The carpets were like grasses and the cold concrete floor was like river rock. The moon through the windows at night was like an alien eye, and the couches were like bounce houses. The plants were like forests, and you could get behind them in the corner by the wall and lay on your back and look up through the canopy out the window and you might as well have been born in a jungle.
There were furry, bouncy, rolling animals that moved like magic across the floor, rolling fast up to walls then bouncing back toward you when they attacked. I went nuts over them. I wasn’t scared at all on maybe the second time I saw them. I’d chase them down, my feet moving faster than my body across the slippery floor, then I’d catch them in my mouth and they’d play dead. They are dastardly, lying critters. I’d back up and bark and tell them to roll off but they were afraid of me. Don would pick them up and they’d jump from his hands fast as lightning and bounce like mad things off the walls and furniture. Don and I could hunt them for hours until I tore them into shreds. They reproduced in the cabinet by the sink in the kitchen. They came out of their nest all new like babies from a hole in the ground and would jump from Don’s hand as soon as he brought them out, running from me and scared like they should be. Then I’d catch them and they’d play dead. Liars. And I’d shred them for their inconsistencies. I’d even eat their fur and sniff their parts out in my poo.
One day I was lying on my back, watching the moon through the windows, through the canopy of the plants, when I put a paw in a pot and felt some of the cold earth. I stood up and smelled it and it smelled like the outside world. I put another paw in and felt it between my pads, in my claws, and it felt so good. I moved some dirt into a pile at the rim of the pot then shoveled the pile onto the floor and scattered the dirt across the floor. I jumped fully into the pot and with my front legs sprayed the dirt between my back legs and dug till I found the root of the plant and then bit the root so hard I fell out of the pot but still had it in my jaws. And I was wriggling out of the pot with the root of the plant in my mouth when Don’s hand, firm and painful, grabbed me from behind and pulled me to his giant face and his mouth was moving and thunder was coming out. His hands were like claws and I could feel his fingers wrapping around my spine. My tale went between my hind legs and I looked away. I couldn’t look him in the eye because his eyes were displeased. There isn’t a worse feeling in the world than when he looks at me with those eyes. He put me down and I ran across the room behind the chair and peed. He came back around the chair and stood with his hands on his hips, as giant as a tree, and reached down and put his hands around my spine and put me outside, in the cold, separated from him. I could see him walking around the house with towels and spray bottles. I loved the smell of towels and spray bottles but I couldn’t smell them from outside. I started shaking. None of it made any sense at all. I thought he was crazy. I couldn’t figure out why he’d suddenly turned on me.








You are learning well, Lucy. I love your heart and your desire to please your master. More of us need to learn that lesson too!
I love these, Don. I mean, Lucy. Thanks for them.
Lucy,
It’s because Don is mean and you should come down and live with me.
Ann
PS. Actually he does it because he loves you, hopefully you realize that….but, I, being the mere mortal that I am, express love in the form of doggie biscuits and chew toys (otherwise known as Bonkers & Punkin, my cats).
That is too funny! I really am enjoying these doggie blogs and I very much liked your blog, Ann!
Thanks! I need to actually write something!
Or…he did it because he *doesn’t* like spray bottles and towels as much as you do. And he’s learning, too.
I like where this is going…
I love Don’s writing and story telling, but I am fascinated with Lucy’s perspective on the her world. Lucy tells her story the same way we can tell our story every day. We can choose to pick out a random occurrence from our day and rift off it. For instance, my 2 year old son and I saw a baby bird take flight for the first time the other day. He stood there scared to take the leap off the bird house peg. As we watched, Logan got impatient. He made a loud roar and the bird began to free fall. Half way down to the ground. he recovered and took flight. We all need a catalyst to take our next leap of faith. Did you see how easy that was to take a life’s event and turn it into an introspective learning event we can share? If Lucy can do it, surely we all can. Thanks for being a catalyst Lucy. You BARK!
Lucy, you are amazing, I think you have a future in publishing your own work. Keep on letting it spill out.
Don, you need to write a book from a dogs perspective on life. Even though it’s been done before, it would be rad.
Brandon, I love that you just used the word rad. You’re officially my favorite person today.
Lucy,
Boy I sure hope you found a way to be reconciled to Don. That seperation is difficult. When you were outside in the cold did you ever come to resent Don? Ever thought about running away and seeing if you could find someone who really loved you and wouldn’t put you out in the cold for just following what was natural to you? Did you ever envy all those dogs who’s masters just let them do whatever they wanted, or even better, those dogs whose had no masters who were just wild and free?
I am amazing at how deep these posts are and how well they reflect what we feel on a visceral level. Way more intense than I expected… Well done and thank you.
