for a fair amount of the rest of the day. But he's young, and his energy was restored quickly. The remarkable thing to me is how much more relaxed he's been all weekend. The effect has lasted. It's as if the experience opened up a spigot under his pent-up anxiousness and drained it out of him. He's been calmer, and less reactive on his walks. Seems like his afteroon at the park was exactly what he needed...

...Which I'm sure is why Leann planned it, of course. She has a lot of knowledge of dogs in general, but she's also perceptive about animals as individuals, and in the moment. HAWS seems to be a very well-run organization—our experience with them has been nothing but great, at every step.

As with children, it's not always easy knowing what dogs need and when. It's worth the effort to figure it out. What we've been seeing with Butters is what happens when animals are given love and good treatment and have their needs met consistently—he's gaining more confidence, assurance, and reinforcement almost with every day that passes. It's gratifying to see.

We lucked out big-time with Butters-boy. He's a very affectionate, smart, personable guy. He seems to love being with me at all times. He curls up at my feet when I write.

(He's back in the same position right now.) No question about it: dogs improve life!

Mike
(Thanks to Leann)

"Open Mike," which usually appears on Sundays and is often off-topic, is when Yr. Hmbl. Ed. is allowed off-leash.

Original contents copyright 2014 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Dogman: "Butters is a beauty. And obviously well loved. I'm convinced the best thing a human can ever do in their lifetime is to make a dog's lifetime a happy one.

"Right now my wife and I are agonizing over our almost 16-year old Wheaten Terrier, Kiri. It's likely that this week we will have to have her put down. Prolonging her life would be cruel at this stage of the game but it's painful and depressing for us to take the final step.

"When I question whether or not to eventually get another dog, I remind myself of Kiri's better days. Our vet has remarked on more than one occasion that she has been one of the happiest dogs he has ever seen. And she has been. Her happiness has been contagious as well. Over the years, more than one person has commented on how just watching her go through her routines made them smile. So it is very likely we will adopt another dog some time in the future and work to make it happy. It's the best thing we can ever do."

Chris Beloin: "Dogs are great companions—we have adopted several with the Humane Society. Keep up the great work with your blog. I read it most days and enjoy the combination of photography and personal thoughts on life."

Mike replies: Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoy it.

Robert Billings: "Many thanks for this article. You are right, dogs do improve life."

Ailsa: "When I came across our current greyhound, Walt, on a rescue's website, my first thought was, 'That's our greyhound.'

"Our first greyhound, Archie, had died a number of weeks earlier. He developed bone cancer, and having to say goodbye to him was pure agony. In the days leading up to this, I lost count of the number of times I said to myself that I was never going to have another dog. I couldn't imagine going through that pain again.

"I am not a spiritual person, but when the vet did what he had to do, and I saw the light go out in Archie's eyes, the first thought to go through my mind—as powerfully as a thunderbolt—was, 'I'd do all this for another dog in a heartbeat.'

"The greyhound-shaped hole in our lives didn't last long, and nearly every day, my husband and I say how lucky we are to have Walt. He is a wonderful, daft, loving addition to our home. Some people have tried to suggest that he is the lucky one, but we definitely got the better part of the deal."

Mike replies: I remember when you got Archie and how over the moon you were with him. I'm so happy another greyhound gets to have the same great home Archie did.

Bill: "To be brief I have a disastrous spinal injury from Nam, ongoing spinal surgeries...enough.

"The relevance is that my Murphy, a tiny Scottie, would climb on the bed during long recoveries, walk up my chest and look in my eyes. Satisfied I was okay, she would lie at the foot of the bed and guard me for weeks. She passed unexpectedly and although not at all cleared to travel, my wife saw me so depressed she put me in a car and drove me from Connecticut to South Carolina and got me two Scottie puppies. Both of whom now do their own similar behaviors and on my dark days make life better.

"I am happy for you and Butters and have found much joy in your Butters columns."

Comments

[Steve Rosenblum]

Do you remember how we were all taught as kids in science class that we humans were completely rational and that animals behaved purely on instinct incapable of thought? Or that humans were the only beings with souls? Those folks must never have spent much quality time with animals. No, they are not people, but they are wondrous beings unto themselves and have enriched my life both at home and in the wild.

[jim woodard]

Yes, that is true! But so do cats, they just have a lot more independence- which typically leads to hurt feelings, on your part!

[Spencer H.]

That is one red nose! Glad he's doing okay! I for one love the dog updates.

[Chris Beloin]

Mike

Dogs are great companions - We have adopted several with the Humaine Society. Keep up the great work with your blog. I read it most days and enjoy the combination of photography and personal thoughts on life.

Chris - Grafton, WI

[darr]

We lucked out big-time with Butters-boy. He's a very affectionate, smart, personable guy. He seems to love being with me at all times. He curls up at my feet when I write.

And, Butters knows he lucked out as well.
Smart pup indeed!

[Speed]

Mike wrote, "He curls up at my feet when I write."

When between dogs I miss most their habit of being quietly and unobtrusively wherever I am inside the house. I miss second most not having to clean up spills in the kitchen.

[Bryce lee]

Dogs tend to become more attached to their owners.

Cats also do likewise, however on the terms of the cat, not the owner of same. Mind my 14 year old rescue cat likes to sleep at night cloe by me, however not on the bed. Ditto when I am working somewhere in theh ouse. Wants to know his source of food is "nearby."

[Stephen Scharf]

What a terrific story, thank you. I mentioned in a comment when you adopted and first starting writing about Butters it seemed that he would be a great dog and loving companion, and it's wonderful that that is true.

