Trying to understand boys and their dogs does nothing but muddy the waters

Emerson stakes out his claim in Bella’s bedroom.

Figuring out what makes boys and their dog stick is like trying to understand why clouds look the way they do — sometimes funny, occasionally weird, always fascinating. And raise a boy with a yellow Lab puppy and you have chaos, dog hair, and endless joy. By the way, if you’re a dog lover or a cat lover and you enjoy reading posts about them. Then check out the latestpaws, they always have wonderful articles and information about our favorite pets.

Emerson and Bella running wildly.

I speak of Bella, the Lab, and Emerson, our grandson, who was just 6 months old when a clumsy ball of fur landed in his crib. The two were raised as littermates, although soon there was a clear hierarchy, with Emerson clearly on the top. Now, they are both 4 years old with a bond that is protective, loving, playful, and sometimes hilarious.

Puppies and boys both like water, not for baths, but for playing, splashing and swimming.

Ponds are sources of endless fascination.  They tirelessly pursue frogs, muck around the shoreline, or watch water bugs. Emerson wants so badly to catch a frog and enlists the help of grandpa, but Bella’s scouting activities make it nearly impossible. Frogs hop safely into the pond as Bella forges ahead on her mission, preventing the acquisition of a new pet for Emerson.

Being dirty or muddy is not a bad thing; in fact, it may be the preferred state. Walking through a mud puddle or being drawn to a dirt pile is natural to them.  Mud, dirt and puddles, preferably dirty mud puddles are like magnets, drawing them in for romping, stomping and splashing.

Energy must be expended. Running, often wildly, is a great way to release the stored up energy. Up hills, down hills, around trees.  It doesn’t matter the destination, because it’s all about running.

Work is fun. Chopping wood, mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, vacuuming the rugs, sweeping the floor. These activities are all delightful to the boy and to the dog, especially if they involve an implement of some sort. For the dog, the tool is something to chase and narrowly escape from; for the boy, using the tool to help in serious work.

Both boys and dogs love playing catch or retrieving the ball. Unfortunately for Emerson, Bella is much faster at running after the ball, so the playing field must be leveled occasionally with Bella being held back until Emerson has a fair chance. Failure doesn’t really exist. Dropping the ball or missing the catch provides an adventure in chasing after the ball, especially if it bounces in an unexpected direction.

Food is good, but treats are even better. A treat dropped on the floor causes no hesitation before being gulped down.  We notice that Bella sits under the table facing Emerson’s seat at dinner time.  Unwanted peas or spare meat servings get surreptitiously slipped to Bella, waiting expectantly.

Physical contact is required. Sitting is a full-body contact activity. Sometimes, sitting quietly becomes a wrestling match or tumbling time. While sitting on the floor, if one is sitting on a lap, the other feels obligated to join.

Both boy and dog get extra wild just before they drop from exhaustion. Naps are needed, if just for the parent to have some quiet time before the adventure continues.

Both boys and dogs are very loving and thrive on attention.  Emotions are clear and uncomplicated. After a stern scolding, both boy and dog bounce back and are on to the next adventure. No grudges. No pouting. A quick hug and they’re on their way.

Boys need dogs and dogs need boys. The two just go together. Except for the furriness, there are few differences. In fact, all activities are even better with both boy and dog. They are best friends. They’re perfect partners. Bella greets Emerson at the door, happy for whatever adventure awaits; Emerson heads straight for Bella and is confident when he says, “Bella loves me.”

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.