Summary

The article "New Tricks From Old Dogs" recounts the heartwarming story of Daisy, a labradoodle who, despite her age, continues to teach valuable life lessons about friendship, love, and embracing life to the author and their family through her spontaneous visits and interactions.

Abstract

"New Tricks From Old Dogs" is a narrative that captures the essence of community and companionship through the eyes of the author, who is inspired by Daisy, an aging labradoodle from across the street. Daisy's frequent and uninvited visits to the author's home lead to endearing moments where she interacts with the family's black lab, Max, and the children. The article highlights the joy Daisy brings into their lives, her playful nature, and the unconditional love she shares with everyone, regardless of age. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing life, making new friends, and not being constrained by societal expectations. Daisy's character, though old, is full of life, and her presence encourages the author to embrace a more open and carefree approach to life and relationships. The story concludes with a reflection on the mutual acceptance and friendship that has developed between the neighbors, all thanks to Daisy's free-spirited nature.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the unexpected joy that pets, like Daisy, can bring into one's life.
Daisy's visits are seen as a positive influence, teaching the author's family about the importance of embracing life and forming connections beyond traditional family structures.
The article suggests that aging does not diminish one's capacity for happiness and forming new bonds, as exemplified by Daisy's vibrant personality.
There is a sense of humor and fondness in the way the author describes Daisy's mischievous behavior, such as her ability to escape her yard and her begging for treats.
The author values the lessons learned from Daisy, advocating for a life lived with less concern for social norms and more focus on personal happiness and fulfillment.
The story conveys a strong message about community and the enriching experiences that come from opening one's home and heart to others, including pets and neighbors.
The author implies that the bonds formed with pets and neighbors can be as strong and meaningful as those within one's immediate family.

New Tricks From Old Dogs

Lessons on love and life from the dog next door

Not Daisy or the neighbors. But still adorable. Photo by Nathan Hanna on Unsplash

It starts out as a high-pitched whine and a wag of a tail. Max, a 2.5-year-old aptly named black lab, is alert at the door. He does this, sometimes. Usually to prompt us to let the wayward cat back in, or to greet his favorite FedEx man.

I shuffle to the door, still staring at the riveting content on my phone, and turn the knob to open it.

It is not the cat. It is not a delivery person. It is not any of my children.

It’s Daisy.

The labradoodle from across the street. She sweeps her mane-like tail a few times and lets herself in. She looks expectantly at me for some pets, so I give in. I invite her to stay a while and close the door behind us.

Actual picture of these two trouble makers begging for treats. Photo by author.

Daisy makes a beeline for the food bowl. She and Max take turns eating mouthfuls of kibble. Max follows her as she explores the house. She eventually makes her way to the pantry, where she knows there are treats. Both dogs get my attention with their carefully honed begging skills. I indulge them by pretending to make them work for some peanut butter biscuits by instructing them each sit for a brief moment. It takes three tries, but eventually, they both give in and listen to my very authoritarian command.

I notice that Daisy is still wearing her radio collar. The one designed to keep her in her own yard. Her parents are not delinquent dog owners, in case you are wondering.

Quite the contrary. Daisy is well cared for with grooming sessions and vet appointments. She is the apple of their eye, even as she has aged. She is adored by her family and loves them each in return. She is patient with the kids and gets plenty of play time outdoors.

But Daisy is solidly in her golden years. This is something I never would have guessed unless I had been told since she loves playing fetch and still goes on daily walks. She is hard of hearing- or just ignores us all when she doesn’t want to do what we are asking. She is also the main reason that we ventured into dog ownership ourselves.

Daisy is great with our kids too. She indulges them, begs for food from them, and forces them to throw her mini tennis balls for her. My own kids love this dog so much, that they all insisted on Daisy birthday cakes for their parties this year (well, Daisy and Roxy, the other labradoodle down the street). Despite having our own canine companion whom they worship with gifts and hugs and treats as well!

Daisy cake for my 8 year-olds birthday party. The only cake I can decorate since it’s all my kids want these days! Photo by author

I like to take pictures of Daisy and her adventures. Her parents are a bit mortified that she wanders over. Embarrassed apologies are always offered, but they really don’t need to do this. I find a lot of joy in entertaining the neighbor’s dog, and she has taught me about life and aging in some unexpected ways.

Because we should all be like Daisy. We should be willing to step out of our comfort zone and make new friends, even if it goes against social norms and expectations a bit. We should embrace life and take every bit of it while we can. We should care less about what everyone else thinks and do the things that make us happy.

Yes, some people might think you are losing your mind a bit. Who cares?

Am I implying that we should let ourselves into our neighbors’ houses, eat all their food, and occasionally poop in their yards?

Maybe I am. Except for the poop part. And the eating the food part (unless it’s offered or sitting out in plain sight- then it’s fair game). The point is that we should all be a bit more willing to open ourselves up to others and let others in. Daisy is an honorary part of our family at this point, as are her human counterparts.

We are born into our families- or in Daisy and Max’s cases, adopted into them- with little or no choice. But we can always add to our family with the choices we make. Daisy has chosen us, and we have chosen her. Our neighbors are now some of our closest friends, and Daisy is a big part of that.

My door will always be open to any dog, kid, neighbor, or friend who needs it. And I know that Daisy’s house and family would do the same for us.

Be like Daisy. Love whom you want to love. Wander where you want to wander. Be unapologetically yourself. And if someone tells you otherwise, pretend you can’t hear them!

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