I have routines with the dogs before like walking and such, but damn when I can’t do it or just don’t have the energy, they wouldn’t let up about getting to spend that time with them. So other than a few things I keep at the same time, I change it all up so they don’t have a clue. Like putting on my shoes doesn’t always mean we are going outside!

And yes, I think dogs are more centered on being with you and that’s where their focus lies. The rest is just scenery!

Thank you for your comment on Monday Memories. It really meant a lot to me.

My husband sounds similar to yours. He never plans anything, ever. It drives me nuts. Last Christmas we were late for a dinner party because he didn’t make plans for what time we were supposed to be there. Talk about embarrassing!

Shiva likes her routine, knowing she will be walked at a certain time of day. But I think you are right in that dogs can adapt often better than some of us humans. As long as they are with us, they feel secure.

maybe the beach IS part of her routine. how about that? bet you never thought of it, you poor snow-bound creatures!

does your hubby read your blog much? you’re in SO much trouble, Ms Pamela :p

Or maybe our husbands are so spontaneous because they have someone feeding them, washing their laundry, paying their bills, and cleaning up after them. Oops, did I type that out loud? Maybe I’m not as serene in my acceptance as I thought.

Interesting that Georgia likes to have her day planned out. Is that why you go to the beach so much? To keep Georgia’s routine from being disrupted? What a self-sacrificing dog mom you are. 🙂

Well, I agree with you about unplanned vacations. That really does break me out of my routine. For instance, I’d never go on a big cruise ship. Too organized.

Interesting that you find Morgan is more routine-oriented than Lilac, Blueberry, and Bunny.

I just thought your post was beautiful, not necessarily too sad. Of course it’s always sad to think some day our friends will leave us but it’s just something we need to cope with. I too can’t understand not being with my pets when they pass. I feel I need to share whatever comfort I can with my dogs in their last moments.

Maybe you should get some t-shirts printed up that say “follow-wherever-my-imagination-and-curiosity-leads-me-in-the-moment.” Of course you could only sell them to people with immense pecs.

That’s a good way to put it–a competing urge for change.

I do hate routine in one area–I rarely like to take the same walk twice. And when I do get a competing urge for change (see, I like it so much I used it again), it’s a very big change. Like moving to another city or changing my profession.

Thanks for giving me some things to think about.

I must say Georgia gets all upset when there’s a change in her routine. She’s completely a creature of habit.

I am typing this in my sleep. Hope it makes sense 🙂

I didn’t mean to make you cry this morning! 😉 I’ve had two different conversations with people with senior dogs this week that sort of inspired it, and one of them passed away over the weekend. I was shocked when I read his blog and a woman commented that she couldn’t stay with either one of her cats when they’d had to be put to sleep. I can’t imagine not being there for any of my pets at that time, even though I always hope it won’t come to that!