You must be some genius dog or something. We had a poodle once, one of the smartest breeds around, and I’m fairly certain that she never put this much thought into things. After seeing an old “Far Side” cartoon of a dog and what they hear their master saying (“Blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah, Ginger”), I’ve thought that that’s pretty much the way dogs think about and interpret things, but you’ve blown that theory to smithereens. Thanks, Lucy…I think.
The joke in our house is that our Dachsund, Toby, has grown up thinking his name is Blah Blah because of that cartoon. I love that you referenced it. But I love even more that Toby has often seemed more humane than most humans I know. He may not speak my language but he speaks my heart and that’s even better.
I really believe that you should write a book Lucy. I like your view of the world, and books about dogs are gold mines, so think if a book about humans written by a dog! Just food for thought.
Poor Lucy!
What a fun (not the topic but the greater idea) and refreshing change of pace. I haven’t smiled this much since, well, reading your books.
Very well written Lucy! You seamlessly take us from the excitement of a new toy thrown from Don’s hand to the dismay over Don’s wrath when you turned one of the flowers into a chew toy … What a terrific emotional shift with just a few words. Beautifully written!
Lucy,
Hearing your perspective on your master, has given me insight to your cousin, a chocolate lab named, Seamus. He does bad things sometimes too, like chew all the wires off of the lawn mower or the seat off my bike. He feels bad afterward but he just can’t seem to stop himself. Thank you for your honesty about how it feels to be seperated from the one you love. I know that I will remember that the next time that I have to discipline him.
That was powerful (to me anyway). I like the perspective, it’s quite the metaphor.
Thank you.
Don,
After reading a few of the other comments, I think the different reactions to your blog are very interesting, & maybe a little indicative of ‘where’ we are at.(of course this little light bulb of perspective lit up quite some time ago for you since you read ALL of these comments) But I have long noticed the world I perceive is so contigent on my own lens (limited perspective, history, baggage, mood, etc.) instead of how it actually is, no matter if I could comprehend each situation or not. I must continue to be aware that I just don’t ‘see’ the big picture very often & even when I do get a glimpse, it is w/dim eyes.
I’m thinking of making a journey to your seminar, but even if I don’t; I am going to make sure the remainder of my ‘story’ has meaning….and direction.
Thanks again,
David
It sounds like Don was being bad that day.
I don’t like where this story is going either. It looks like it’s heading towards glorification of that “good old-time” authoritarianism.
Lucy,
I think you are old enough now . . . for the truth.
THE TRUTH: That was Don’s favorite plant. Don’s complete and utter meltdown was way over the line. Blowing his top the way he did ….by shoving you outside into the elements was worthy of a pet rescue. I notice that the Portland Dog Rescue team was out training on that day…training for hostile situations when pet owners overreact when their house plants are challenged by a dog.
I called Portland Dog Rescue and they were appalled that you continue to suffer at that well known address. PDR wants you to know you have rights and you should not have to endure suffering from the “big tree types” They implore you to run any direction for 10 minutes next time you play fetch as a method of escape from your owner/handler.
PETA has also been advised of your current situation. You really should be able to pee wherever you feel comfortable Lucy. Really a shameful, unfeeling situation you have. RUN GIRL!
Oh, yes!! And I’ve contacted the National Humane Society and they say that your actions were innocent and justifiable. They are linked to a canine disorder animal psychologists have named as Curiosity Dysfunction. Perhaps I’ll send Don some literature about this dysfunction which results from canine neglect. Research shows that 9 out of 10 dog owners preoccupied with writing tend to overlook the need for their pets to receive constant attention. Hang in there, Lucy!
Hey Jim, that’s funny!
BTW, I went to Portland over the weekend. Mother’s was closed Monday, so we ended up at Love Joy Baker’s or Bakery and Starbucks. We had great sushi the night before at a place down in the Pearl District as well. It was yummy! Anyways, before I go in September I will need to get a few recommendations from you on where to eat and go…Loved your side of the world
Having major withdrawals back in TX…
Shelly, Glad you liked it here. Portland was not popular 20 years ago like it is today. The secret that it does not rain here as much as people think is finally out. Now you have David Letterman asking his guests, “Why is everyone buying homes and moving to Portland?” I have lived here all my life. It hasn’t changed much. My favorite town is Hood River and Parkdale/Cooper Spur, located in the Gorge and the East side of Mt Hood. Hwy 35 offers the best veiw of Mt. Hood.
As for places to eat..Blue Hour in the Pearl District. Papa Heydn on NW 23rd. Beesaws on NW 23rd. Those 3 will give you some Portland food culture time.
Hope that helps!
Sure…I will point out a few of Portland’s “Must Stop” places in the downtown area for that DM Conference.
Whoops on the last little paragraph.
