My dog has a hobby

We’re halfway through the year now (plus a couple of days) and having a few days off has given me some time to reflect a little on recent comings and goings and on this thing we do. In reviewing my New Year’s Resolutions, for example, I was a little bit surprised to see that ALL of them pertain to my dogs.

As I prepared to head out for a couple of vacation days, one of the new North Carolina people who works for me now emailed me to ask what my plans were for the holiday. So I proceeded to tell her about Livvy’s carting title this year, and about the Newfers, and about how the experienced trainers have taught us so much, and that we’re doing Rally, and Water Work and …. (I guess I did sort of run on a little – kinda like this sentence.) Perhaps I’m starting to bore office folk a bit (a lot?). I noticed no one else asked.

But the reason for this reflection is that she responded to my email with “What a great hobby!”. And while I absolutely know that she meant it positively, I took umbrage at that reply. After thinking about that for a while I realized that what offended me was the implication that my dog was my hobby. My dog is an integral part of my life, my family. My dog is NOT a hobby.

Cheryl pointed out that I had said the H-word to her years ago before I got interested in training my dogs and she was offended by my remark. I have absolutely no recollection of that, Senator.

I felt a little better when I phrased it to myself as “my DOG has a hobby”. That felt better …

It’s more of a sport, though, isn’t it? There are rules. We compete against standards when we qualify in Rally Obedience. We compete against other dogs in the conformation ring or when folks like Sue come within a hand’s width of a perfect score. And when things go well, we are nationally recognized as having done something important. I think it’s a sport.

So I guess it’s something like, “My dog and I participate in organized sports at the national level.” Now I’m proud again.

A sincere Fourth of July thanks to my fellow Newfers, without whom I might really only have a hobby.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on the matter.