Doggie Dreams

I wonder if animals have imaginations?

I know they dream. I see Chauncey twitching his paws, even whimpering in his sleep as if he might be, well, doing whatever it is that shih-tzus do when they are off exploring the world unencumbered by their humans. I would think it takes an imagination to dream.

My dreams are all over the place anymore and I can understand that. More than at any other time in my life I am alive and active. Not just running around like a crazy person active, but busy doing things I love doing, things that are important to me.

My volunteer jobs are in places that I really care about. My interactions with family are warm and wonderful. My hobbies are turning into rich fulfilling labors of love. I have friends who seem to love me for who I really am and I have Chauncey who keeps me grounded.

There is nothing like being responsible for a living creature who has the ability to drive you nuts. Just when I think he's finally grownup he will do something like break out of his collar and run off, or leave me a surprise in the middle of the night where I won't see it until it is too late. He barks at things that aren't there and likes his water fresh and cold. It is his one big Lassie trick.

You know how Lassie would always go and get help if someone needed it? Chauncey will bark until someone figures out he wants fresh cold water, no matter where he is. But about the time I think he might be more trouble than he's worth, he'll snuggle up and steal my heart away.

The more I think about it the more I do believe he has an imagination. I think he's probably dreaming of the day when I finally am bright enough to do what he wants on the first command.