What I've learned from Pauly
By Harriet Cuthbert
Pauly is my son’s wonder dog – a 42-pound mix of Australian cattle dog and mystery, claiming to be at least 11 years old. While a student at the University of Arizona, Eric adopted Pauly as a 6-week-old puppy.
When I heard the news, I was basically indifferent and probably also had a touch of negativity. Why was Eric suddenly acquiring a puppy when he and his two siblings had never had a pet while growing up? And, therein lay the answer.
As soon as my daughter moved out, she adopted kittens, my older son babysat a cat while away at college in Chicago, and we already know Eric’s story. I realized then that they all wanted pets to take care of and love and I, their "all-knowing but unfeeling" mom, had forbidden it. I would answer them with the usual trite responses: 1) pets are too much of a responsibility; 2) you will never take care of them; 3) we travel too much.
Eric and Pauly. Contributed photo.
But the truth was, I was afraid of dogs and cats. When I was growing up in a large apartment complex outside of Boston, pets were not allowed, the exception being that the superintendent always had a mangy, unfriendly cat and an ugly, scary, one-eyed dog named Crackers who barked incessantly and scared all of us kids. I remember Crackers snapping at us and occasionally taking a nip from our legs. I wonder how many other kids, beside myself were somewhat traumatized by this dog’s behavior.
Eventually, and slowly, Pauly and his magical powers changed all that. On Eric’s first summer break from school, I made him leave Pauly with a neighbor, which proved very traumatic for everyone but me. Pauly tried to run away and thankfully, he was found.
On Eric’s following summer home, he was finally allowed to bring Pauly but all I initially did was tolerate both of them. Of course, my predictions came true: Eric slept until noon while I walked, fed and cared for Pauly.
But at the same time I learned to love him. He slowly won me over. By the end of the summer, when Eric had to return to Arizona for senior year, I was completely hooked.
How can anyone explain dog love? It borders on obsession, insanity, neurosis, etc. Pauly stole my heart. What I’ve learned from all this devotion is that it doesn’t matter what kind of pet we have. Sharing our love is most important, and all animals deserve our kindness and respect.
Thankfully, Eric and Pauly are only a short drive away and we can share the love on a regular basis.