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The Bernie and Duffy Diaries By Mimi Ruth Duffy is usually on the go and prances as he walks. He has a signature step, a little hop with his rear right leg that he likes to display when he's picking up speed during his regular morning and evening walks. He seems to have a second sight when his eyes are closed. He can sense his human companion's movements and knows just when to roll over on his back for the essential tummy rub. That rub is to continue on his schedule. If you stop too soon, he kicks with his short little legs to let you know he is not finished with his tummy-pleasuring massage. Bernie is nick-named "Angel dog." He is sweet, obedient, and compliant, usually not demanding, and a 'champeen' people companion, bone burier, and birder. Bernie also goes by such names as Bern-Bern and "The Little Professor."
He is long-bodied and light. Bernie seems to be most energetic when he starts his morning or evening walk—with a quick rush to greet the world and celebrate being alive and ready to explore. He is able to leap on the run and catch a bird in flight four feet off the ground. He is the first dog to spot squirrels and ensure they are chased out of sight high in the trees. He is as loyal and loving as any human dog-parent could wish. Bernie does have his peccadilloes. He prefers to be petted first and eat second—the reverse of Duffy. He is quick to roll over on his back as a universal signal for many occasions: "Hello and how are you? Please rub my tummy...," to "I'm not ready to go to the groomer; let's stall while you rub my tummy." Bernie is also the more patient and quietly submissive of the two when vet's visits, prods, and shots are to be endured. Bernie and Duffy are loyal and protective companions to one another. If the vet takes Bernie out of the exam room for a few minutes to administer some medical attention, for example, Duffy lets out a wolf howl that suggests he has lost all that matters to him in the world. If a pesky pup or new dog starts messing with Duffy inside the doggie day care house, -such as trying to nip at him—Bernie will jump down from his repose on a sofa or upholstered chair, growl and bare his teeth. Duffy also protects and fights for Bernie. When Duffy and Bernie are walking their early morning and evening rounds, particularly when they are going uphill, they frequently walk in tandem, shoulder to shoulder, picking up the pace, as if they are energized and strengthened by their camaraderie. In fact, at those times, the lyrics of a song enter my head-"shoulder to shoulder, and bolder and bolder"-"give me some men who are stout-hearted men..." I'm not sure of the source, but a mental picture of Nelson Eddy and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police enters my mind at such times, along with the energetic sound of a quickening marching drum. Bernie and Duffy perform ballet as well as march. We tend to follow a sidewalk trail that passes many trees, grass lands, and a pond with ducks, geese, and an occasional sole heron. Along the way the brothers will consistently sniff out fellow traveler's leftover scents, mark their wide territory, and perform a hind-leg ballet to bless the land. What amazes me is how frequently they will lift their hind legs in unison. Of course, it might be because they receive the trigger scent at approximately the same time, but this unison move occurs so frequently that it appears to be a carefully choreographed dance. They are a graceful pair of dancers. Danger and adventure appear at every turn on our walks. Teenagers may be whooping it up and racing on noisy, slapping skateboards. Reckless drivers may careen through intersections. Younger children may be running and yelling in groups, racing bicycles, or playing tag. Squirrels, rabbits, birds, geese and ducks may be transgressing my dogs' turf, and big dogs or visiting strangers in hats and hooded jackets may appear threatening to my protectors. I breathe a sigh of relief when we are safely back at home, ready to cuddle and enjoy the companionship of these two brothers in our "family" circle. |
Bernie has the most amazing and intimate gaze at humans—as if he is an infant realizing his attachment
to a parent— or, as if he is an interspecies lover of universal proportion and grand spirit. Most of the time Bernie lies in contemplation and repose, looking
every inch like a wise old-soul philosopher. He follows me from room to room, heels as I go down steps—even off leash--and waits for me on stair landings and
around corners until I am in sight.