Understanding Lola

A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.

FRUSTRATION SURGED THROUGH Bruce as he stared at his dog, Lola. The two-year-old border collie had been standing in the family room barking incessantly for the past five minutes.

“What?” Bruce bellowed, unable to take the sound anymore. “I took you outside. I fed you dinner. You’ve had a treat. What else could you possibly want?”

Lola stopped momentarily as she listened to Bruce’s tirade, then resumed the cacophony.

Bruce’s head was pounding. All he wanted to do was lie on the sofa and watch TV. His wife and kids were at a birthday party, and he was looking forward to a quiet evening—until Lola went berserk.

With his TV program on pause, Bruce got on the floor next to Lola and looked around, trying to see from her vantage point.

“Okay, girl, I see no bad guys. I smell no smoke. So, what is your deal?”

Lola flattened her body to the floor, turning her head toward the sofa. Bruce mimicked Lola’s actions. And there, under the sofa, was Lola’s favorite ball.

“Well, I’ll be . . .” Bruce said, retrieving the ball for his dog. “Why didn’t you just say your ball was stuck?” He laughed as he tossed the ball to Lola.

With her ball tucked safely in her mouth, Lola lay down on her bed, and Bruce finished watching the program.

Several days later Bruce and Lola were alone again when she started her rhythmic barking—this time while standing by the kitchen island. Bruce spotted the ball under the table. He tossed it to her. Lola didn’t even try to catch it. She simply kept barking.

Here we go again, he thought, trying to figure out why Lola seemed distressed.

What are the symptoms of mad cow disease? Can dogs get it? Bruce tried to ignore Lola and clean off the island counter before heading into work.

As he lifted a discarded dish towel, he discovered someone’s breakfast plate. There on the plate was half a banana, which happened to be Lola’s favorite fruit.

Bruce looked at his dog, who had suddenly gone quiet. Her gaze was fixed on the banana in his hand. Two ribbons of drool streamed from her mouth.

“What?” Bruce teased. “You want this ol’ thing? This sweet, yummy banana?”

He pretended to take a bite before tossing it to Lola.

Over the next several weeks, Bruce learned how to tell the difference between Lola’s vocalizations. At first he had been irritated by her barking, but after taking the time to try to understand her behavior, he realized her barks were a sign of her high intelligence. She was communicating with him. Whether letting him know the cat wanted to come in, or she needed help retrieving a toy, or asking for a chunk of ice or for an invitation to sit with him on the sofa, Lola knew what she wanted and wasn’t shy about asking.

All she needed from Bruce was a willingness to listen.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

So often a person gets stuck in “surface” conversation. You hear someone’s words—or see her actions—but you don’t take the time to look past the exterior and try to understand what the other person is really trying to say. Why is it important to listen and pay attention to those around you? You might be surprised by what you learn.

Paws & Pray

Father, I’m guilty of not really seeing and hearing others. I desire to engage with others in a way that brings them life and hope. I need your help to be that caring individual.