A Dog’s Life
by
Scout Hollander, guest columnist
So it must
be clear by now to all of you that Vera doesn’t have the time (to say nothing
of the discipline) to post here regularly, so I’ve decided to help her out by
writing a blog post of my own, especially since I know how eager you all must
be to
hear—from the source—how I like living here in Vienna.
The
beginning of the move, as you may have heard, was not the best. I didn’t know
what was happening when I suddenly got locked into my crate and wheeled off
into the belly of this enormous vibrating machine. (I had no idea it was
actually flying, which was probably a good thing!) I don’t know how long I was imprisoned, and it was cold and
rainy when they finally let me out, but at least I was with Vera, so I figured
I’d be OK.
I was, at
first, really disappointed not to find my usual—or any—soft patches of green to
do my business on. There was just endless pavement. But I got used to it pretty quickly, I have to say, and discovered that these infinite stretches of concrete
actually held some wonderful mysteries and adventures. Who did these amazing
smells belong to? What new kind of vegetation was growing here? Every walk was
a new learning experience, especially since we go farther and for much longer
than we used to where I lived before.
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| We've been told that the pooper scooper situation is much improved here since the installation of free baggie dispensers and waste bins on street corners, and a highly promoted campaign of fines, but it still requires some agile maneuvering on my part. |
I can’t say
I’ve gone too far or seen too much yet, except for one fantastic trip to the mountains last year, and frequently visiting other neighborhoods
and parks on long walks. The problem is that seeing other places involves taking a tram or train in many cases, and I
gotta tell you—I don’t like them. Cars, great. Trams and trains, pretty damn
scary. Plus we’re supposed to wear these cages over our mouths … ugh!
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| These signs are posted on all public transportation, so you can see why I'm not so keen on riding. |
But I don’t
mind staying near home. When Vera decides to go away for a bit, I actually get
to go away to doggie camp! Sometimes it’s at Isabel’s place (she’s my vet’s
assistant), and she really knows how to take care of me. Sometimes it’s at
Alison’s place, and I have fun running and going around with her.
Some people
think I don’t quite have the manners to behave myself properly in public
places, otherwise I’d get to go shopping and to restaurants and cafes, like Vera does. Lots
of dogs go with their owners to these places. I understand they even get water,
and sometimes food, there. But honestly, it would be really hard for me. New places often make me anxious, and if I were to see another dog too close, who knows if I could control
myself. (Truth be told … it’s not always me who’s the problem. Several
times other dogs have given me the evil eye and started barking like mad,
even when I’ve done nothing wrong!)
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| Here's what you find at the entrance to one of the major home stores in Vienna, where dogs are welcome ... not like in the U.S. |
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| And this 'filling station' is offered at an outdoor cafe on one of the main pedestrian thoroughfares. |
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| On the other hand (or paw), I know when I'm not wanted. ["Dogs not allowed" / "We have to wait outside"] |
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| But usually there's a hitching post for dogs to wait outside while their owners run a quick errand inside a shop where we're not allowed. ["I'll wait here."] |
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| And the Viennese are really thoughtful when it comes to our needs, like providing this two-tiered water fountain! |
What else
can I say? With the exception of
some virus I picked up in the first couple of months, my health has been good.
My long walks keep me nice and trim (—honestly, it’s all the fur that makes my butt look big; I don’t think I’ve gained even a single kilo), and my grooming
regimen keeps me clean and pretty. The bathing works out pretty well, since it’s in an enclosed stall shower with a long hose. The warm
water and cozy quarters are a lot nicer than the cold water from the garden
hose I used to have to endure in the driveway. Also, I get brushed regularly,
which I love because I get to relax and bond with Vera. (The
special treat I always get is also appreciated!)
As for
communication … that’s where we dogs have it all over you humans. They say
English is the global language, but people who grow up with a different one
still have to learn it. All dogs are born with one language, and it is totally
international. Believe me, I know what other dogs are saying, even when they’re
not talking to me. I can hear, and sometimes see, them from the apartment,
where, luckily, I have a nice look-out seat by the window.
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| The view is great from here. |
And finally,
I, that is to say, Vera has made some wonderful friends here in Vienna, and I
get doted on quite royally by them all. I think they’re actually quite
gullible, if you ask me, because it usually only takes one ‘puppy-look’ with my
big brown eyes and a nudge with my nose to keep them petting and praising
me. A dog could get used to this life.
And, in
fact, I have gotten used to it. My past life gets more distant with each passing
day. I know my new neighborhood, I know the sound of Vera’s keys in the door when
she comes home each day, and I know when the cleaning lady is mopping the
hallway outside our door (and I let her know that I know, if you know what I
mean!). Our place is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The water bowl
is always full and the kibble bowl gets replenished regularly. I love my owner
and she loves me. What more could a dog ask for?
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| Signing off for now. Gotta lotta dreaming to do. |
* With apologies to Richard Strauss
