Doggie Distancing

BY TERRY RATNER, RN, MFA

My dog, Gracie, and I are overdue for a haircut. Our nails are too long, hair unkempt, and our routines, as everyone’s, have changed.

We both are desperate for new ‘do’s. She reluctantly allowed me to take her photo, but only after I paid a modest modeling fee–one biscuit. She is shy, especially after a bad hair day, depressing news, and practicing doggie distancing.

I sit in my recliner, eyeing her blue-gray hair sticking up in dreadlocks–badly in need of a do-rag. She’s a Bedlington terrier, with a permanent quizzical look on her long face, now wondering, “What the heck happened in the last few weeks?”

We are hunkered down at home. From the beginning of the shutdown, Gracie enjoyed the added hours of attention. She finally had me all to herself. No more leaving her alone for work, gym visits, and dinners with friends. Now the only time we are separated is when I pick-up groceries, pharmacies, or fill up for gas.

We walk this afternoon down our long and narrow street filled with rows of apartments, homes, and condos. The day was gray and damp with a mist hanging over the city. I avoided the usual “Oh, she’s so cute.” Luckily most people have stopped asking to pet her. They understand the ‘social distancing.” But the sad part about this is Gracie doesn’t get it. All of a sudden her outside contacts have been eliminated from her social calendar. She also feels isolated from her peers and admirers. Although she still has me to ooh and ahh over her, it’s not the same.

Our walks serve as meditations–a vital part of our daily routine.

Gracie has taught me how to be a better person, to take life as it comes. I’m not sure what I’ve taught her except to nudge my leg when it’s time for her to eat, play, go out for a walk, or have a special treat. She ‘sits’ on command and gives a paw, but only her right.

So for now, she’s my companion, my lockdown buddy, my savior from this chaos. We both help each other. I’ll be bathing her tonight, pampering her with a wash and dry, trim, comb out and new do. She’ll be giving me her standard quizzical look, but in the end, it’s all about the treat.