Notes taken Jim…Thanks for replying to me!
I drove in from McCall, ID so I saw much of the Oregon countryside and loved every second of my drive. I blogged about it and posted pics.
Well, Saturday night in September I shall go try Blue Hour.
Oh, and I got gas and nearly blown over in Hood River…quite the wind!!
Yes the wind in Hood River…..wind surfing mecca of the US.
Beautifully written Lucy! You’re blessed to have a master that loves you enough to discipline you. Life’s lessons are painful to learn but once we do it can be glorious!
Dear Lucy,
As a member of the feline species, let me offer you a few tidbits of advice as to what to do when your human catches you doing something you shouldn’t:
1) Work on your sweet and innocent face. Anytime my human sees me doing wrong, I just purr, rub my nose on her toes, and look up at her with the sweetest eyes I can muster. Forgiveness always follows.
2) Always leave the scene of the crime before your human can find you. Never wait around for them. If you hear their footsteps coming, quickly run off to the nearest sleeping spot, lay down, and when they come looking for you, muster up the biggest yawn and give them the sweetie-eyes again (it’s all in the eyes …)
3) Have someone else to blame said destruction on. Thankfully, my human has another cat who I just blame everything on. You see, he is much younger than me and has a lot to learn like you, young one.
4) Finally, always commit your crimes at night. Humans hate to be woken up and are less likely to get up and look for you. They think whatever it is can wait until the morning. Also, this gives you more time to leave evidence that it was not you who committed the offense. If there is no other pet in the house, make it look like mice or a wild band of rabid chipmunks broke in.
Best wishes on your future crime sprees. You have much to learn. Much to learn. Talk to a cat – we know all about getting out of tight spots.
Meowfully yours,
Mittens the Maine Coon Cat
OMG…Lucy,
This is exactly what I needed at the end of my workday. Of course, I work in a nice area humans refer to as a cubie. My cubie is awesome! It is filled with plants, earth, sunlight, etc. Anyway….as I read your article I had to keep myself from laughing out loud. Then….I read the comment posted by “The Kingdom of Jim” & it is virtually impossible not to disclose my emotions!
It must be sad, Lucy, to see the hand that throws the “liars” to you in playtime, in one sense, and then witness full wrath from it later.
Lessons like these are hard, but well remembered.
I totally enjoy your blogs….can’t wait til the next one!
Thanks,
g
clever! very clever!
Lucy I’ve been really loving your posts. Keep up the good work.
These are my favorite things I’ve ever read.
Lucy writes very well for a dog…I was expecting more of
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But she’s quite well spoken…er…written…typen?
Too funny!
i’ve really been loving these posts, keep em coming!
My Lily Belle once ate all of the leather off of my favorite bible. I was kinda angry about that but i rebound it with duct tape and looks cooler now anyway. I am however missing a page from the book of James. I hope it went down ok.
I feel like I should tell you, Lucy, how eloquent you are in these posts, but mostly you make me miss my dog and want to snuggle you…
Don, I couldn’t find your e-mail online so I’m writing you here in hopes that you read these comments every now and then. I read “Through Painted Deserts” last winter during a rather depressing time in my life. I imagined you living this creative and free life in Christ. Although I was saved too, I felt left out. Well today I’m living it Don! To add to that I have a cross country journey next month of epic proportions. I am modeling it after yours, in hopes that the trip may have the freedom and sacredness to it that yours did. Thank you for inspiring me Don!
P.S. Love the parallels you draw between the relationship of dog to master to our relationship with God. Good work!
[...] Read “Lucy’s Blog Part 3: The Terror of Learning Right from Wrong.” [...]
Lucy, I laughed and then I felt so sad for you. It’s okay, you know Don still loves you. People are funny like that. Even though we love our pets more than we love our plants, we fail to see the innocence in your exploratory play sometimes.
Just be you, Lucy.
That’s crazy. . .the doggie perspective! I’m sure our puppy thought the same way abt us when she tinkled in the floor…
Seriously Don, this needs to become a book. I am riveted.
I, too, am riveted and can’t wait for the next edition. I sent a link to friends & posted on Facebook and am getting a lot of “I love Lucy” responses from people. It is profound and funny and fresh. Thank you, Don, for getting out of the way so Lucy can shine.
I love this Lucy! I would read any book you wrote!! Now I’m going to curl up with my own pup!
hilarious. I needed that.
Am I weak or having a bad day? This post made me weep like a baby! (Um, but I loved it…)
[...] Lucy’s Blog Pt 3 – The Terror of Learning Right from Wrong http://donmilleris.com/2010/07/14/lucys-blog-pt-3-the-terror-of-learning-right-from-wrong/ Lucy’s Blog Pt. 4 – Thoughts on Having a Body [...]