I'm very, very happy for you, and in a small way, a bit envious, too. I would love to have a Butters in my life, also.

(PS: More pictures of Butters, please)>

[Yvonne]

What a heart-warming post! I know in my heart that dogs improve life. Mine died two years ago in September. Struggling with the decision: do I get a dog or not? The answer is tipping towards yes, in spite of some complications.

[Hi there friend Yvonne--I would urge you to take the plunge, but also to listen very intently to your instincts or "gut feeling" when choosing an animal. Wait until it feels really right. And really, best of luck. --Mike]

[Warren Jones]

Quote from Mike: "No question about it: dogs improve life!

Yes Mike...Yes they do. I miss my recently departed mutt. Soon another will fill the void & restore order to the universe! Well my universe anyway.

Cheers

[Cindy]

You and Butters are very lucky to have found each other. Your local humane society sounds great with all the support you have gotten for your new adoption. BTW my husband is a huge fan but never comments on anything and sent me a link to your post. We are also huge South Park fans and love your dogs name.

[Bob Rosinsky]

I'm glad Butters is sociable among his species and likes "strange" humans. Both of our rescue dogs are terrific household companions. Our senior dog, Jazz, loves people. However she was separated from her mum and siblings at such a young age that she never developed the neural pathways and behavioral cues necessary for getting along with other dogs. Our Chiweenie is a lovely companion too. However, he is wary of most people and dislikes all dogs. Both dogs are eager to please us, so we cater to them. We typically wait till 10 p.m. before we'll take the dogs out for their nightly stroll. We do not want to run into other folks walking their dogs. If on occasion a neighbor happens to be out walking his/her dogs the same time we are, they quickly do a 180. Here's a simple photo essay on doggie etiquette. The photography is rather pedestrian, but the pictures do illustrate proper behavior between two dogs meeting for the first time: http://goo.gl/6td8ZI

[Lois Elling]

It's obvious that not only has Butters become a positive addition to your life, but you have made a huge positive difference in his. Kudos for that!

[Rob L.]

I'm not sure if you realize that such an article - a simple, positive recording of a great weekend, and a happy pooch - is a real treat after all the horrible news about. My immortal pug, 15-18 years and still ticking(she's a rescue so we're not certain of her age), is happily snoring at my feet right now. Dogs do make life better - and here i am, a self-described cat guy.

Hope the move doesn't spook Butters too much, and hat tip to you for rescuing her - although often it's the dog that does the rescuing just as much:)

[Frank]

This Butters fellow is a very fortunate young lad to have you.

[Andrew Kirk]

That's a wonderful ongoing story. Thank-you, Mike.

[-et-]

As usual, I enjoyed your writing very much, especially since it was on a subject to which I also have an emotional attachment.

Speaking of which, you may find it worth your while to read some of another professional writer's words on the subject of dogs and family. These can be found at:

http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/07/17/kodi-1997-2010/

- Tom -

[Don]

Dogs improve life for their owners, but at a cost to everyone else and the environment. Next door's cats eat the birds in my garden and shit on my veggy patch, while I have to dodge dog shit on the streets outside and my daughter has to give a wide berth to certain gates where dogs leap up snarling and barking.

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/polluting-pets-the-devastating-impact-of-mans-best-friend-1850113.html

I took a school group camping last year and the outdoor pursuits instructor felt it was fine for his pitbull cross to run around off leash, claiming it was harmless and slept at night in his 4 year old child's bed. Idiot.

[Al C.]

Wonderful story, Mike. The joy a dog's company (and trust) brings is indeed priceless. We have had 3 rescue dogs in our lives, each with a distinctive and equally winsome personality. We cannot love them enough. The only downside is the heartbreak of seeing them progress from puppyhood to infirmity in such a short span, and then to lose them altogether. Otoh, as someone once said, the reason god gave dogs such short lives is so that we get to know -- and love -- more than one. Not a good reason, if you ask me. But it'll have to do.

[Tim]

He looks so attentive and poised, ready to leap up for hugs.

And there's no greater honour than a dog wanting to share company by sleeping at your feet.

Lovely stuff.

[Mark Johnson]

Perhaps I'm a little crazy, but he looks like a Mr. Butters to me.

[ann]

Love the dog posts and Butters is a handsome dog and very lucky to have found you. My lab is right here waiting patiently for her morning walk. Leads are like passports for dogs, when I get the lead off the hook by the front door my dog gets as excited as I do when I travel overseas. Every walk is an adventure.

[Racecar]

Pet photography might be a valid topic of discussion. Perhaps in the same format as the "How to get the best performance from your camera...etc." The images you made of your dog were excellent as I recall.

[Chris]

Dear Mike,
with some reluctance I have removed the TOP icon from my computer screen. When I first came across the Sunday Morning Photographer by chance, I was delighted! At last, someone who talked common sense about cameras and photography, without all the patronising backbiting I found on other blogs. I've been a loyal follower ever since. However, in the last few months or so, TOP has changed. In the place of wise words of experience from a real photographer, there are more and more money-making print sales, gadgetry - coffee roasters, cars, hifi - things which may or may not interest me, but I don't want to go to a photography blog to read about them, or dogs. Instead of carefully weighed articles about equipment, there are more and more un-followed-up enthusiasms, the D800, for example, or the Chamonix, or the disappearing darkroom. The new TOP obviously appeals to a great number of people, and I am happy for the author that this is the case, but it's not for me. So, sadly, it's goodbye, Mike, and thanks for all the wonderful previous articles - I really miss them!

Cheers

Chris