We've Got Rhythm

~Toby~

I don't know about you, but I’m a schedule person.  I like schedules, rhythms to my day and to my week.  When those are changed I end up feeling out of sync until I can get back into that rhythm.  Some people refer to this as 'balance.'  I try not to call it that because if you could see me on a daily basis, you'd know that's not what I have--Instead I go for rhythm.  Each day, each week and each month has its own rhythm.  It’s up to me to make adjustments and find the rhythm and flow.

Our dogs are good examples of lives that have rhythm and they often help me to find it.  We do the same things each day, almost always in the same sequence.  This rhythm even finds its way into meal time.  When we feed the dogs, their bowls are all put down in the same order every single time.  Each dog knows where they eat, and will wait in that spot. Added  to their daily rhythm, our dog walker comes about the same time each day--On days when we're home, at around 12:30, the time 'Christy' usually comes, they become restless and want to go outside for a walk. The dogs know when it's time to play and when it's time to relax and take a nap.

~Annie~

I think our daily rhythm and has really helped the new comers to our household adjust--Sandy is the latest example of that.  Being totally blind he has had to make a lot of adjustments and learn a lot of new things.  THANKS to your suggestions, he's learned the rhythm of our routine.  Sandy knows by sound (and probably smell) when we're getting the meals ready.  And because we've taken him to the same place each time, he waits patiently in that spot for his bowl to be brought to him.

Sandy has also learned his way around the outside yard and can now easily find his way back inside.

Inside the house, Sandy easily navigates the floor plan.  Yes, he will still sometimes knock over a floor fan and get caught in the curtains or behind a door, but not as often as he did at first.

When Sandy first came, I have to admit that I only focused on his being blind.  But he and I have gotten into that rhythm and I have gotten to know an endearing and affectionate senior boy, who just happens to not be able to see, and who has found a place in my heart and our home.