Dog's Life
Better Together
By Maria Estrella
You’ve heard the saying “there’s no place like home,” and with your dog around, home can feel more like a haven. Whether you have a leisurely weekend ahead, or a more definitive list of to-dos around the house, it’s always better when you have great company.
Gardening in her sprawling backyard is something Honolulu resident Margaret Akinaka loves to do with her energetic American Eskimo Dog, Haley. “When I go out to tend my plants and banana trees, I’ll turn on the sprinkler as well,” Akinaka says. “Haley starts wagging her long white tail and zips toward the sprinkler immediately. She then starts jumping over the jets of water as it comes out, and sometimes she’ll even run around in circles so that she can follow the direction the sprinkler shoots water in. After a while I’ll grab the hose and then she’ll start chasing the water spouting from that! She has the time of her life and I enjoy being able to share those moments with her.”
And the fun doesn’t stop after the sun has set, since Akinaka and Haley still have a chance to play in the evening. “I have a glow-in-the-dark disc that Haley likes to chase. She gets all excited and starts barking and hopping up and down. She runs rather fast, so we both get a chance to enjoy the night breeze together.”
But just like people who take pleasure in heart-pumping pursuits, you and your dog can take equal pleasure when things are calm, too. Gabby Elma from San Francisco shares that her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ziggy, relishes television time as much as she does. “Watching TV with Ziggy is really relaxing,” she says. “I’ll flip the channel to where I know he’ll see his ‘famous’ counterparts. If he spots another dog, Ziggy’s big brown eyes will get even bigger and he’ll move in closer toward the TV for further inspection.”
Even when the TV is off, Gabby and Ziggy treasure peace and quiet, side-by-side. “When I sit back with a book or magazine, Ziggy will either sit on top of the sofa so I can pet his furry little head and back, or he’ll curl up into a ball and nicely fall asleep. Knowing that he’s right there with me sleeping soundly is the most soothing thing in the world.”
Just remember, no matter how you end up spending your hours at home, domestic bliss is certainly doable with a happy pooch by your side. From hanging out in the yard to taking it easy in the comforts of your own living room, everyday pastimes can seem like the most excellent of adventures when your tail-wagging pal and you take part in them together!
